Private Orthopaedic Surgery at our Dublin and Galway Clinics
Orthopaedic surgery is a form of treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes scoliosis and arthritic or degenerative joint diseases. It also includes shoulder, hip, or knee pain, and bone or joint problems arising from sports injuries, soft tissue damage and other injuries.
Orthopaedic surgery may be elective or emergency. Elective orthopaedic surgery is planned and can be scheduled at the patient's convenience. This type of surgery typically fixes a medical condition that is not urgent or life-threatening.
Blackrock Health is home to some of Ireland's most established private orthopaedic faculties. We carry out minimally invasive surgeries in hi-tech facilities across all our hospitals. We offer comprehensive musculoskeletal care, with dedicated inpatient orthopaedic and spinal wards. If you have day-case surgery, our team will care for you in our comfortable day wards.
Your GP can refer you to any of our orthopaedic services.
Elective Orthopaedic Surgery
Elective orthopaedic surgery involves an operation to correct a problem with a bone or joint. These operations can help with chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. We achieve this by improving joint function, reducing pain and stiffness, and restoring function which had been lost. Elective orthopaedic surgery can improve quality of life - by allowing more mobility and less pain.
Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery at Blackrock Health
At Blackrock Health, our expert orthopaedic surgeons perform thousands of joint replacement surgeries yearly, using the most advanced techniques to restore mobility and improve quality of life. We specialise in routine and complex procedures, including total hip and knee replacements, revisions, partial knee replacements, hip resurfacing, and arthroscopic knee surgeries.
Robotic-assisted surgery may be an option, based on your surgeon’s assessment.
Staying informed and actively involved in your orthopaedic care is key to a successful joint replacement. To help you navigate your hip or knee replacement journey, we’ve created a series of authoritative videos featuring expert advice from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Physiotherapy Manager. These videos offer valuable tips and insights on how you can take an active role in your treatment and explain how our team will support you every step of the way.
Tips from the surgeon: Mr Niall McGoldrick, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Blackrock Health
The Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Physiotherapy Manager
Knee replacement surgery comes in various forms, including:
Partial knee replacement.
Total knee replacement.
Methods used may be traditional surgery, minimally invasive, and robot-assisted techniques.
Each type of surgery targets specific areas of knee damage, providing tailored solutions for different patients' needs.
Individuals suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis are prime candidates for knee replacement surgery. If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, stiffness, or swelling that interferes with your daily activities, it may be time to explore surgical options.
During knee replacement surgery, damaged portions of the knee joint are replaced with artificial implants. The procedure typically involves anaesthesia, precise incisions, and careful placement of the implants to restore function and alleviate pain. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeons utilise advanced techniques to ensure optimal outcomes for every patient.
After Surgery
Following knee surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for promoting healing, restoring mobility, and preventing complications in your knees and surrounding areas. Physiotherapy, pain management strategies, and gradual return to activity are integral components of the recovery process in the weeks after surgery.
Patient Benefits
Knee replacement surgery offers numerous benefits, including improved joint function, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life. Our comprehensive post-operative care plans include regular check-ups, imaging studies, and lifestyle recommendations to promote optimal joint health and function.
Hip replacement surgery encompasses various procedures, such as:
Hip resurfacing.
Partial hip replacement.
Total hip replacement.
Methods used may be traditional surgery, minimally invasive, and robot-assisted techniques.
Each type of surgery addresses different degrees of hip joint damage, providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of individual patients.
Individuals suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fractures are ideal candidates for hip replacement surgery. If you are experiencing persistent hip pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility that significantly impacts your daily activities, it may be time to consider surgical intervention.
Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial implants made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. The procedure is typically performed under anaesthesia and requires precise incisions and implant placement to restore function and alleviate pain effectively. Our skilled orthopaedic surgeons utilise state-of-the-art techniques to optimize surgical outcomes for each patient.
After Surgery
Following successful completion of hip replacement surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for promoting healing, restoring mobility, and preventing complications in your hips and surrounding areas. Physiotherapy, pain management strategies, and gradual return to activity are integral components of the recovery process in the weeks after surgery.
