Knee surgeon recommendations, Scotland / Borders

[JQ]

Can anyone recommend a good knee surgeon in Scotland / borders area? My brother in law has ongoing issues and is looking to go private to speed up the process. He’s more than happy to travel to see the right person.

PH always seems to be good for recommendations so thought it might be worth a try.

Thank you.

[The Leaper]

I live in Surrey so I cannot make a recommendation for your BIL.

I came on to say that I had left leg TKR in May 2024 and had it done privately. Since then I have had physio sessions (5) and probably 2 more to come. It takes maybe 4-6 months to get recovered based on my experience from May 2023 when I had right leg TKR.

The cost of going private is commonly quoted at about £14,500. This is probably for the surgery and time in hospital, in my case three nights. There are additional costs: pre op consultations, pre op physical and medical assessments, post op physiotherapy sessions and consultations with the surgeon, cost of medicines on leaving hospital and any further prescriptions. Total private costs so far for me are around £16,000 and I reckon the final costs will be nearer £17,000.

Your BIL should be aware that TKR recovery means pain, exercise and rest. The pain is severe and I still take paracetamol 9 weeks post op. I also follow the strict exercise regime and do regular walking sessions, all of which are essential to a speedy and successful recovery. Initially, I found the exercises to be amazingly tiring, hence the need for rest.

I wish him well.

R.

[ucb]

Anish Amin in Edinburgh

[Phunk]

Colin Walker in Ross Hall

https://www.walkerkneeclinic.co.uk/

[JQ]

The Leaper said:

I live in Surrey so I cannot make a recommendation for your BIL.

I came on to say that I had left leg TKR in May 2024 and had it done privately. Since then I have had physio sessions (5) and probably 2 more to come. It takes maybe 4-6 months to get recovered based on my experience from May 2023 when I had right leg TKR.

The cost of going private is commonly quoted at about £14,500. This is probably for the surgery and time in hospital, in my case three nights. There are additional costs: pre op consultations, pre op physical and medical assessments, post op physiotherapy sessions and consultations with the surgeon, cost of medicines on leaving hospital and any further prescriptions. Total private costs so far for me are around £16,000 and I reckon the final costs will be nearer £17,000.

Your BIL should be aware that TKR recovery means pain, exercise and rest. The pain is severe and I still take paracetamol 9 weeks post op. I also follow the strict exercise regime and do regular walking sessions, all of which are essential to a speedy and successful recovery. Initially, I found the exercises to be amazingly tiring, hence the need for rest.

I wish him well.

R.

Thank you, will let him know.

[JQ]

ucb said:

Anish Amin in Edinburgh

Is this someone you’ve used and you were happy with everything they did? Thank you.

[JQ]

Phunk said:

Colin Walker in Ross Hall

https://www.walkerkneeclinic.co.uk/

Is this someone you’ve used and you were happy with everything they did? Thank you.

[ucb]

JQ said:

Is this someone you’ve used and you were happy with everything they did? Thank you.

I trained with him, he has an extensive portfolio of research and clinical expertise (not necessarily seen in every academic doctor) and he is highly rated by his colleagues.
In fact, he was recommended as the knee surgeon in Edinburgh to contact for my best friend by another orthopedic surgeon.

ETA there's always 2 people in every consultation or medical encounter. I think the outcomes are generally best when communication between the two parties is clear, concise and direct regardless of the actual clinical outcome. One man's miracle worker is another's charlatan.

Edited by ucb on Thursday 25th July 13:59

[Phunk]

JQ said:

Phunk said:

Colin Walker in Ross Hall

https://www.walkerkneeclinic.co.uk/

Is this someone you’ve used and you were happy with everything they did? Thank you.

I used to work with him many years ago and was regarded as the best ‘knee guy’ at Ross Hall. A friend of mine used another surgeon against my advice at Ross Hall who insisted on surgery. This didn’t sort his issues, he then went to Mr Walker who diagnosed him correctly, put him through a physio plan and he’s been fine ever since.

[JQ]

ucb said:

JQ said:

Is this someone you’ve used and you were happy with everything they did? Thank you.

