Surgical treatment
Orthopaedic procedures, clearly explained
Each page explains when a procedure may be considered, the assessment, alternatives, preparation, recovery and limitations. Choosing the right treatment always begins with the diagnosis.
How to use this section
Surgery is not the starting point
If you do not yet have a diagnosis, begin with the condition pages or request an assessment. Two people with similar symptoms or scan findings may need different treatments.
Surgical area
Joint replacement
Total hip replacement
Replaces the femoral head and acetabular surface when the joint is damaged and pain limits walking and everyday activities.
View procedure details →Joint replacementRevision hip replacement
Revision surgery treats the cause of a painful, unstable, infected or damaged hip replacement and may replace one or more components.
View procedure details →Joint replacementTotal knee replacement
Replaces damaged joint surfaces to reduce pain and improve knee function.
View procedure details →Joint replacementRevision knee replacement
Revision surgery identifies and treats the cause of a failed knee replacement, with reconstruction tailored to bone loss and ligament stability.
View procedure details →Joint replacementAnatomical shoulder replacement
Replaces the humeral head and glenoid surface while preserving normal joint geometry when the rotator cuff is functional.
View procedure details →Joint replacementReverse shoulder replacement
Reverses the geometry of the joint so that the deltoid can help lift the arm when the rotator cuff can no longer provide adequate function.
View procedure details →Surgical area
Arthroscopy
Meniscal repair
Repairs a meniscal tear when its pattern, blood supply and tissue quality provide a realistic chance of healing.
View procedure details →ArthroscopySelective partial meniscectomy
Preserves as much functional meniscal tissue as possible and is reserved for irreparable tears that cause clinically relevant symptoms.
View procedure details →ArthroscopyAnterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Replaces the torn ligament with a graft to control instability and protect the meniscus and cartilage during pivoting activities.
View procedure details →ArthroscopyRotator cuff repair
Reattaches the tendons to bone when the tear, strength deficit, symptoms and the patient's goals make a realistic functional benefit possible.
View procedure details →ArthroscopyArthroscopic shoulder stabilisation
Repairs the labrum and retensions the capsule to reduce recurrent dislocation when the pattern of bone loss is suitable for an arthroscopic procedure.
View procedure details →ArthroscopyAnkle arthroscopy
Allows certain problems inside the ankle joint to be assessed and treated through small incisions when the diagnosis is clear and matches the symptoms.
View procedure details →Surgical area
Foot and ankle
Hallux valgus correction
Realigns the first metatarsal and the big toe, with the technique selected according to the deformity, instability and weight-bearing radiographs.
View procedure details →Foot and ankleCheilectomy for hallux rigidus
Removes bony prominences that restrict movement and cause pain as the big toe pushes off the ground.
View procedure details →Foot and ankleLateral ankle ligament reconstruction
Restores ankle stability when an appropriate rehabilitation programme does not control recurrent giving-way episodes.
View procedure details →Foot and ankleFlatfoot reconstruction
Combines tendon, ligament and bone procedures to improve the arch, alignment and weight-bearing mechanics.
View procedure details →Foot and ankleCorrection of cavus and cavovarus foot
Redistributes load and corrects alignment when the arch is excessively high and pressure is concentrated along the outer side of the foot.
View procedure details →Foot and ankleAnkle fusion
Eliminates painful movement at the tibiotalar joint, with the aim of achieving a stable, functional foot.
View procedure details →Foot and ankleTotal ankle replacement
Replaces damaged joint surfaces and may preserve ankle movement in carefully selected patients.
View procedure details →Foot and ankleCharcot foot reconstruction
This procedure is reserved for deformity that cannot be safely accommodated with conservative measures and threatens weight-bearing or the skin.
View procedure details →Knee
Joint preservation and rehabilitation
Meniscal reconstruction
Radial and root repair, segmental reconstruction and selected autologous tendon options after meniscal loss.
→Knee preservationCorrective osteotomy
An alternative to unicompartmental replacement or an adjunct to ACL revision and meniscal reconstruction.
→Joint replacementPartial knee replacement
Resurfacing the worn compartment while preserving healthy structures.
→RehabilitationPostoperative rehabilitation
Phases and criteria for 14 knee, shoulder and hip procedures.
→Editorial responsibility
Medically reviewed content
Dr. Răzvan Anițaș
Consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon; PhD in medical sciences
Last editorial update: 21 August 2026
This information is general guidance and does not replace a consultation, clinical examination or informed consent. Whether a procedure is appropriate is determined individually.