Bones, muscles, tendons, but also whole joints in our lower limbs, work the hardest when we bear weight on them or, in other words, when we stand, walk, run or jump.

It is, therefore, always good to keep them in good shape in order to avoid sports injuries, accidental injuries and degeneration. If you start experiencing any symptoms, you should consult an orthopaedic surgeon, who will examine you and recommend appropriate treatment and care.

The hip joint: The hip joint is spherical joint made up by the head of the femur and the socket of the joint (hence another name for this joint type – a ball-and-socket joint). The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the human body. The whole joint is surrounded by a thick and strong capsule additionally reinforced by very strong ligaments. The main task of the hip joints is to transpose the weight off the trunk onto the lower limbs and to maintain proper posture and body dynamics.

A hip injury practically excludes the patient from active living. Fortunately, orthopaedic surgeons have long been able to treat even the most complex afflictions of this joint. Arthroscopic procedures are increasingly common nowadays, and if they prove ineffective, more extensive operations are carried out, including hip replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is usually performed for advanced degenerative changes.

The operation involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial ones (made of metal with polyethylene or ceramic elements). Bipolar prostheses or, in some cases, half-prostheses are used.

The cost of hip replacement surgery is: PLN 13,900 + cost of the implant

The knee joint: The knee joint is the largest joint in the human body, and is made up by the femur, the tibia and the patella (the kneecap). The knee joint is also the second (the first being the ankle joint) most weight-bearing joint in the human body. Knee joint problems may be caused by past injuries or overloading. Some of the problems with the knee joint can be the result of degeneration,  which

may take the form of cartilage damage after previous injuries, e.g. after removal of the meniscus.

  • Therapeutic and reconstructive arthroscopy of the knee joint, cost upwards of PLN 3,500
  • Arthroscopic cruciate ligament reconstruction, cost: PLN 12,500
  • Single-compartment knee replacement, cost: PLN 13,000
  • Excision of a Baker cyst, cost: PLN 4,000

The ankle joint: The ankle joint helps to keep upright posture and enables active ambulation. Often an inappropriate way we land our feet on the ground changes our body posture and, as a result, alters the whole body mechanics. And if this happens, an injury (such as a knee injury) or lower back pain may be just a moment away.

This joint is very prone to sports injuries. Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in many sports disciplines.

Cases of Achilles' tendon stain are currently on the increase as far as ankle joint problems are concerned. Achilles' tendon stain is characterised by pain, usually after a bout of increased activity, and is often accompanied by tendon swelling, which most commonly prompts us to see an orthopaedic surgeon. A more serious problem is Achilles' tendon tear, which may occur e.g. after we suddenly start running to catch the bus. Achilles' tendon tear makes walking practically impossible and requires surgery.

  • Ankle joint arthroscopy, cost: PLN 3,850
  • Achilles' tendon surgery, cost upwards of PLN 4,500
  • Reconstruction of ankle joint tendons, cost: PLN 5,000
  • Surgical treatment for ankle joint fracture/luxation, cost: PLN 3,000
  • Surgery for a bunion or a hammer toe deformity, cost upwards of PLN 3,500