Knee Surgery

This is a technique where the surgery is performed through “key holes” a camera is placed through one keyhole and instruments are placed through another. This approach minimizes trauma and generally results in a faster recovery and lower complication rates.

Examples of operations commonly carried out with this method are partial menisectomies, removal of loose bodies, ACL and PCL reconstructions and surgery to the articular cartilage

Written by Dr Ivan Popoff, orthopaedic specialists

Knee replacements are usually performed for end stage osteo -arthritis where the patient remains symptomatic despite appropriate non operative management. They are also performed for a variety of other conditions such as inflammatory arthritis (eg rheumatoid), avascular necrosis and occasionally sever trauma.

They involve replacing the articular surface with a prosthesis involving a metal (CrCo) on plastic articulation (UHMWPE). They are very good in relieving the pain associated with sever osteo arthritis.

Written by Dr Ivan Popoff, orthopaedic specialists

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament is important in maintaining rotatory stability of the knee particularly in pivoting sports. It is often torn in pivoting movements off a single leg or single leg landing after jumping.

Most patients will have difficulty returning to pivoting sports with an ACL deficient knee.

The ACL is not repairable so it is reconstructed usually arthroscopically using either hamstring tendons or the middle third of the patella tendon.

This is followed by intensive rehabilitation and the patient should not return to pivoting sports for at least 6 months usually longer.

Written by Dr Ivan Popoff, orthopaedic specialists

There are 2 menisci in the knee one in the inside of the joint (medial) and one on the out side (lateral). They are important structures as they bear load shielding the joint surfaces for stress and making the joint more congruent.

During the knees movement the glide backwards and forward with the femur (thigh bone) with respect to the tibia (shin bone)as the knee flexes and extends. During this movement the edge of the meniscus may get caught between the two bones tearing it this both defunctions the torn portion of the meniscus and results in a loose flap which may get caught in the joint causing pain and if it is big enough locking the joint.

If symptoms persist they are best treated with an arthroscopy and either a partial menisectomy or repair depending on the tear pattern, age of patient etc

Written by Dr Ivan Popoff, orthopaedic specialists