Simon Richards

orthopaedic surgeon

 
 

your Specialist in conditions

 

of the arm & hand

 

Simon Richards

I am a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, practicing in Bournemouth and Poole, Dorset. My specialist area is hand, wrist and elbow surgery.
My Biography

The Patients Info section gives an overview of the Orthopaedic conditions which I treat. This is not a comprehensive guide but purely a site to gain further information either before or after a consultation. The information is not intended to replace a face to face consultation.

Consultations involve a discussion about the history of your presenting complaint, followed by an examination of the area affected. Further investigations, if required, can be carried out i.e x-ray, nerve tests, MRI/CT scans etc.

Only after this process can a diagnosis be made, questions answered and treatment options proposed. This will be tailored to each individual case. This is the best way to make an informed decision on the treatment options for an individual patient.

The General Practitioners section gives information to my GP colleagues, on the diagnosis of these Orthopaedic conditions and what treatment(s) can be started in Primary Care, and when referral onto the Orthopaedic team is relevant.

Visit the NHS Locations or Private Practice pages for clinic timetables, theatre sessions, and contact details. Please do not hesitate to contact the relevant secretary if you have any questions.

 
 
 

Trauma to the Arm

Trauma to the arm can cause swelling, bruising, fracture (bone break), bleeding, and damage to the soft tissues including tendons, ligaments, nerves and muscles. Trauma can occur due to everyday wear and tear, overuse or specific injury. Most traumatic injuries can be treated successfully with rest, pain relief, support and time. However in certain situations and if your symptoms are severe and not settling then there are surgical procedures that I offer which can significantly improve your condition. I also work very closely with physiotherapist, hand therapist and occupational therapists in order to maximise any rehabilitation that is required following injury or surgery.
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Arthritis in Arms, Wrists or Fingers

I specialise in treating finger, thumb, wrist and elbow arthritis with a range of non-surgical and surgical procedures that can give patients, with persistent symptoms, good pain relief as well as functional improvement. There are a number of different operations available to surgeons for these conditions, and the choice is complex. With many years´ experience in this area, I will be able to discuss your treatment options and make a joint decision on which would be best for you.
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Nerve Damage to the Arm

There are a number of different conditions due to compression of nerves in the arm, the most common of which include median nerve compression at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) and ulnar nerve compression at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome). The surgical treatments for these conditions are relatively straightforward. Outcomes are usually very good, although it can be a long time for the nerve to reach a plateau in recovery. If you are suffering from one of these conditions, I have a tried and tested treatment plan that can be personalised for your particular condition.
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Tendons

Tendon injuries can often be treated with rest and painkillers at home, and will usually get better in a few weeks. However, if your symptoms are severe then there are surgical procedures that I offer which can significiantly improve your condition. If you find yourself suffering from a serious tendon injury then I am available to talk through all of the options for treatment.
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