KNEE SURGERY
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various knee joint problems. It involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, through small incisions to visualise and perform surgical procedures inside the knee joint.
Knee arthroscopy is an effective approach for diagnosing and treating various knee joint issues with minimal disruption. If you're experiencing knee pain or considering knee arthroscopy, contact Ortho Specialist Centre on (03) 9088 2988 to consult with our orthopaedic specialists. We're committed to providing personalised care and helping you regain optimal knee health and function.
Conditions Treated with Knee Arthroscopy
Torn Meniscus: Commonly involves repairing or trimming torn cartilage that causes pain and limits knee movement.
Synovitis (Joint Lining Inflammation): Inflammation of the joint lining, treated by removing inflamed tissue.
Cartilage Damage: Repair or removal of damaged cartilage to improve joint function.
Loose Bodies: Removal of small bone or cartilage fragments causing pain and interference in knee movement.
How Knee Arthroscopy Works
Procedure Steps:
Preparation: Patient is positioned, and anaesthesia is administered for comfort.
Incisions: Keyhole cuts are made for arthroscope and instruments insertion.
Arthroscopic Inspection: Arthroscope provides a clear view of knee structures like the cartilage and meniscus.
Treatment: Surgical procedures include meniscus repair, cartilage debridement, synovectomy, and removal of loose bodies.
Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures or steri-strips, and a dressing is applied.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
Post-operative Care: Typically an outpatient procedure, with pain management and early mobility encouraged.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore knee strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Recovery Timeline: Varies by procedure complexity but generally involves several weeks for full recovery.
Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy
Minimally Invasive: Small incisions reduce tissue trauma, leading to quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.
Accurate Diagnosis: Direct visualisation aids precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Versatile Treatment: Multiple knee conditions can be addressed in one procedure.
Meniscus Repair
Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure aimed at treating tears in the meniscus, which are common knee injuries. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Tears can occur due to sudden twisting or forceful rotation of the knee joint, often during sports activities.
Meniscus repair is an effective treatment option for meniscus tears, aiming to restore knee function and alleviate symptoms. If you're experiencing knee pain or suspect a meniscus tear, consult Ortho Specialist Centre on (03) 9088 2988 to schedule an evaluation with our orthopaedic specialists. We're committed to providing comprehensive care and guiding you towards optimal knee health and recovery.
Types of Meniscus Tears
Medial Meniscus Tears: Occurs on the inner side of the knee joint.
Lateral Meniscus Tears: Occurs on the outer side of the knee joint.
Symptoms of Meniscus Tears
Pain: Particularly with twisting or squatting.
Swelling: Around the knee joint.
Catching or Locking: Sensation when moving the knee.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully extending or flexing the knee.
Diagnosing an Meniscal tear typically involves:
Physical Examination: Orthopaedic assessment of knee stability and range of motion.
Imaging Tests: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to visualise the tear's location, size, and severity.
Meniscus Repair Surgery
Procedure Steps:
Preparation: Anaesthesia administered for comfort.
Arthroscopic Approach: Small incisions made for arthroscope and surgical instruments.
Torn Meniscus Treatment: Depending on tear location and type, the surgeon may:
Repair: Sutures or anchors used to stitch torn edges together.
Trim: Remove damaged portions if repair isn't feasible.
Closure: Incisions closed with sutures or steri-strips, followed by a sterile dressing.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
Post-operative Care: Typically an outpatient procedure, with pain management and swelling control.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore knee strength, stability, and range of motion.
Recovery Timeline: Gradual return to activities over several weeks, with full recovery in about 3 to 6 months depending on the tear severity and repair type.
Benefits of Meniscus Repair
Preserves Knee Structure: Helps maintain knee stability and reduces the risk of future joint degeneration.
Improved Long-Term Outcomes: Symptom resolution and reduced risk of arthritis development in the affected knee.
ACL Reconstruction
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction is a surgical procedure which involves reconstructing a torn ACL in the knee joint. The ACL is critical for knee stability, especially during activities involving sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction. When torn, ACL reconstruction surgery becomes necessary to restore knee function and prevent further damage to the knee.
