How many types of knee surgery are there?
The two main types of knee surgery are:
An arthroscope (a tube with a small camera on the end), is inserted into a small incision made in the knee. The images from the camera are displayed on a monitor for your surgeon to see, and the procedure is carried out via another small incision in the knee.
Total or partial knee replacements are commonly performed on knee joints. During a knee replacement the worn out joint is removed and is totally or partially replaced with an artificial joint.
Mako robotic assisted surgery allows your knee surgeon to create a 3D model of your knee and to create a personalised surgical plan. Pre-defined plans with real-time tracking feedback allows your surgeon to operate to extreme accuracy. Robotic knee surgery is more accurate than manual techniques and helps to preserve healthy bone and tissue, which results in a faster recovery and less post-operative pain.
The most frequently performed knee operations are:
- Meniscus surgery
The meniscus is cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and thighbone. If you are experiencing knee pain, swelling, and difficulty extending or bending the knee then you may have damaged or torn your meniscus.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to repair the damaged meniscus. This can be performed as a partial meniscectomy or meniscal repair to remove or repair the damaged tissue. Meniscus transplant surgery can be performed to replaced the whole meniscus and replace with donor tissue.
- Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL)
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the thighbone to the shinbone and stabilises the knee joint and is one of the most common sporting injuries. If you are struggling to bare weight, have swelling, severe pain and ‘popping’ in the knee, then you may have a ruptured ACL.
ACL reconstruction is carried our via a knee arthroscopy. It consists of taking tissue from elsewhere in your body to replace the ligament. It is also possible to use donor tissue or an artificial graft.
- Patellar tendon repair
The patella tendon connects the bottom of the knee cap to the shinbone. If you have pain and tenderness in your kneecap, swelling and difficulty bending and straightening the leg then you may have damaged your patella tendon.
The damaged parts of the tendon are removed and then stitched back together. If your patellar tendon is badly ruptured you may have the tendon replaced with tissue from elsewhere in the body or with donor tissue.
- Investigation of the knee joint
Knee arthroscopies are often performed to take a look inside the knee joint to investigate any abnormalities inside the joint.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book either a face to face or virtual consultation with Mr Makrides by contacting his secretary. You can find her details here.
Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees, and here for private medical insurance information.
