Home » Adult Knee Treatments
Knee surgery is a common medical treatment that has given many Australians a new lease on life in recent years. There are many types of knee surgery available to help patients return to their optimum function. Dr Alex Nicholls performs the following knee surgeries, including total joint replacements, at The Mater Private, North Shore Private Hospital, Northern Beaches Hospital, and Westmead Private Hospital.
Knee Microfracture Surgery For Cartilage Restoration
Microfracture surgery is used to stimulate the growth of new articular cartilage by creating a new blood supply. Your surgeon will use an awl to make multiple holes in the bone where new blood and cells will reach the joint surface to form new cartilage.
Meniscus Repair
Orthopaedic surgeons use miniature cameras and surgical instruments to view the inside of the knee and trim or repair the tear. Some meniscus tears can be repaired by stitching the torn pieces together and allowing them ample recovery time.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction
A ruptured ACL may be reconstructed with a graft. During this procedure, the torn ACL is removed and the graft is inserted through holes that your surgeon drills in the shinbone and thighbone.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) reconstruction
A torn posterior cruciate ligament may be treated non-surgically. In certain circumstances, the PCL may require reconstruction to restore knee stability. This procedure is performed arthroscopically.
Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
Most isolated collateral ligament injuries can be successfully treated with a brace and physiotherapy. If the collateral ligament is torn in a way that cannot be healed or is affecting surrounding structures, you may require reconstructive surgery.
Knee Realignment Procedures (Osteotomy)
Osteotomy means “cutting of the bone” and is used in the knee when a patient has early-stage osteoarthritis. Knee realignments are successful in transferring weight, correcting alignment and prolonging the lifespan of the joint.
Partial Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental knee replacement involves resurfacing a smaller portion of the damaged bone and cartilage using a small incision. Partial knee replacements have quicker recovery times so the patient can return to normal activities sooner.
Total Knee Replacement with Computer Navigation
Total knee replacements are effective procedures at reducing pain for degenerative joint diseases. Your orthopaedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone, and then position the new implants to resurface the bones and restore the function of your knee.
Revision Knee Replacement
If your knee replacement fails, your surgeon may suggest a revision surgery where they will remove some or all of the prosthesis and replace them with new parts. This surgery is more complicated and requires specialised tools and planning to achieve ideal results.
Tibial Plateau Fracture Fixation
Depending on the severity of your tibial plateau fracture, your surgeon may suggest either internal or external fixation surgery to hold the alignment of the broken bones in place while they heal.
ACL Revision Surgery
ACL reconstruction has an average success rate of 85-95%. However, if the ACL graft procedure fails for any reason, then it may be necessary to perform a revision ACL reconstruction to restore stability.
ORGANISE A CONSULTATION FOR KNEE SURGERY
ORGANISE A CONSULTATION FOR KNEE SURGERY
Dr Alex Nicholls is highly trained and experienced in all types of orthopaedic knee surgery. Repair the alignment and function of your knee by making an appointment today. Contact Dr Nicholls on (02) 8045 5640 or send a message online.