Indications for MRI Scanning MRI scans are indicated for patients with meniscal tears, patients with difficulty diagnosing ACL or ligamentous injury of the knee and for patients with traumatic chondral injuries. MRI is also indicated for patients with unexplained pain that do not fit any diagnostic categories. MRI scans should be restricted to patients with…
This section provides a wealth of information about the knee; conditions that can affect it, treatment options and detail on the operations along with rehabilitation afterwards. These pages are provided for general information only — you should not undertake any part of a programme unless instructed by your consultant or physiotherapist. If you have had…
On the day of surgery the leg is marked and final consent obtained. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and the anaesthetist will discuss post-operative pain relief. This will usually involve nerve blocks, which keep the leg and knee numb for a while, and analgesic tablets. After the operation the leg is initially…
This operation is a correction to the alignment of the leg, e.g. for a bowed leg or knock kneed leg, by cutting through the bone (osteotomy), changing the shape and holding it with a plate and screws. Wear in the medial (inner) compartment of the knee is treated by an opening wedge osteotomy made in…
The ‘keyhole surgery’ operation to reconstruct the ACL involves replacing it with other strong tendons from areas around the knee. Two main grafts are in common use: the Hamstring Tendon graft and the Patella Tendon graft. Both are considered to be equally good and the choice usually depends on the surgeon’s preference. Currently the Hamstring…
First Phase (up to 6 weeks)This is directed at regaining range of movement and reducing the swelling combined with patella femoral mobilisation to reduce scar tissue. Knee Brace: The knee brace should be used at all times when moving around for the first 6 weeks to protect the osteotomy site. For the first 3 weeks…
