Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics & Bone and Joint Care
Orthopaedics is a medical specialty focused on conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. These structures help support the body, maintain balance and enable everyday movements.
At Habib Hospital, patients can enquire about orthopaedic consultations for bone and joint pain, fractures, sports injuries, arthritis and other musculoskeletal concerns. Appropriate assessment helps identify the cause of symptoms and determine suitable treatment options.
Treatment may include medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, supportive devices or surgery when clinically indicated. The recommended approach depends on the diagnosis, severity of the condition and individual patient needs.
Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care
Bone and joint conditions can affect people of all ages. Some develop gradually due to ageing or repetitive strain, while others result from accidents, falls or sports injuries. Early assessment can help determine the appropriate course of care.
- Bone and joint pain assessment
- Fracture and dislocation management
- Arthritis and joint disorder evaluation
- Sports injury assessment
- Spine, back and neck pain evaluation
- Rehabilitation and recovery guidance
Fractures & Broken Bones
A fracture occurs when a bone breaks partially or completely. It may result from a fall, road accident, sports injury or weakened bones. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and difficulty moving or putting weight on the affected area.
Diagnosis generally involves a physical examination and imaging, such as an X-ray. Some fractures can be managed with a cast, splint or brace, while others may require surgical treatment to stabilise the bone.
The treatment plan depends on the location and type of fracture, bone alignment and the patient's overall health.
Arthritis & Joint Pain
Arthritis refers to conditions that cause inflammation, stiffness or pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis, one common type, develops when the protective cartilage within a joint gradually wears down.
Patients may experience joint stiffness, swelling, discomfort during movement or difficulty performing daily activities. The knees, hips, hands and spine are commonly affected.
Treatment may include prescribed medication, physiotherapy, suitable exercise and weight management where appropriate. Joint replacement or other surgical procedures may be considered in selected cases when symptoms significantly affect quality of life.
Knee Pain & Knee Joint Problems
Knee pain can develop because of injuries, arthritis, ligament damage, cartilage problems or repetitive strain. It may cause discomfort while walking, climbing stairs, bending the knee or standing for long periods.
An orthopaedic assessment helps identify the possible cause. Depending on the findings, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physiotherapy or further investigations.
Surgery may be considered for certain severe injuries or advanced joint conditions when non-surgical treatment does not provide adequate relief.
Hip Pain & Hip Joint Conditions
Hip problems can affect walking, standing, sitting and other everyday movements. Causes may include arthritis, fractures, tendon problems or injuries involving the surrounding muscles.
Assessment may include a physical examination and imaging when required. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and may involve medication, physiotherapy or surgery in selected cases.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones. They may occur during exercise, training, recreational activities or competitive sports.
Common injuries include sprains, muscle strains, ligament tears, tendon injuries and fractures. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising and restricted movement.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. It may include rest, appropriate support, rehabilitation or surgical treatment when necessary. A gradual return to activity can help support recovery.
Ligament & Tendon Injuries
Ligaments connect bones and help stabilise joints, while tendons connect muscles to bones. Injuries to these structures can cause pain, swelling, instability or weakness.
The severity of an injury determines the treatment approach. Some injuries improve with supportive care and physiotherapy, while more significant tears may require specialist assessment for possible surgery.
Back Pain & Spine Conditions
Back pain is a common concern that can result from muscle strain, disc problems, arthritis, poor posture or other spinal conditions. Pain may be limited to the back or spread into the legs when nerves are affected.
Most episodes of back pain do not require surgery. Treatment may include physical activity guidance, physiotherapy and medication where appropriate.
Persistent pain, progressive weakness, numbness or other concerning symptoms require medical evaluation to identify the cause and determine suitable treatment.
Slipped Disc & Sciatica
A slipped or herniated disc occurs when material from a spinal disc protrudes and may press on nearby nerves. When nerve irritation affects the sciatic nerve, pain may travel from the lower back into the buttock and leg.
Symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Evaluation may involve a clinical examination and imaging when indicated.
Treatment depends on symptom severity and neurological findings. Surgery may be considered for selected patients with persistent symptoms or significant nerve compression.
Shoulder & Elbow Conditions
Shoulder and elbow problems can affect lifting, reaching, carrying objects and other arm movements. Causes include tendon inflammation, joint stiffness, sports injuries and fractures.
An assessment helps determine whether symptoms are related to muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones or the joint itself. Treatment may involve activity modification, medication, physiotherapy or a procedure when indicated.
Osteoporosis & Bone Health
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weaker and more likely to fracture. It may develop gradually without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Ageing, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions and some medicines can affect bone strength. Evaluation may include a review of risk factors and bone density testing when appropriate.
Treatment and prevention may involve suitable nutrition, weight- bearing exercise, fall prevention and prescribed medicines based on individual needs.
Paediatric Orthopaedics
Paediatric orthopaedics focuses on bone, joint and movement conditions in children and adolescents. These may include fractures, growth- related concerns, limb alignment problems and certain congenital conditions.
Children's bones differ from adult bones because they are still growing. Assessment and treatment should take the child's age, growth and specific condition into account.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery may be recommended when severe joint damage causes persistent pain and difficulty with daily activities. It commonly involves the hip or knee.
During the procedure, damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components. The decision to proceed with surgery depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, overall health and response to other treatments.
Rehabilitation and follow-up are important parts of recovery. The treating team provides guidance on movement, exercises and gradually returning to everyday activities.
Orthopaedic Diagnostic Investigations
Investigations help identify the cause and extent of bone, joint and soft tissue problems. The tests recommended depend on the symptoms and physical examination.
- X-rays for selected bone and joint conditions
- MRI for certain soft tissue and spinal conditions
- CT scans for selected injuries and complex fractures
- Bone density assessment when indicated
- Physical and movement assessments
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation helps patients improve movement, strength, flexibility and functional ability after an injury or orthopaedic procedure.
A rehabilitation plan may include prescribed exercises, movement training and advice on safely returning to everyday activities. The programme depends on the patient's condition and stage of recovery.
Patients should follow the instructions of their healthcare team and avoid activities that may worsen an injury.
When Should You Consult an Orthopaedic Specialist?
Consider an orthopaedic consultation if you experience persistent joint pain, restricted movement, recurring swelling or difficulty carrying out normal activities.
- Persistent bone or joint pain
- Pain or stiffness that limits movement
- Sports-related injuries
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Ongoing back, neck or shoulder pain
- Follow-up after a fracture or orthopaedic procedure
Severe injuries, visible deformity, an open fracture or a limb that becomes cold, pale or numb require urgent medical attention. New back pain accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness around the groin also requires emergency assessment.
Our Approach to Orthopaedic Care
Bone and joint problems can affect independence, comfort and everyday activities. Understanding the cause of symptoms helps guide suitable treatment and recovery planning.
An individualised approach considers the patient's diagnosis, activity level, medical history and treatment goals. Depending on the condition, care may involve non-surgical management, rehabilitation or surgery when indicated.
Book an Orthopaedics Consultation
If you are experiencing bone or joint pain, recovering from an injury or need an assessment for a musculoskeletal condition, contact Habib Hospital to enquire about orthopaedic consultation availability.
Bring any previous X-rays, scan reports, prescriptions and relevant medical records to your appointment when available.
Important: Treatment recommendations depend on individual assessment. Not every bone or joint condition requires surgery. A qualified specialist can explain the available options based on your condition.