Choosing a knee surgeon (Yorkshire)

ckone
ckone Member Posts: 4
edited 2. Aug 2017, 03:38 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello, I'm new here and hoping for some tips. Thanks in advance. I have osteoarthritis in my knees. It's recently got worse, so GP referred me to physio who sent me for an X ray. Having seen my X ray, physio says he'd like to refer me to an orthopaedic surgeon. He says I should see a specialist knee surgeon. I understand from the Arthritis Care helpline that if I'm going to choose which surgeon I see, I need to choose at the point of referral. Does anyone have any tips on how to find the best surgeon/hospital? How much choice would I get - for example can I go outside my local NHS trust area, especially if it would be more practical for me to recover at a relative's house in another part of the country? Any tips gratefully received.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Welcome to Arthritis Care Forums, ckone, from the moderation team.

    You have definitely come to the right place to talk about arthritis with those who understand. Many of our forum users have had surgery and I am sure you will get plenty of advice and support from the members on here.

    As for whether you could potentially choose a consultant outside of your local area this is well-worth a read:

    http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/902.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=162

    I don’t know whether it will help, but I have attached a link to Arthritis Care’s information about surgery too:

    https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/treatments-aids-and-equipment/surgery-and-arthritis

    As moderators we are here to help with any problems you may have using the message boards so feel free to send us a message if you need to.

    I look forward to seeing you posting on the boards.

    Best wishes


    Ellen
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    ckone I have never looked outside my area and tended to base my choice on the one I can see quickest!! :oops:

    I think it would be very sensible to go somewhere where you can get support post op.

    Do let us know how you get on.

    Love

    Toni x
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've read Ellen's useful link and also frogmorton's post.

    I, too, tend to think that near home is good. Yóu have to take into account not just any potential operation and hospital stay but also follow-up visits and your own inability to drive yourself to them at first.

    I've been singularly lucky in that, for all my operations, I've lived in the catchment area of Leeds General Infirmary / Chapel Allerton Hospital. They are teaching hospitals (Teaching hospitals are usually the best) with terrific surgeons and I've never had a problem with any of my replaced joints - well, old age did for one but it was 27 by then and its replacement is a joy.

    However, the downside is you will wait much longer for such a hospital because they have long lists and treat the more difficult patients who often require (as with my knee revision) a double booking for theatre.

    Personally, I'd wait every time and have done despite, at times, struggling to even walk to the loo. It's always paid off for me. But, if you simply have one arthritic joint, it might be worth going nearer home and getting things done more quickly.

    I hope you feel happy with whatever choice you make.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • ckone
    ckone Member Posts: 4
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Great, thank you very much everyone, much appreciated!
  • Lou
    Lou Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If you have time, go online and look at Orthopedic Consultants profiles from several local hospitals (whether they are in your local NHS Trust area or not. Go for it.

    Check how many knees they do in a year (is it their specialty) How qualified are they, how experienced (some write medical papers) Some are qualified to do complex surgery, Revisions etc.

    here is an excellent resource to start with:
    http://www.njrsurgeonhospitalprofile.org.uk/

    Ask your GP to refer you to the named Surgeon you have selected.
    Patient's Choice.

    Best.
    Lou
  • ckone
    ckone Member Posts: 4
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Great, thank you so much Lou! Much appreciated.