Musculoskeletal tumours demand early recognition and careful referral. This episode explores benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumours, focusing on red flags, diagnostic pathways, and the importance of specialist care.

We examine pain patterns, imaging strategies, biopsy principles, and staging. The episode emphasises the dangers of unplanned excision and the necessity of multidisciplinary management.

This chapter reinforces that in orthopaedics, missing a tumour can be catastrophic — while early suspicion can be lifesaving.

Foot and ankle pathology affects gait, balance, and endurance. This episode explores deformity, trauma, arthritis, and soft tissue conditions affecting the distal lower limb.

We discuss biomechanics, weight distribution, examination techniques, and imaging interpretation. The episode highlights common conditions such as Achilles tendon pathology, ankle instability, and forefoot deformities, alongside surgical and non-surgical management strategies.

This chapter reminds listeners that small anatomical changes in the foot and ankle can have disproportionate functional consequences.

The knee is one of the most frequently injured and surgically treated joints. This episode explores degenerative, traumatic, and inflammatory conditions of the knee, from ligament injury and meniscal disease to osteoarthritis.

We examine mechanisms of injury, key examination tests, imaging strategies, and the decision-making process that guides conservative versus operative management. The episode also discusses arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, and knee replacement — alongside rehabilitation and long-term outcomes.

This chapter positions knee surgery as a balance between restoring stability and preserving function, with careful attention to patient goals and activity level.

Hip disease has profound effects on mobility and quality of life. This episode explores degenerative, inflammatory, traumatic, and paediatric conditions affecting the hip joint.

We discuss pain localisation, gait assessment, imaging interpretation, and indications for surgical intervention — including arthroplasty. The episode also considers perioperative risk, rehabilitation, and patient expectation.

This chapter frames hip surgery as life-changing — restoring movement, confidence, and autonomy.

The upper limb enables dexterity, strength, and independence. This episode explores shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand pathology — from rotator cuff disease to nerve compression and hand trauma.

We examine functional anatomy, examination techniques, and common conditions affecting daily activity and work. The episode highlights the importance of nerve function, tendon balance, and early rehabilitation.

This chapter reminds listeners that upper limb surgery is about restoring purpose — not just repairing structures.

Spinal disorders range from benign mechanical pain to conditions with profound neurological impact. This episode explores degenerative disease, disc pathology, deformity, infection, and malignancy affecting the spine.

We discuss red flags, neurological assessment, imaging strategies, and indications for surgical intervention. The episode emphasises conservative management, patient reassurance, and the importance of distinguishing serious pathology from common back pain.

This chapter positions spinal care as balance — between intervention and restraint, anatomy and neurology, structure and function.

Sports injuries reflect the interface between biomechanics, load, and recovery. This episode explores acute and overuse injuries in athletes and active individuals — from ligament sprains and muscle tears to stress fractures and tendinopathy.

We examine mechanisms of injury, rehabilitation principles, return-to-play decisions, and the prevention of re-injury. The episode highlights how expectations, identity, and performance pressure influence clinical decision-making.

This chapter reframes sports medicine as functional medicine — focused not just on healing tissue, but on restoring safe, confident movement.

Orthopaedic diagnosis is built on careful listening and structured examination. This episode explores how musculoskeletal history and physical examination reveal pathology long before scans are ordered.

We discuss pain patterns, mechanical versus inflammatory symptoms, functional limitation, and red flags. The episode walks through principles of inspection, palpation, range of motion, power, and special tests — emphasising symmetry, comparison, and reproducibility.

This chapter reminds listeners that in orthopaedics, the hands and eyes remain diagnostic instruments — and that good examination narrows differentials, guides investigations, and builds patient trust.

Conflict surgery represents surgery at the limits of environment, ethics, and endurance. This episode explores surgical care in war zones and conflict settings, where injuries are severe, resources scarce, and security uncertain.

We discuss ballistic and blast injuries, infection risk, delayed presentation, and the realities of operating without advanced imaging or intensive care. The episode also addresses neutrality, ethical dilemmas, and the psychological impact on clinicians delivering care in unstable settings.

This chapter reminds listeners that surgery is ultimately adaptable — guided by principles rather than technology — and that humane care remains possible even in the most austere conditions.

Disaster surgery challenges every assumption of routine care. This episode explores surgical response in mass casualty incidents — where resources are limited, numbers are overwhelming, and triage becomes a moral as well as clinical act.

We examine principles of disaster triage, damage control surgery, and coordination with emergency services and public health systems. The episode addresses ethical decision-making, leadership, communication, and the psychological toll on clinicians working under extreme pressure.

This chapter reframes disaster surgery as preparation and systems thinking — where planning done long before the event determines lives saved when it occurs.