An injury that just doesn’t seem to be healing Difficult to perform everyday tasks Bending over to pick something up from the floor

Prior to your surgery you should be informed of the costs involved. You will receive a cost estimate prior to the operation. This is a binding document for all costs involved. You have to find out what your medical aid will be prepared to pay for the procedure, as you are liable for the difference. The practice of Dr Prins is not contracted to any Medical Aid. As mentioned above, any excess remains the liability of the patient. Due to the insurmountable rules and regulations of the different Medical Aids – this practice is not contracted to Medical Aids, apart from Discovery Classic Direct. We advise all patients to consider GAP Cover for medical expenses not covered by Medical Aids, as Medical Aid Cover in most cases are not market related to Specialist costs. *Please take note that the following are separate entities and will therefor invoice you separately: – Anesthetist – Physiotherapist – Hospital – Orthotist

The ultimate goal of your treatment by Dr Prins, is for you to have full pain free function of your affected limb. ln most cases this is possible providing certain steps are followed. One of these very crucial steps is that you follow the instructions given to you, including the instructions by the physiotherapists. We again reiterate that: good directed physiotherapy is of the utmost importance in you regaining full pain-free function. Be advised that good directed physiotherapy is not getting a massage and having warm pads applied to your affected limb/joint. Good directed physiotherapy almost always includes the patient doing a lot of hard work. Also remember that the protocols set out by our physiotherapists are there for a reason and have reasons why certain exercises are only to be started at a certain time. Do not try and “take over” your rehabilitation protocol by doing certain movements etc. prematurely, even if you feel that your operated limb is much better. This fact cannot be emphasized enough!! Wounds and surgery sites sometime take longer to fully recover (up to 6-8 months). By becoming impatient and trying to force the issue, more harm than good oftentimes is the end result.

ln order to provide you with the best continuous care, it is necessary for you to follow-up with Dr Prins. One of these very crucial steps is that you follow the instructions given to you, including the instructions by the physiotherapists. The standard follow-up protocol is a post-op follow-up at 10-14 days post discharge. At this follow-up your wound will be assessed and redressed as needed. lf you had an operation that needs plaster of Paris immobilization, the temporary plaster slab will be replaced by a circular plaster cast. lf you had a major surgery, further follow-ups at 8-10 weeks post operation and sometimes at 6 months post operation might be needed. Please verify and confirm your follow-up visit timorously.

By its very nature, Orthopaedic surgery virtually always takes place in close proximity to nerves. Knowing this, Dr Prins takes the utmost care to look for and protect them during his surgeries.

Post operative bleeding occurs in most cases, this is however in small amounts and will be absorbed by the dressings applied in theatre. In cases of arthroscopic surgery, especially around the shoulder, sterile water is used to facilitate the operation. The soft tissues around the operation site absorbs some of this water. ln some cases the water then oozes out of the wounds after the operation. lf you feel that your wounds are too wet, please ask the nursing staff to attend to your dressings. To alleviate most of the post-operative oozing, a suction drain will be put into the operation site in theatre. Please ensure that you do not inadvertently remove your drain. Although all care is taken intra-operatively to ensure no active bleeding, a blood vessel might start bleeding post operatively as your blood pressure normalizes. ln most cases this bleeding is controlled by pressure bandages. ln the worst case scenario, you might be taken back to theatre to control bleeding, however the incidence of this happening in this practise is less than one in five years of surgery.

Various systems are put in place and strict sterile protocols are followed in order to prevent infection. These systems and protocols have a proven track record and are aligned with similar international standards. You are also encouraged to bring to the attention of the nursing staff as well as Dr Prins, should you have an existing wound/sore elsewhere on your body prior to surgery, as this might jeopardies your operation and you will be best served by rescheduling your surgery. Superficial infection of your wounds might occur. ln most cases this can be treated with the correct dressings and a possible course of antibiotics. lt might however be necessary, in a very small percentage of cases, to take you back to theatre and address the problem. Deep infection is always a devastating complication and surgical intervention is virtually always needed.

