Professor Justin Cobb

25/09/2025

Hello, I’m Professor Justin Cobb. I previously joined Dr. Axel, co-founder of the myrecovery app, to discuss innovation in the surgical treatment of hip arthritis. I run the MSkLab at Imperial College and perform surgeries at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and King Edward VII Hospital, and I’ve also served as the Orthopaedic Surgeon to Her Majesty the Queen.

In our discussion, we covered a range of topics: the basics of hip replacement surgery, the differences between metal-on-metal hip replacements and hip resurfacing, how we measure success through tools like the Oxford Hip Score and the MET Index, the importance of surveys, and how gait analysis can give insights into recovery and mobility. We also explored how hip resurfacing can help patients walk faster and take longer strides.

For those interested, more information about the MSkLab and research events can be found via the Bone Patient Involvement Group website. And for anyone following along, remember that the exercises and information shared are meant for guidance and education—they’re not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure about any activity or exercise.

25/09/2025

25/09/2025

Arthritis
What is arthritis, and what are the most common types?
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the membrane that covers the joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common are:
Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis. It usually develops with age, and affects the fingers, knees, and hips. In some cases, it develops in areas where there was a previous hit or injury.
Inflammatory arthritis: There are many types of inflammatory arthritis, the most common of which is rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the body's defenses do not work properly. It affects both joints and bones, often in the hands and feet.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
There are a substantial amount of symptoms of arthritis. The main ones include the following:
joint pain
joint inflammation
redness and heat of the skin around the joint
decreased ability to move the joint
joint stiffness, especially in the morning
What are the main causes?
The development of arthritis in a person can have many causes. Typically, the pathology can be a consequence of:
bone fracture
autoimmune disease
infection by bacteria or viruses
joint wear-and-tear
crystals (such as uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate)
Can arthritis be prevented?
Joint damage can be prevented with timely and adequate diagnosis and treatment. Also, if someone has a family history, it is important to talk with the doctor, even if s/he does not have any symptoms.
It is also recommended to avoid repetitive and excessive movements to prevent osteoarthritis.
How is it treated?
The treatment for arthritis aims to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse.
The treatment can be covered by several aspects:
lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and to***co
medication
surgery
physiotherapy
When is surgery required to treat arthritis?
Surgery is performed if other treatment methods have not worked. The main intervention is medically referred to as an arthroplasty, which consists of replacing the affected joint with an artificial one.
Can arthritis lead to numbness?
Yes, arthritis can indeed cause numbness and a tingling sensation in a person's joints. Both are generally caused by nerve tissue damage.
Might I get arthritis if I crack my knuckles?
Evidence and research strongly suggests that cracking your knuckles does not actually increase your risk of suffering from arthritis.
However, if you repeatedly injure your joint or cause it to swell, your risk of potentially suffering from osteoarthritis is increased.

25/09/2025

I’m Professor Justin Cobb, currently heading the MSK Lab at Charing Cross Hospital in London. My team and I are working on combining 3D imaging, 3D printing, and robot-assisted surgery to redefine how joint injuries are treated.
Our goal is to use highly personalized, minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce tissue damage, speed up recovery, and help patients get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.
With these advanced technologies, we can tailor each procedure to the individual, which not only improves precision and outcomes but also greatly enhances the patient’s post-op experience. We’re challenging traditional ideas about surgery—showing that even as we age, it’s possible to live a life not limited by pain.