Dr Gerhard Pienaar

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Services includes :

• Hip replacement
  A damaged hip joint causes pain and reduced mobility. The hip joint becomes damaged due to arthritis, fractures or sports-related injuries. Hip replacement surgery is performed to restore hip mobility. Hip arthroplasty is performed under general anaesthetic. The orthopaedic surgeon replaces the damaged hip joint with a prosthetic implant. The prosthesis consists of plastic and metal parts. To access the joint, the orthopaedic surgeon makes an incision over the thigh and removes damaged tissue. As soon as the surgeon removes the worn-out joint, he fits the prosthetic socket into the pelvic bone. The leftover healthy thighbone is prepared to allow the implant to fit adequately in the joint. Dr Pienaar secures the artificial femoral head to its base and seals the incisions.
• Knee replacement
  Knee replacement surgery, also called "knee arthroplasty" is performed to treat persistent knee instability and pain as a result of arthritis. Dr Pienaar performs knee arthroplasty to relieve chronic knee pain and improve one’s quality of life. Dr Pienaar administers a general anaesthetic and makes an incision in the front part of the knee. The orthopaedic surgeon removes bone fragments and worn-out cartilage. The shinbone and thighbone are prepped to fit the artificial component, and the implant is secured in place. When the procedure is complete, the orthopaedic surgeon seals the incisions.
• Revision surgery for joint replacements
  The prosthetic implant used for hip or knee replacement surgery may become worn out or damaged as a result of mechanical issues or infection. The orthopaedic surgeon performs revision surgery to replace the damaged implant and relieve joint instability. Both hip and knee revision surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. Dr Pienaar removes the weak artificial components as well as scar tissue. Old damaged parts are replaced with new components. The orthopaedic surgeon discusses physiotherapy, rehabilitation and lifestyle changes after revision arthroplasty.
• Arthroscopy of the hip or knee
  Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to relieve pain as a result of meniscal tears and cartilage damage. Arthroscopic surgery will, however, only provide temporary relief from conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. Dr Pienaar makes a small incision over the joint and inserts a bendable tube called an arthroscope through one of the ports. The camera at the base of the arthroscope sends images of the surgical area to a television screen in the operative room. Scar tissue, damaged bones and necrotic tissue are removed.
• Sports injuries
  Treatment for sports injuries depend on the extent of the damage and medical history of the patient. People who engage in sports like rugby, soccer, netball and golf are more susceptible to injuries. These sports injuries include dislocations, fractures, damage to cartilage and meniscal tears. Dr Pienaar specialises in hip-and-knee-sports-related injuries. A knee injury occurs as a result of a sudden twist or due to trauma. Pain from a knee and hip injury could be mild or severe. Bursitis, muscle strains, hip pointers, hip labral tears and impingement, are a few common hip-related injuries. Dr Pienaar performs arthroscopic surgery to treat hip-and- knee-related injuries.
• Management of trauma and fractures
  Trauma and fractures could be a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls and sports injuries. Management of trauma and fractures depends on the severity of the injury. Dr Pienaar will discuss surgical options that include arthroscopic surgery and non-surgical methods to manage trauma-related pain. Non-surgical treatments include the use of splints and braces to stabilise the joint. Ultimately, the orthopaedic surgeon performs surgery to treat complex and comminuted fractures, especially if there's damage to surrounding structures. A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone breaks into tiny pieces. Dr Pienaar uses screws and plates to secure bones in place. In some instances, bone grafting, limb and tissue reconstruction may be needed.
• Limb reconstruction and deformity correction
  Limb reconstructive surgery is performed to treat infected bones (osteomyelitis). Reconstruction may also be necessary to substitute for missing bone. Short, deformed bones are extended through reconstructive techniques. Knock knee is a deformity that occurs when the knees meet, but the ankles fail to converge. Dr Pienaar first considers guided growth to help correct the knee deformity in children. However, the orthopaedic surgeon may also perform an osteotomy to straighten or shorten the thighbone. Bowlegs that's common in toddlers is a condition where the knees never touch. As the child develops, bowlegs tend to straighten naturally. If the legs fail to straighten through the use of non-surgical methods, Dr Pienaar performs tibial osteotomy to correct the deformity. The orthopaedic surgeon cuts and reshapes the shinbone. Screws and plates are used to tighten the bone while it heals on its own.
• Osseointegration surgery for amputees
  Osseointegration is an effective age-old procedure. The surgery is performed to restore mobility to amputees. A titanium implant is connected to the bone, and a prosthesis is attached to the implant. Amputees benefit from this procedure as they notice that their joints are more stable. The implant feels natural as it connects to the bone and doesn't involve complications that are related to skin damage. Patients who undergo osseointegration can walk for long distances and have a better quality of life.
• Management of non-union and malunion
  Non-union occurs when the bone doesn't heal adequately—non-union results in limb instability and pain. Malunion occurs when the bone heals from a fracture but remains distorted. After an infection, the patient can suffer from bone loss. Dr Pienaar performs limb lengthening reconstructive surgery to correct malunion. The orthopaedic surgeon uses non-surgical methods like bracing and an electric bone stimulator to correct non-union. Osteotomy is a surgery that’s performed to reconstruct and realign the bone. Bone grafts are sometimes performed to stimulate healthy bone growth. Through the use of new cells, the bone can heal adequately.
• Treatment of bone infections
  A bone infection arises when bacteria seeps into bone tissue. Osteomyelitis is an infection that begins in the bone. Bacteria may also spread to the bone via nearby tissue or through the bloodstream. Fever, fatigue and pain near the affected area are signs of osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis may occur due to an open wound or bone fracture. Open wounds that occur as a result of animal bites or piercings are breeding grounds for bacteria. Bacteria enter through open cuts or wounds and reach bone tissue. Surgery to drain the infection is performed under general anaesthetic. Dr Pienaar performs debridement to remove necrotic tissue and damaged bone.