Dr Thomas Hilton

17/11/2025

Preparing for orthopaedic surgery is also about setting your body up for a safe, smooth recovery.

Here are 3 things your surgeon might ask you to do (that actually make a big difference):

1️⃣ Whole-body chlorhexidine wash
This kills bacteria on the skin to lower infection risk

2️⃣ Nasal decontamination
Clears bacteria from the nose that can enter the bloodstream during surgery

3️⃣ Stop smoking (even temporarily)
It helps oxygen flow, reduces infection risk, and improves healing. Just 1 cigarette causes reduced blood supply to the area for 12 hours!

They may sound unusual, but each one plays a big role in helping your body heal better and faster.

🦴 Dr. Hilton and our team guide every patient through these small but vital steps to ensure the safest possible outcome.

05/11/2025

If knee pain has become a constant part of your life, it may be time to speak with a specialist.

A total knee replacement is a daunting procedure for any patient to take on, but it’s also about helping you move comfortably again, without pain limiting your day-to-day life.

Dr Hilton is an expert in total knee replacement surgery - always keeping each patient’s comfort, recovery, and long-term mobility at the centre of his care.

📲 Click the link in our bio to book a consultation

20/10/2025

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, often with age. In the hip, this can mean that even a small fall (or sometimes just bending the bone in a funny angle) can lead to a fracture.

In patients with osteoporosis, new bone can’t keep up with the natural loss of old bone which slowly leads to more fragile bones. Hip fractures are one of the more serious complications, often requiring surgery and a hip replacement.

That’s why World Osteoporosis Day matters. By spreading awareness, we can encourage early detection, healthy lifestyle changes, and timely treatment.🦴

13/10/2025

Synovial sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the soft tissues, often around joints, such as muscles or ligaments - commonly near the knee or ankle.

Because it’s so uncommon, it can sometimes be mistaken for more common conditions like a lipoma, bursitis or arthritis.

It's important to note that this happens by chance, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

If you notice a lump that keeps growing, feels firm, or causes pain, don't hesitate to click the link in our bio to get in contact with our team.🤝🏼

10/10/2025

03/10/2025

Getting around shouldn’t be painful.

If your hip pain is intefering with daily activites, these are some signs it may be time to chat with your doctor about a replacement.

Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean surgery right away, but it does mean it’s worth seeing a specialist.

Click the link in our bio to connect with our expert team.📲

29/09/2025

Rhabdomyosarcoma is rare, but it’s one of the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children.

It often starts in muscles connected to bones and can appear in different parts of the body - most frequently the head, neck, arms, or legs.

Parents should always keep an eye on symptoms that don’t go away, like:

→ A lump or swelling that keeps getting bigger
→ Ongoing pain in one area, especially at night

With early referral to a specialist and the right care team, children with rhabdomyosarcoma have access to treatments that can make a life-changing difference.

19/09/2025

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare cancers that can begin in muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, or fibrous tissue. Because they can develop in many parts of the body, the symptoms often look different - these might include a lump, swelling, pain, or changes in movement.

We understand how overwhelming a diagnosis like this can feel. That’s why our team is committed to providing expert, compassionate care - helping patients access the right treatment and giving them the best possible chance of living well again.

To book a consultation, contact us on 072 953 1518 📞

12/09/2025

This patient came to us with a severe valgus knee deformity and extensive bone loss on the lateral femoral condyle and tibial plateau. The joint angled outward to nearly 90° in flexion, with valgus in extension measured at around 27°.

These cases are especially tough - severe deformities can make stability hard to achieve with standard instruments.

However, the team was able to restore both alignment and function with a relatively straightforward total knee replacement.

Proof that even the most complex cases can have simple, effective solutions.👏🏻

03/09/2025

This month, we honour the little warriors fighting an unthinkable battle.

Every child deserves the chance to grow, dream, and live free of cancer. By raising awareness and learning the signs, we can stand together and remind families that they are never alone in this fight.💛

14/08/2025

When should you consult an orthopaedic tumour and infection specialist?

Some key symptoms and situations are:

🔹 Ongoing bone pain that won't subside
🔹 Unexplained swelling in the limbs
🔹 Fractures from minimal or no trauma
🔹 A persistent lump or mass

Your health is important. If you're experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait - schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas Hilton today.

09/08/2025

Wishing you a beautiful Women’s Day, South Africa!🧡

- Dr. Hilton & Team