ACL reconstruction is a reliable surgical procedure aimed at restoring knee stability and function following an ACL tear. If you have experienced an ACL injury or suspect you may have one, contact Ortho Specialist Centre on 03 9088 2988 to schedule a consultation with our experienced orthopaedic team. We are committed to providing personalised care and guiding you through every step of your recovery journey towards optimal knee health and function.
Causes of ACL Tears
ACL tears commonly occur due to:
Sports Injuries: Often from non-contact movements like pivoting, sudden stops, or landing incorrectly from a jump.
Trauma: Direct impact or collision affecting the knee, such as in contact sports or accidents.
Symptoms of an ACL Tear
Symptoms of an ACL tear can include:
Pain: Sudden onset of severe pain at the time of injury.
Swelling: Rapid swelling around the knee joint within hours of injury.
Instability: Inability to trust the knee, a feeling of the knee giving way or buckling, especially during activities that require a change of direction.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee due to pain and swelling.
Diagnosing an ACL tear typically involves:
Physical Examination: Orthopaedic evaluation to assess knee stability, range of motion, and tenderness.
Imaging Tests: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the extent of the tear, and assess for any associated injuries to other knee structures like the meniscus or cartilage.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Procedure Details:
Preparation: Before surgery, anaesthesia is administered for comfort.
Graft Selection: The surgeon chooses a graft source, often from the patient's own tissue (autograft) such as the hamstring, quadriceps or patella tendon. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to use donor tissue (allograft).
Graft Placement: The selected graft is meticulously prepared and positioned to replace the torn ACL. Techniques for securing the graft include using screws, buttons, or sutures to anchor it in place.
Incision Closure: After placing the graft, the incisions are closed with stitches and steri-strips, followed by applying a sterile dressing.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Post-operative Care: Patients typically stay in hospital overnight for pain management and initial recovery.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation begins shortly after surgery to regain knee strength, stability, and range of motion. Physiotherapists guide patients through a tailored exercise program that progresses as healing allows.
Recovery Timeline: Full recovery can take several months, with a gradual return to activities and sports. Recovery timelines vary based on factors such as graft type, individual healing, and meeting rehabilitation and strength goals.
Benefits of ACL Reconstruction
Restores Knee Stability: Helps restore knee function and stability, reducing the risk of recurrent instability episodes.
Prevents Additional Damage: By restoring normal knee mechanics, ACL reconstruction can improve knee longevity by lowering the risk of associated injuries such as meniscus tears or cartilage damage.
Improves Quality of Life: Enables patients, particularly athletes, to return to sports and activities they enjoy with confidence.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Surgery Overview
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain conditions, including those affecting the knee joint. It involves the use of radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy nerve tissues that transmit pain signals, thereby providing relief from persistent knee pain.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) surgery offers a minimally invasive approach to managing chronic knee pain by targeting and disrupting pain-signalling nerves. If you are considering RFA for knee pain relief or want to explore treatment options, please contact Ortho Specialist Centre on 03 9088 2988 to schedule a consultation with our experienced pain management specialists. We are committed to providing personalised care and helping you achieve improved quality of life through effective pain management solutions.
Conditions Treated with RFA
Radiofrequency ablation is commonly used to treat:
Chronic Knee Pain: Due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other degenerative joint conditions.
Post-operative Pain: Following knee surgeries where nerve irritation or scar tissue formation contributes to pain.
Recurrent Knee Pain: Despite conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Works
Procedure Details:
Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient receives general anaesthesia administered by an anaesthetist.
Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound imaging, the surgeon guides a small needle-like probe to the targeted nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals in the knee joint.
Radiofrequency Application: Once the probe is in position, radiofrequency energy is emitted through the probe tip. This energy heats up the nerve tissue, creating a disruption the pain signals from the knee.
Closure: After completion, the probe is removed, local anaesthetic is administered, and the insertion site is typically covered with a small bandage.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Post-operative Care: Patients are monitored briefly after the procedure and will be discharged the same day with instructions for self-care.
