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Knee surgery in Aberdeen

Diagnosis and treatment for your knee problems

Doctor explaining knee joint model
If knee pain is making everyday activities difficult, expert help is available at Albyn Hospital. The hospital’s experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons provide comprehensive private knee treatment in Aberdeen, offering personalised care for conditions such as osteoarthritis, sports injuries, ligament damage, and long-term knee pain.

From initial consultation and diagnostic imaging through to surgery and aftercare, patients are supported at every stage of their journey. Albyn Hospital offers standard knee replacement surgery as well as Mako robotic-assisted knee surgery.

With a multidisciplinary team, state-of-the-art facilities, and a patient-centred approach, Albyn Hospital is committed to helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they enjoy most.

Knee pain can develop for many reasons and may affect people of all ages. Some conditions occur gradually over time, while others are the result of injury, sport, or repetitive strain. Understanding the cause of knee pain is the first step towards finding the most effective treatment and getting back to an active lifestyle.

Some of the most common conditions that can cause knee pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis – The most common cause of chronic knee pain, where the cartilage within the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
  • Meniscal Tears – Damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, often caused by twisting injuries or age-related wear and tear.
  • Ligament Injuries – Including ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL injuries, which commonly occur during sporting activities and can cause pain, instability, and difficulty bearing weight.
  • Tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, commonly affecting runners, cyclists, and active individuals.
  • Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, causing swelling, tenderness, and discomfort.
  • Cartilage Damage – Injury or degeneration of the smooth cartilage lining the joint, which can lead to pain, locking, and reduced movement.
  • Sports Injuries – Including sprains, strains, and impact injuries that can affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, or cartilage within the knee.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation within the joints, often resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The symptoms of a knee condition will vary depending on the underlying cause, but patients often experience:

  • Persistent knee pain or aching
  • Swelling around the knee joint
  • Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest
  • Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or exercising
  • Clicking, grinding, or popping sensations
  • Instability or the feeling that the knee may give way
  • Reduced range of movement
  • Locking of the knee joint
  • Pain during or after physical activity

If knee pain is affecting daily activities, work, exercise, or quality of life, an assessment by our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon can help identify the cause and explore the most appropriate treatment options, from physiotherapy and injections through to advanced knee replacement surgery.

Some people with knee pain can find effective relief without the need for surgery. Depending on the cause of the pain, a range of non-surgical knee treatments can help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health.

Options commonly include physiotherapy, pain-relieving medications, and lifestyle changes such as weight management and activity modification. These approaches can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, reduce pressure on the joint, and improve everyday movement.

For some patients, treatments such as steroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may provide additional pain relief and help manage inflammation. Other supportive treatments, including knee braces and expert pain management strategies, may also be recommended as part of a personalised treatment plan.

Our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons can assess the underlying cause of the pain and recommend the most appropriate knee pain treatment to help patients stay active, improve function, and potentially delay or avoid surgery. In many cases, early intervention with non-surgical treatment for knee pain can make a difference to quality of life.

Standard knee replacement surgery is an effective treatment for people living with severe knee pain, advanced knee osteoarthritis, or significant joint damage that has not responded to non-surgical treatments. During the procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon removes the worn or damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone from the surface of the knee joint.
 
These damaged areas are then replaced with metal and medical-grade plastic components that recreate the smooth movement of a healthy knee joint.

Following surgery, patients take part in a structured rehabilitation programme that includes physiotherapy exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and movement.

Recovery time

Patients are encouraged to start moving quite quickly after knee replacement surgery, often on the day of surgery or the following day. Early mobilisation helps improve circulation, reduce stiffness, support recovery, and lower the risk of complications such as blood clots. The clinical team and physiotherapists provide guidance and support throughout this process, helping patients regain confidence and mobility safely.

Most patients stay in hospital for around two to three days, although this can vary depending on their individual recovery and progress. Once discharged, they will continue their rehabilitation programme at home.

Many knee replacement surgeries at Albyn Hospital are now performed using Stryker Mako robotic-assisted technology, an innovative system designed to support greater precision during surgery.

The Mako robotic system does not replace the surgeon. Every robotic-assisted knee replacement is carried out by one of our experienced orthopaedic consultant, who remains in complete control throughout the procedure. The robotic arm provides real-time information and assists with precise implant positioning

Before surgery, patients undergo a detailed CT scan, which is used to create a personalised 3D model of the knee.

One of the key advantages of robotic-assisted knee replacement is that it allows the surgeon to tailor the procedure to the patient's individual anatomy. This can help avoid removing more bone than necessary and preserve as much healthy bone and soft tissue as possible, while ensuring the implant is positioned accurately.

In June 2026, Albyn Hospital completed its 2500th Mako robotic surgery. 

Mako trained Orthopaedic Consultants at Albyn Hospital include Mr Robert Duthie, Mr Martin Mitchell, Mr Steven Hamilton, Mr Scott Barker, Mr Christopher Munro, Mr Iain Stevenson, Mr David Neilly and Mr Gareth Medlock.

Conformis Total Knee Replacement offers a personalised alternative to traditional “off‑the‑shelf” knee implants, using advanced technology to design an implant that is tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy.  Using a CT scan, a detailed three‑dimensional model of your knee is created, allowing surgeons to plan your operation and implant placement before surgery. The result is a knee implant designed specifically to match your unique bone shape and joint contours.

While every patient’s experience is different, Conformis technology aims to support:
 - Potential for more natural knee movement and alignment
 - A more precise fit and alignment
 - Improved comfort and stability
 - Preservation of natural bone geometry
 - Reduced surgical time in some cases
 - Potentially faster recovery for suitable patients

Mr David Boddie, Mr James Bidwell and Ms Louise McCulloch, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon offers Conformis total knee replacement surgery. 

If you and your consultant decide that a customised knee replacement is the right option for you, this is what happens:

  • You will be booked in for a CT scan of your knee
  • Images will be transferred to Conformis – the manufacturer, in the USA.
  • Your surgeon will then order your implants directly with Conformis
  • From this point, the process takes around eight to ten weeks and you can then be booked in for surgery.

During the surgery, special 3D printed instruments made from your CT scan will be used to make accurate cuts on your bones. This will ensure that your customised implant fits perfectly. Following surgery, you will undertake physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles in your leg and make sure the best result possible is achieved.

The first step towards finding the right treatment for knee pain is an appointment with one of our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons. During this consultation, they will take the time to discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and overall health to gain a clear understanding of how your knee problem is affecting you.

Your consultant will then carry out a thorough examination of your knee to assess its movement, stability, and function. In most cases, an X-ray performed at Albyn Hospital will provide all the information needed to diagnose common conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, joint wear and tear, or other degenerative knee problems. Other diagnostic scans might be required. 

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, your consultant will explain your findings in detail and discuss the treatment options available with you.  

(Please note that any diagnostic test required are charged in addition to the consultation fee)

  • Expert assessment from an experienced orthopaedic consultant specialising in treating hip conditions. You will see the same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey.
  • A multidisciplinary clinic. Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals such as nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures you will receive support and treatment from the most appropriate specialist throughout your time with us.
  • Our state-of-the-art imaging facilities include Xray, CT, MRI and ultrasound.  These diagnostic imaging procedures can all be easily arranged if required. Our Radiologists work closely with our consultants to provide an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
  • Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs.
  • Fixed-price surgery packages.

For anyone considering an orthopaedic consultation at Albyn Hospital, you can book an appointment online with our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, or contact our friendly team on 01224 595993

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