Surgery Options
ACL Reconstruction and Knee Replacement procedures.
As a dedicated – knee only – orthopaedic surgeon and member of the Australian Knee Society, with more than 20 years experience, Dr Gallagher exclusively performs ACL Reconstruction and Knee Replacement surgery. Dr Gallagher uses the most advanced techniques including minimally invasive approaches with precisely sized and positioned implants and – where appropriate – robotic assisted surgery.
ACL Reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction is performed using keyhole technique to restore stability and agility and regain reflex control in the injured knee in order to allow patients to return to multi directional sports and other recreational and day to day activities with a reliable knee. This procedure is relatively safe and reliable, which in most cases only requires an overnight stay in hospital.
Partial Knee Replacement
Where patients have isolated osteoarthritis affecting only one compartment (medial, lateral, patellofemoral) with intact cruciate (ACL, PCL) ligaments with good flexibility and minimal deformity, they may be candidates for Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee Replacement. This procedure is usually performed through a smaller incision (6 – 8cm) than Total Knee Replacement (10 – 12cm), with a shorter stay in hospital (2 – 3 nights) and quicker overall recovery and lower complication rate than a Total Knee Replacement.
Total Knee Replacement
The knee joint endures more load across it than any other joint in the human body and can develop wear and tear loss of cartilage commonly referred to as osteoarthritis which is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 2 million Australians. When patients have sufficient symptoms (pain, swelling, stiffness, deformity) and disability (difficulties standing, walking, working, sleeping) from their arthritic knee, it can be replaced with a Total Knee Replacement prosthesis. This is usually performed through a midline skin incision (10 – 12cm) with a 4 night stay in hospital and crutches for 2 weeks.