Activity Restrictions: Depending on the extent of the procedure and individual recovery, patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow the treatment area to heal.
Pain Relief: Pain relief from RFA may be immediate due to the local anaesthesia, but the full effect of nerve ablation can take several days to weeks as the treated nerves degenerate.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
Minimally Invasive: Compared to traditional surgery, RFA involves smaller incisions, reducing the risk of complications and promoting quicker recovery.
Targeted Pain Relief: Provides targeted pain relief by selectively targeting specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.
Long-lasting Relief: Many patients experience prolonged pain relief, ranging from several months to over a year, depending on the underlying condition and individual response.
Risks and Considerations
Potential Side Effects: Temporary discomfort at the treatment site, minor bleeding, or bruising may occur.
Effectiveness: While RFA can provide significant pain relief, not all patients may experience complete relief, and repeat treatment may be necessary for sustained benefit.
MAKO Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Overview
MAKO robotic-assisted total knee replacement is a cutting-edge surgery designed to ease chronic knee pain and bring back mobility for people dealing with severe joint degeneration. This advanced technology blends robotic precision with 3D imaging to tailor surgical outcomes to each patient's unique anatomy.
MAKO robotic-assisted total knee replacement at Ortho Specialist Centre is able to give you precise, personal care to reduce your pain and improve your function. If you're thinking about total knee replacement or are seeking relief from knee pain, get in touch with us today. Our team of expert surgeons is ready to talk through your options and assess whether knee replacement surgery is appropriate for you.
Why You Might Need Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is usually recommended if you're facing:
Osteoarthritis: This wears down joint cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and making it harder to move around.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic condition that inflames joint linings, leading to pain, swelling, and joint damage, including the knee.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis developing after a serious knee injury or fracture, disrupting joint function and causing pain.
Other Conditions: Like knee deformities, ligament injuries, or bone tumours that affect how your knee works and feels.
You might need a Total Knee Replacement if you're dealing with:
Persistent Pain: Chronic knee pain that limits your sleep, what you are able to do day-to-day, and affects your quality of life.
Mobility Issues: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or doing routine tasks because your knee feels stiff or weak.
Maximised non-operative interventions: When medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes are no longer able to manage your knee pain.
How MAKO Assisted TKR Surgery Works
MAKO robotic-assisted TKR brings together high-tech tools and highly skilled surgeons to give you precise, customised care:
Planning Ahead: We use 3D CT imaging to create a virtual model of your knee, so our surgeons can plan exactly how to best perform your knee replacement.
Robotic Help: During surgery, the MAKO robot helps our surgeons carry out their pre-operative plan with extreme accuracy.
Adjusting as We Go: Intraoperatively, the surgeon is able to make minor adjustments to the pre-operative plan in real-time, ensuring the knee is correctly sized, perfectly stable and balanced.
Getting Ready for MAKO Assisted TKR
Before your MAKO robotic-assisted TKR, we will:
Pre-operative assessment: We will go through your medical history, perform a physical examination, and use a variety of imaging modalities such as X-ray and MRIs to make a diagnosis, determine the extent of the problem and recommend and appropriate course of treatment.
Talk it Through: You will receive all the info you need from our orthopaedic team, including the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Optimise you for surgery: We will make recommendations as to how best to prepare yourself and your knee for surgery, which may include a recommendation to be reviewed preoperatively by a physiotherapist.
What Happens After Surgery
After MAKO robotic-assisted TKR, here's what you can expect:
A Short Stay: You will spend around 3-4 nights in hospital, you will be reviewed post-operatively by your surgeon and a physician.
Pain Relief: Your anaesthetist and physician will ensure you have adequate provision of pain relief ensuring a smooth post-operative experience.
Physiotherapy: You will be reviewed on the ward by a physiotherapist who will institute a program of movement and strengthening exercises to help your knee move better and become stronger.
Taking It Step by Step: Over the following weeks the knee will continue to improve, and the discomfort will subside. During this time your knee will strengthen, and your mobility will improve. This will allow you to regain function and return to your pre-operative activities without the pain or limitation you were experiencing prior to surgery.
