Clinical question
What are we treating?
We identify which injury or abnormality is responsible for the pain or loss of function.
Surgery for the right indication
Arthroscopy, joint replacement and robotic orthopaedic surgery
An operation is valuable when it addresses a specific problem, serves a clear functional goal and is supported by a realistic plan for preparation and rehabilitation.
Joint preservationJoint replacementOrthopaedic trauma
1
IndicationAn established need for surgery
2
Shared decision-makingBenefits, risks and alternatives
3
PlanningTechnique, implant and preparation
4
RehabilitationMobilisation and return to function
Before surgery
First, we decide whether surgery is needed
A technically advanced operation is not necessarily the right operation. First come confirmation of the diagnosis, assessment of non-surgical options and discussion of the actual goal.
Alternatives
What else can be done?
We explain the non-surgical options and what to expect if surgery is not performed now.
Outcome
What is the realistic goal?
Relief, stability, healing or a safer return to a particular activity.
Safety
Is the patient ready?
General health, anaesthetic assessment, medicines and preparation for rehabilitation.
Three surgical goals
The procedure is chosen according to the joint problem
The aim may be to repair or preserve tissue, replace a worn joint, or treat a fracture promptly.
Joint preservation
Arthroscopy and tissue repair
Minimally invasive techniques for selected meniscal, cruciate ligament and tendon injuries, and instability, when there is a clear indication.
What is arthroscopy? (In Greek)Joint replacement
Partial or total joint replacement
For advanced joint wear that substantially limits daily life and is not adequately controlled by appropriate non-surgical management.
Joint replacement guide (In Greek)Trauma
Fracture management
Stability, fracture location, age and general health determine whether fixation, joint replacement or non-surgical management is needed.
Hip fracture (In Greek)Knee arthroscopy
For selected problems within the joint, not as a general treatment for all pain or osteoarthritis.
Explore the procedureMeniscal repair
When the type, location and tissue quality of the tear allow the meniscus to be preserved.
How it is performed (In Greek)Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Mainly discussed when functional instability prevents the activities the patient needs to perform.
Explore the technique (In Greek)Partial or total joint replacement
The distribution of joint wear and ligament function influence the choice.
Compare the options (In Greek)Robotic-assisted knee replacement
Supports preoperative planning and execution within defined boundaries.
Full guide (In Greek)Recovery at home
Safe mobilisation, exercises and follow-up are organised before discharge.
Explore the plan (In Greek)Shoulder arthroscopy
Used for selected injuries through small incisions and with specialised instruments.
Step by step (In Greek)Rotator cuff repair
The decision depends on the tear, weakness, age and tendon quality.
When it is needed (In Greek)Shoulder stabilisation
In recurrent instability, the ligaments and any bone loss are assessed.
Explore the options (In Greek)Shoulder replacement
For advanced arthritis or irreparable damage in suitable patients.
When it is the right option (In Greek)
Main areas of hip surgery
Robotic-assisted replacement, AMIS and hip fractures
The hip section focuses on clinically important options: planning joint replacement with robotic assistance, the AMIS anterior approach and timely fracture management.
- MAKO robotic assistance: three-dimensional planning and assistance as the surgeon performs the operation.
- AMIS: an anterior approach selected according to anatomy and the clinical profile.
- Hip fracture: urgent hospital management, surgical treatment when indicated and early mobilisation.
MAKO
Robotic-assisted hip replacement
How planning works and who remains responsible for decisions.
Explore the page (In Greek)Anterior approach
Joint replacement with AMIS
What the approach involves and when it may be considered.
Explore the method (In Greek)Trauma
Hip fracture
Diagnosis, surgical options and a structured rehabilitation pathway.
Read the guide (In Greek)Patient pathway
From the decision to a safe return
Preparation and rehabilitation are not secondary stages; they contribute to the surgical outcome.
Preoperative assessment
Medical history, medicines, investigations, anaesthetic assessment and a discharge plan.
Informed consent
The goal, alternatives, specific risks and expected rehabilitation pathway.
Mobilisation
Starting at the appropriate time, with instructions on weight-bearing and preventing complications.
Follow-up
Wound review, progress in function and gradual return to activities.
Frequently asked questions
What needs to be discussed before an operation
When is orthopaedic surgery needed?
Surgery is discussed when there is a clear diagnosis and indication, significant functional limitation, an acute injury requiring repair, or when appropriate non-surgical management does not provide acceptable improvement.
Does robotic-assisted joint replacement perform the operation automatically?
No. Robotic technology is a planning tool that assists the surgeon. The surgeon makes the decisions and performs the operation, while the system supports execution of the plan within defined boundaries.
What should I understand before choosing surgery?
You need to understand the goal, alternatives, expected benefits, potential risks, anaesthetic plan and rehabilitation pathway. The decision should reflect your needs and general health.
Scientific basis: the information on joint replacement and rehabilitation follows the shared decision-making principles in NICE — Joint replacement. The hip fracture section is based on the principles of timely surgery and mobilisation in NICE — Hip fracture.
Medical review: Georgios Petridis, MD, MSc
A surgical opinion includes checking the indication, discussing alternatives and establishing a specific preparation and rehabilitation plan.
View the biographySurgical opinion
Considering surgery or looking for a second opinion?
Bring your imaging and details of previous treatment, so that the indication can be reviewed and all options discussed.