I trained with him, he has an extensive portfolio of research and clinical expertise (not necessarily seen in every academic doctor) and he is highly rated by his colleagues.
In fact, he was recommended as the knee surgeon in Edinburgh to contact for my best friend by another orthopedic surgeon.

ETA there's always 2 people in every consultation or medical encounter. I think the outcomes are generally best when communication between the two parties is clear, concise and direct regardless of the actual clinical outcome. One man's miracle worker is another's charlatan.

Edited by ucb on Thursday 25th July 13:59

Thank you for the recommendation and I’ll pass on the advice.

[JQ]

Phunk said:

JQ said:

Phunk said:

Colin Walker in Ross Hall

https://www.walkerkneeclinic.co.uk/

Is this someone you’ve used and you were happy with everything they did? Thank you.

I used to work with him many years ago and was regarded as the best ‘knee guy’ at Ross Hall. A friend of mine used another surgeon against my advice at Ross Hall who insisted on surgery. This didn’t sort his issues, he then went to Mr Walker who diagnosed him correctly, put him through a physio plan and he’s been fine ever since.

Thank you, I’ll pass on the recommendation.

[Topsy]

I have had both hips replaced at the Nord clinic in Lithuania. They do knees as well. The clinic is full of British people particularly from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Look them up on the net, it is not a scam, around half the price of here including the operation and 12 night rehab (or as long as you want) either in a medical spa full board or; the clinics own accommodation, (daily visit by a nurse and 24hr medical help in the building) and physio with the National Lithuanian basket ball team physio. Better prosthetics than available on the NHS (you can choose which you want but the Professor will advise), perfect English spoken and regulated in the same way as all EU countries.

The Facebook page is good (and genuine). I have no connection to them other than having had my hips replaced there.

[Giantt]

Well out of area,but if you want the best,ie where athletes and people who could afford to go anywhere go..Fortius,Bentinck Street London,no affiliation with them just know some of the people who use the place

[ucb]

Topsy said:

I have had both hips replaced at the Nord clinic in Lithuania. They do knees as well. The clinic is full of British people particularly from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Look them up on the net, it is not a scam, around half the price of here including the operation and 12 night rehab (or as long as you want) either in a medical spa full board or; the clinics own accommodation, (daily visit by a nurse and 24hr medical help in the building) and physio with the National Lithuanian basket ball team physio. Better prosthetics than available on the NHS (you can choose which you want but the Professor will advise), perfect English spoken and regulated in the same way as all EU countries.

The Facebook page is good (and genuine). I have no connection to them other than having had my hips replaced there.

I'm not sure the OP wants a knee replacement or even if that is what the problem is. OA is a likely diagnosis admittedly, but knee pain does not equal knee replacement.

[JQ]

ucb said:

Topsy said:

I have had both hips replaced at the Nord clinic in Lithuania. They do knees as well. The clinic is full of British people particularly from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Look them up on the net, it is not a scam, around half the price of here including the operation and 12 night rehab (or as long as you want) either in a medical spa full board or; the clinics own accommodation, (daily visit by a nurse and 24hr medical help in the building) and physio with the National Lithuanian basket ball team physio. Better prosthetics than available on the NHS (you can choose which you want but the Professor will advise), perfect English spoken and regulated in the same way as all EU countries.

The Facebook page is good (and genuine). I have no connection to them other than having had my hips replaced there.

I'm not sure the OP wants a knee replacement or even if that is what the problem is. OA is a likely diagnosis admittedly, but knee pain does not equal knee replacement.

Thanks. I think he does ultimately need a replacement. He had keyhole surgery around 15 years ago, by Colin Walker it transpires, but in the short term is wanting a Hyaluronic acid injection to try and deal with the current pain. Of course an expert may not agree with this desire, but he needs the advice to move forward.

[beambeam1]

I was fortunate enough to have Nicola Maffulli operate on my ACL 20+ years ago in Aberdeen but believe he is based in London now. For my other ACL I can't remember the guy but several other athletes I know have had successful surgeries with Gordon Mackay.

