Knee Surgeon
Orthopaedic Surgery with James Gill
Mr James Gill performs the following surgical procedures at St Edmunds Hospital, Bury St Edmunds
Unicondylar knee replacement
Unicondylar knee replacement is a surgical option for patients with arthritis confined to a single compartment of the knee. Similar to a total knee replacement, it is recommended for individuals experiencing significant pain that limits function and quality of life.
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The key advantage of a unicondylar procedure is that only the affected compartment is replaced, preserving the normal anatomy of the healthy compartments as well as the cruciate ligaments. This typically results in a faster recovery, improved range of motion, and better knee bend compared to a total knee replacement.
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Mr James Gill is a high-volume unicondylar knee surgeon and an advocate of the procedure, owing to the excellent functional outcomes it can provide.
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Post operative xray of medial uni knee
Total Knee replacement
Knee replacement surgery is a treatment option for people with arthritis who experience severe pain that affects their quality of life and limits knee function.
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In a total knee replacement, all three major compartments of the knee joint are replaced. This procedure has a high success rate, but it is important to have realistic expectations. A knee replacement will not restore the full range of motion or function you had before your knee problems began.
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The main goals of the surgery are to:
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Significantly relieve knee pain
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Improve mobility (your ability to get around)
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Help you return to everyday activities
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If non-surgical treatments such as pain relief medication, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes are no longer effective, a total knee replacement may be the next step to consider.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
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Arthroscopic knee surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to address various knee problems.
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Procedures: It can be used to treat conditions such as meniscal tears (repair or trimming) and joint surface damage (articular cartilage).
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Incisions: Typically, the procedure involves making two small incisions, approximately 1 cm long, in the front of the knee on either side of the patella tendon.
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Technique: A camera is inserted through one incision to visualize the interior of the knee, while different surgical instruments are inserted through the other incision to perform the necessary procedures.
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Recovery: Many patients can go home on the same day as the arthroscopic knee surgery, thanks to its minimally invasive nature. Recovery times vary depending on the specific procedure and individual patient factors.
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Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an operation to restore stability to the knee after an ACL injury. The ACL runs through the middle of the knee and helps keep it stable during twisting or pivoting movements. It is most often injured in sports such as football, netball, rugby and skiing, and a tear can cause pain, swelling, and a feeling that the knee is “giving way.”
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Surgery is usually recommended if the knee remains unstable despite physiotherapy. The torn ligament is replaced with a graft, most commonly using a portion of the patella tendon or hamstring tendons. After surgery, a structured rehabilitation programme is essential. Patients should only return to sports involving twisting or pivoting once they have regained full strength and control, which usually takes 9-12 months.
Address
St Edmunds, Hospital,
St Mary's Square, Bury Saint Edmunds
IP33 2AA
Contact
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