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Knee Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a very successful operation performed for end stage arthritis of the knee joint, primarily to relieve pain, but can also be of help with correcting deformity and improving the movement of stiff knees.
The most common cause of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis, with other causes including rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Surgery is only considered once all non-surgical treatments fail to provide sufficient relief.
Joint replacement involves removal of all arthritic surfaces from the joint, with replacement by synthetic materials. The most common components are metal caps on the end of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). There will be a bearing surface between these and it is usually made of polyethylene (a form of plastic).
Joint replacements have an excellent track record, although as with any procedure, there are recognised risks. There are general risks that are common to all surgeries, and risks specific to joint replacement. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail, at the time of consultation.
If you would like more information please see our fact sheet below or visit the AAOS Patient information website.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is performed when the ligament is ruptured. This is most commonly the result of a sporting injury.
Patients will often experience instability or giving way in their knee. Occasionally, physiotherapy and a reduction in activity will be sufficient to restore stability to the knee.
The ligament reconstruction can be performed via mostly keyhole surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the options of graft tissues with you at the time of consultation.
Post-operative physiotherapy is very important to obtain an optimal outcome.
If you would like more information please visit the AAOS Patient information website.
Arthroscopic or keyhole surgery can be performed to treat a variety of knee pathologies. It can be used to address injuries to the meniscus, loose bodies within the joint and minor joint fractures. It is usually performed as a day procedure and patients are not required to remain in hospital.
If you would like more information please see our fact sheet below or visit the AAOS Patient information website.