My most recent surgeries for meniscus issues on both knees were with Graham Lawson at St John's in Livingston. He was fantastic, felt like he really listened whilst maintaining a no-nonsense approach. Both surgeries were successful but I remember there were guys on the ward that were in for all manner of knee issues including TKR.

I really ought to stop playing sport...

[Desiderata]

JQ said:

ucb said:

Topsy said:

I have had both hips replaced at the Nord clinic in Lithuania. They do knees as well. The clinic is full of British people particularly from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Look them up on the net, it is not a scam, around half the price of here including the operation and 12 night rehab (or as long as you want) either in a medical spa full board or; the clinics own accommodation, (daily visit by a nurse and 24hr medical help in the building) and physio with the National Lithuanian basket ball team physio. Better prosthetics than available on the NHS (you can choose which you want but the Professor will advise), perfect English spoken and regulated in the same way as all EU countries.

The Facebook page is good (and genuine). I have no connection to them other than having had my hips replaced there.

I'm not sure the OP wants a knee replacement or even if that is what the problem is. OA is a likely diagnosis admittedly, but knee pain does not equal knee replacement.

Thanks. I think he does ultimately need a replacement. He had keyhole surgery around 15 years ago, by Colin Walker it transpires, but in the short term is wanting a Hyaluronic acid injection to try and deal with the current pain. Of course an expert may not agree with this desire, but he needs the advice to move forward.

I'm from the Scottish Borders too and just back from Nord in Lithuania having had my second TKR two weeks ago today ( the other one in January)
I initially went with them as an alternative to a long wait with the NHS and high private UK costs, but quickly came to see that they have a very slick efficient operation (NPI) and a better proposition altogether.
I'm delighted with both the service I had and the results of the surgery. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

[Rockatansky]

No first hand experience of this chap beyond his motorsport role, not sure if what he does is 100% relevant to the op's needs either, but he's a nice guy and well liked at the track.

https://www.glasgowprivateclinic.co.uk/dr-manas-ti...

[The_Doc]

Rockatansky said:

No first hand experience of this chap beyond his motorsport role, not sure if what he does is 100% relevant to the op's needs either, but he's a nice guy and well liked at the track.

https://www.glasgowprivateclinic.co.uk/dr-manas-ti...

Lots of prices for knee injections from that chap.
None of which have solid evidence that they work. Not acceptable.

All other knee UK surgeons mentioned have good reps. Don't go down to Fortius, they are ace, but it's just a 35% London tax for the job privately.
Also consider the Northumbria Healthcare NHS gang. It's one of the UK's best performing (organised/timely) NHS outfits. Derek Kramer is your named man from me. For PP, Matt Dawson in Newcastle.
Don't know where in Borders you are.

As many people have said, knee pain does not equal knee replacement, not without an experienced plan

Edited by The_Doc on Monday 29th July 20:49

[DaveGrohl]

The_Doc said:

Rockatansky said:

No first hand experience of this chap beyond his motorsport role, not sure if what he does is 100% relevant to the op's needs either, but he's a nice guy and well liked at the track.

https://www.glasgowprivateclinic.co.uk/dr-manas-ti...

Lots of prices for knee injections from that chap.
None of which have solid evidence that they work. Not acceptable.

All other knee UK surgeons mentioned have good reps. Don't go down to Fortius, they are ace, but it's just a 35% London tax for the job privately.
Also consider the Northumbria Healthcare NHS gang. It's one of the UK's best performing (organised/timely) NHS outfits. Derek Kramer is your named man from me. For PP, Matt Dawson in Newcastle.
Don't know where in Borders you are.

As many people have said, knee pain does not equal knee replacement, not without an experienced plan

Edited by The_Doc on Monday 29th July 20:49

Good info thanks. I’m having an MRI at Hexham tomorrow, can you recommend Ian Carluke for full knee replacement? He snipped a bit of cartilage out of the same knee five years ago. Knee replacement date keeps getting closer.

I’ve a friend who had bone wedges removed from both knees at the same time a while ago under Matt Dawson. Friend abused his knees too soon after, he’s like that. Ended up making his recovery far longer.

Where does Kramer practice?