The Brisbane Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre Knee Service is comprised of a team of orthopaedic surgeons with a subspecialty in knee surgery who develop a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient’s needs. The Centre provides comprehensive orthopaedic services for all conditions of the knee including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, cartilage repair, chondromalacia and knee arthroscopy.
The Centre's Knee Orthopaedic Physicians
- Dr Jeremy Bartlett
- Dr David Hayes
- Dr Lawrie Malisano
- Dr Peter McMeniman
- Dr Peter Myers
- Dr Tim McMeniman
- Dr Brett Collins
Services Offered
The Centre offers a wide range of expertise and treatment options. We specialise in both open and arthroscopic surgery. The most common types of surgery performed are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, cartilage repair, arthroscopic knee surgery and surgical replacement of the knee joint.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction - The
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four stabilising ligaments
of the knee. It prevents abnormal anterior displacement and
rotation
of the lower leg. The ACL may be injured with excessive pivoting or
twisting of the knee as well as hyperextension, hyperflexion or lateral
trauma
to the knee. When the ACL is torn, the patient may hear or feel a "pop" in
the knee, followed by swelling and difficulty continuing their activity.
The patient may have a hard time walking and may also feel a sense
of instability. An ACL tear is best diagnosed in a physical examination
by an orthopaedic physician. An MRI (magnetic resonance image) may
be obtained to confirm an ACL tear, as well as identify injury to other
parts of
the knee.
- Cartilage Repair - For knee joints to function properly,
the knee requires a smooth gliding articular cartilage surface on the
ends of the bones. This
surface is
composed of a thin layer of slippery, tough tissue called hyaline cartilage.
This cartilage acts to distribute force during repetitive pounding-like
movements, such as jumping or running. A knee injury can cause cartilage
lesions or locking, which can cause localized pain hindering movement
and causing further deterioration of the joint surface.
- Chondromalacia - Chondromalacia patellae is a painful
disorder of the knee, most commonly affecting adolescents, in which
the cartilage directly behind the kneecap
is damaged. When it occurs in adults it is known as retropatellar
arthritis. The cause is uncertain. Pain is felt when the knee is straightened
and is particularly bad when running, jumping, climbing or descending
stairs.
Most orthopaedic surgeons agree that chondromalacia should first
be
treated conservatively.
- Knee Arthroscopy - Arthroscopy is a surgical technique
whereby a tube-like instrument is inserted into a joint to inspect,
diagnose and repair tissues.
- Meniscal Tears - The meniscus is a crescent-shaped disk of cartilaginous tissue found in several joints in the body. The knee joint has two, and is held in place with ligaments. Their main function is to reduce friction during joint movement. Meniscal tears are most commonly caused by twisting or hyperflexion of the joint. In many cases, using proper techniques while exercising or playing sports may be able to prevent a meniscal tear. When a tear occurs there is usually a "pop" noted at the time of injury, followed by joint tenderness and knee pain. Recurrent knee catching is also a symptom. A physical examination, x-rays and MRI are tests available to determine a meniscus tear. Treatment may include ice, anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy. For very active patients, surgery may be indicated.
Common Diagnoses
- Disease Instability
- Arthritis
- Sports Related Injuries
- Trauma/Fractures
- Overuse Syndromes