After your operation your wounds will be covered, it is advised to leave them closed. The wounds will be assessed and redressed if necessary at your follow-up visit. Should you feel that there has been a complication and you are worried about your wounds/limb, you are requested to come into the office post haste. Please Note: Dr Prins cannot assess nor treat you over the telephone. Should a problem arise over a weekend, you should come into the 24hr emergency department. lf Dr Prins cannot be contacted, there is always another orthopaedic surgeon on call.

Leaving musculoskeletal problems alone seldom solves them - We're here to help.

If you are suffering from pain and discomfort, you may be experiencing issues which are yet to be diagnosed:

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">Common Concerns

An injury that just doesn’t seem to be healing
Difficult to perform everyday tasks
Bending over to pick something up from the floor

Shoulders

Repair of muscles (RTC) around the shoulder

Shoulder replacements

Reverse shoulder replacements

Decompression of impingement

For more information on shoulder related injuries and/or surgeries please visit: www.shoulderdoc.co.uk

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">Knees

Keyhole surgery of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

Repair of dislocating knee cap (patella).

Meniscectomy of tears of the menisci (cartilage) inside the knee.

Primary knee replacements

Revision knee replacements

Sports Injuries

Information regarding your visit

Care is specific to each patient and our goal is always to improve our patients’ quality of life.

Preparing for surgery

It is of the utmost importance that you understand not only the reason for your operation but also the exact nature of your ailment. You are therefore encouraged to use the internet and our hyperlinks on this website.
You absolutely must ask questions about these scenarios should there be any doubt or something unclear in the matter.
A second consultation might be necessary as discussion of your case is best done in person. Telephonic consultations are discouraged for various reasons, including time constraints and being impersonal.

Costs

Prior to your surgery you should be informed of the costs involved. You will receive a cost estimate prior to the operation. This is a binding document for all costs involved. You have to find out what your medical aid will be prepared to pay for the procedure, as you are liable for the difference.
The practice of Dr Prins is not contracted to any Medical Aid. As mentioned above, any excess remains the liability of the patient.
Due to the insurmountable rules and regulations of the different Medical Aids – this practice is not contracted to Medical Aids, apart from Discovery Classic Direct.
We advise all patients to consider GAP Cover for medical expenses not covered by Medical Aids, as Medical Aid Cover in most cases are not market related to Specialist costs.
*Please take note that the following are separate entities and will therefor invoice you separately: – Anesthetist – Physiotherapist – Hospital – Orthotist

End-Results

The ultimate goal of your treatment by Dr Prins, is for you to have full pain free function of your affected limb. ln most cases this is possible providing certain steps are followed.
One of these very crucial steps is that you follow the instructions given to you, including the instructions by the physiotherapists.
We again reiterate that: good directed physiotherapy is of the utmost importance in you regaining full pain-free function. Be advised that good directed physiotherapy is not getting a massage and having warm pads applied to your affected limb/joint. Good directed physiotherapy almost always includes the patient doing a lot of hard work.
Also remember that the protocols set out by our physiotherapists are there for a reason and have reasons why certain exercises are only to be started at a certain time. Do not try and “take over” your rehabilitation protocol by doing certain movements etc. prematurely, even if you feel that your operated limb is much better.
This fact cannot be emphasized enough!!
Wounds and surgery sites sometime take longer to fully recover (up to 6-8 months). By becoming impatient and trying to force the issue, more harm than good oftentimes is the end result.

Follow-Up

ln order to provide you with the best continuous care, it is necessary for you to follow-up with Dr Prins.
One of these very crucial steps is that you follow the instructions given to you, including the instructions by the physiotherapists.
The standard follow-up protocol is a post-op follow-up at 10-14 days post discharge. At this follow-up your wound will be assessed and redressed as needed. lf you had an operation that needs plaster of Paris immobilization, the temporary plaster slab will be replaced by a circular plaster cast.
lf you had a major surgery, further follow-ups at 8-10 weeks post operation and sometimes at 6 months post operation might be needed. Please verify and confirm your follow-up visit timorously.

Complications

Information we hope you'll never need.

Whilst we take the best precautions to avoid any and all complications that might arise fro surgey, it should be noted that medicine is not an exact science, and that sometimes complications unfortunately can occur.

