I'VE had a hip replacement, how long will it last?

Your new hip should allow you virtually normal, pain-free activity for many years.

Around 80% of cemented hips should last for 20 years.

Younger, more active patients often get cementless hip replacements and these may last longer, although this isn't confirmed in long-term studies. Hip replacements can eventually wear out, because the hip replacement implants are made of metal and plastic, these materials begin to wear over time.

MY son got grit in his eye does he need medical treatment?

Minor irritation or injury to the front of the eye usually doesn't require medical treatment and should clear up within 24 hours. If you experience discomfort, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help. Don't touch or rub your eye, apply pressure to it or wear contact lenses until it's fully healed to prevent further damage. See your GP or optician if you have any concerns about your injury . If you have loose particles in your eye or if it has been exposed to chemicals, flush it out with eyewash or plenty of clean water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remember to remove them before flushing the eye. Many eye injuries are preventable if you take appropriate safety precautions during leisure activities or work – for example, wearing eye protection when hammering metal and using power tools. You should also follow instructions on the safe and hygienic use of contact lenses.

WHAT is Tietze's syndrome?

Tietze's syndrome is inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum. When this joint becomes inflamed, it becomes painful and tender.

Symptoms associated with Tietze's syndrome may occur suddenly or gradually, and the main symptoms are a sharp pain in the upper ribs, a tenderness in the upper ribs and swelling in the upper ribs.

Unlike a heart attack, the pain associated with Tietze's syndrome normally affects one area, and doesn't tend to radiate like cardiac pain does.

In order to properly diagnose Tietze's syndrome, a number of tests and examinations are carried out to rule out other conditions. An ECG, chest x-ray and MRI scan may be recommended, and no other condition is suspected or found, a diagnosis of Tietze’s syndrome may be given.

Tietze's syndrome tends to improve on its own after a few weeks, although you may still be left with some swelling after the pain and tenderness have gone. The symptoms of the condition can be relieved with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In more severe cases, corticosteroids injections may be recommended.