Question 1

Arthroscopy

Accepted Answer

Arthroscopy is a small procedure that is undergone in theatre which is used to diagnose and fix problems inside a joint. Two small incisions are made around the knee which allows a small camera inside to have a look and diagnose a problem. The other incision allows another device in to fix whatever the problem may be. Arthroscopy can be done in most large joints and we can treat most conditions through this simple technique. For any further details about arthroscopy, please contact us to send you a patient information leaflet.

Question 2

Ligament Injuries

Accepted Answer

Many patients may experience some form of a ligament or tendon injury in their lifetime while playing sports, exercising or sometimes falling over. Dr Foster specialises in repairing or reconstructing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) as well as Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) injuries. For any further details about ligament injuries, please contact us to send you a patient information leaflet.

Question 3

Meniscal Injuries

Accepted Answer

The meniscus is a small soft piece of cartilage between the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone) inside the knee. It is a very important shock absorber in the knee and prevents the hard cartilage on the bone surfaces from wearing away. A meniscal injury can cause severe pain, swelling and locking of the knee. We are able to identify these injuries and either remove a small piece of meniscus that’s causing pain, or in some instances in younger patients, we repair the meniscus to return the knee to normal function.

Question 4

Muscle and Tendon Injuries

Accepted Answer

Sports injuries are very common in all age groups and this may result in a muscle or tendon injury. Sports injuries are very common in all age groups & muscle or tendon injuries are common. Dr Foster will identify these injuries and advise the appropriate treatment course which may include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, anti inflammatories and ice packs, physiotherapy and less commonly - surgery.

Question 5

Patella Conditions

Accepted Answer

Knee cap (patella) pain is very common in all age groups. There are a variety of conditions that may affect the knee cap. Some patients may have dislocating patellas or instability, some may have pain and others may hear crunching and grinding when bending the knee. We will identify the root cause of the knee cap pain and advise patients on the most appropriate treatment course.

Question 6

Cartilage Injuries

Accepted Answer

The cartilage inside the knee surrounds the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). This cartilage allows excellent painless range of movement in all the joints in the body. If the cartilage gets worn away or degenerates, this is termed arthritis. However, small little isolated lesions in cartilage may cause pain and locking of the knee. We will identify the size of the lesion and offer a small procedure to drill the bone in this area to allow stem cells to help it heal (called micro fracture), or in larger lesions, we can transplant some cartilage from another part of the knee joint. We will accurately identify the cartilage injury before hand and advise the best treatment option to prevent any further cartilage damage in the knee.

Question 7

Joint Replacement Surgery

Accepted Answer

Patients that have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis may eventually require a knee replacement. The reason for this is that there is no treatment for growing cartilage back. We always advise our patients to undergo a course of non-operative treatment first before considering surgery. This includes physiotherapy, steroid injections, hyaluronic injections and occasionally PRP injections before we advise surgery. If however, all these non operative measures fail, then we will consider knee replacement surgery.

The knee consists of three compartments. Two tibia femoral compartments and one patellofemoral compartments. If the arthritis only affects one of these compartments, we can offer a partial knee replacement. This is a fantastic option as the surgery is less invasive and shorter, the rehabilitation is quicker, and often, the pain is reduced as it is a smaller operation.

However, if there is more than one compartment involved, then a total knee replacement would be indicated. In certain cases, we also can employ the use of robotic navigation systems which help us perform the operation. These options will be discussed with the patient.

Please contact us for patient information leaflets on partial knee replacements and total knee replacements to further explain.

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