You should also be cognisant that complications, when they do arise, does not equate to negligence on the side of the doctor. For further information on possible complications you are invited as well as encouraged, to follow this hyperlink as well as discuss your concerns with Dr Prins.

Remember: “The only stupid question is the one you do NOT ask!” It should further be kept in mind that all surgeries carry an inherent risk of death.

Nerve Injury

By its very nature, Orthopaedic surgery virtually always takes place in close proximity to nerves. Knowing this, Dr Prins takes the utmost care to look for and protect them during his surgeries.

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

Some surgeries, like knee replacement surgery, have a higher risk for you to develop thrombosis (blood clot). ln order to lessen the risks involved, various interventions are implemented, e.g. early mobilization, calve pumps and anti clotting medicine / injections.
lf after the surgery you feel your limb / leg being too swollen or painful, please inform the nursing staff and Dr Prins immediately.
A thorough examination as well as an ultrasound / sonar will then be conducted in order to quantify the swelling and diagnose a possible thrombosis. Treatment will then be instituted.

Stuck Drains

Post operative bleeding occurs in most cases, this is however in small amounts and will be absorbed by the dressings applied in theatre.
In cases of arthroscopic surgery, especially around the shoulder, sterile water is used to facilitate the operation. The soft tissues around the operation site absorbs some of this water.
ln some cases the water then oozes out of the wounds after the operation. lf you feel that your wounds are too wet, please ask the nursing staff to attend to your dressings. To alleviate most of the post-operative oozing, a suction drain will be put into the operation site in theatre.
Please ensure that you do not inadvertently remove your drain.
Although all care is taken intra-operatively to ensure no active bleeding, a blood vessel might start bleeding post operatively as your blood pressure normalizes. ln most cases this bleeding is controlled by pressure bandages. ln the worst case scenario, you might be taken back to theatre to control bleeding, however the incidence of this happening in this practise is less than one in five years of surgery.

Infection

Various systems are put in place and strict sterile protocols are followed in order to prevent infection. These systems and protocols have a proven track record and are aligned with similar international standards.
You are also encouraged to bring to the attention of the nursing staff as well as Dr Prins, should you have an existing wound/sore elsewhere on your body prior to surgery, as this might jeopardies your operation and you will be best served by rescheduling your surgery.
Superficial infection of your wounds might occur. ln most cases this can be treated with the correct dressings and a possible course of antibiotics. lt might however be necessary, in a very small percentage of cases, to take you back to theatre and address the problem. Deep infection is always a devastating complication and surgical intervention is virtually always needed.

Wound Care

After your operation your wounds will be covered, it is advised to leave them closed. The wounds will be assessed and redressed if necessary at your follow-up visit. Should you feel that there has been a complication and you are worried about your wounds/limb, you are requested to come into the office post haste.
Please Note:
Dr Prins cannot assess nor treat you over the telephone. Should a problem arise over a weekend, you should come into the 24hr emergency department. lf Dr Prins cannot be contacted, there is always another orthopaedic surgeon on call.

Working with us is easy

We have a non-surgical 1st approach.

At Dr Prins Ortho, we are dedicated to providing every patient with the right treatment at the right time. Surgery is recommended only when nonsurgical treatment measures have failed to provide relief or in circumstances when nonsurgical options are unlikely to be successful.

1. Complete the Contact Form:

We’ll automatically email all the necessary paperwork straight to your mailbox.

2. Receive Your Consultation:

You can visit our practise at Life Groenkloof Hospital
We even offer same-day procedures.
Dr Prins carefully evalutates your injury to determine appropriate treatment.
For information about procedures & costs, click here

3. Start your journey to pain-free living:

We’ll continuously assess your recovery to make sure that you’re on the right path to pain-free mobility
Your journey to a happy, active, pain-free life has begun!

“I visited Dr. Prins today after suffering acute pain with my rotator cuff. Dr. Prins took time to explain to me the physics of the rotator cuff and the cause of the pain. He treated me timeously and efficiently. He is accommodating and very knowledgeable. Thanks DR. Prins.” – Renesh Buldeo