Patient the
Hip replacement surgery offers numerous benefits, including improved hip joint function, reduced pain, and enhanced range of motion. Our comprehensive post-operative care plans include regular check-ups, imaging studies, and lifestyle recommendations to promote optimal hip joint health and function.
Why I might be referred for orthopaedic surgery
Disorders affecting the skeleton and structures (such as tendons and ligaments) can lead to various symptoms. These include pain, weakness, inflammation, and mobility issues. Experiencing symptoms may result in difficulties performing everyday activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs.
You may be referred to a hospital by your GP for orthopaedic assessment if you have tried other forms of treatment and are not seeing results.
Range of Orthopaedic Services
Blackrock Health hospitals offer a full range of orthopaedic services, including consultation, diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. Our orthopaedic consultants are internationally recognised and conduct thousands of procedures every year.
Our orthopaedic departments are run by expert multi-disciplinary teams - including clinical nurse specialists and physiotherapists and use the latest technologies, such as robotic surgery, spinal navigation techniques, and real-time imaging.
Our Orthopaedic Surgery Department Team
Our team includes:
Clinical nurse specialists
Discharge Co-ordinators
Orthopaedic surgeons
Our Orthopaedic Surgical Team treats conditions including:
Adult hip dysplasia
Degenerative disease of hip and knee
Degenerative spinal disease
Fractures
Ligament repair
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rotator cuff injury
Orthopaedic Procedures Available at Blackrock Health Hospitals
Our orthopaedic surgical team is made up of leading experts in spinal, upper, and lower limb procedures. We specialize in relieving pain, treating conditions, and repairing bones and joints. With state-of-the-art facilities, we offer minimally invasive surgeries, including joint replacements, and support your recovery with an enhanced recovery programme.
Depending on your condition, we may recommend different treatment options, such as arthroscopy, partial or total joint replacement, or tendon and ligament repairs. In some cases, bone fusion or tendon and ligament reconstruction may also be necessary.
Procedures you may hear about include:
Arthroscopic surgery (keyhole joint surgery)
Metatarsal joint replacements
Open reduction internal fixation - to repair broken bones or serious fractures.
Osteotomy (where bones are cut or reshaped to repair a joint)
Rotator cuff repair
Synovectomy (removal of joint tissue to ease pain)
What to expect during your Orthopaedic Surgery treatment
Once you’ve agreed on a treatment plan with your consultant, you’ll be scheduled for a preoperative health assessment at our Pre-assessment Clinic. This ensures you're in the best possible health for your procedure and gives you the chance to ask any questions you might have.
On the day of your surgery, you’ll be welcomed to our Day of Surgery Admission Unit, where our team will prepare you and make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
At Blackrock Health, our orthopaedic surgeons perform thousands of procedures each year, and our surgical theatres are equipped with the latest technology to provide the highest standard of care in Ireland. This includes advanced robotic systems, navigation and imaging tools, and state-of-the-art sterile environments.
For patients who can have same-day surgery, we offer dedicated daycare wards to ensure a comfortable and efficient experience.
Orthopaedic surgery patient outcomes
Blackrock Clinic is one of the first private hospitals in Ireland to use the Irish National Orthopaedic Register (INOR). This is a national database informing on orthopaedic surgeries and outcomes in Ireland. This register aims to improve patient outcomes. Both the Hermitage Clinic and Galway Clinic are expected to enrol with INOR soon.
Accessing our Orthopaedic Surgery services
You can access Blackrock Health orthopaedic services with a GP referral and can expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome and to restore your quality of life.
Emergency Orthopaedic services
If you’ve got a medical emergency that needs urgent care, please don’t hesitate to visit our Emergency Department as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Orthopaedic Surgery
At Blackrock Health hospitals we recognise that visiting our Orthopaedic Surgery services can be stressful and uncertain for you and your loved ones.
To ease your concerns and provide clear information, we’ve created a list of FAQs about our Orthopaedic Surgery services. Our aim is to offer expert care, ensuring timely and efficient treatment.
What are the common indications for knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatment options have failed to alleviate symptoms associated with knee joint degeneration. The most common indications for this surgical intervention include osteoarthritis, which is characterised by the gradual erosion of cartilage and resultant bone-on-bone contact that leads to significant discomfort and reduced functionality. Patients may also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the synovial joint.
How long is the recovery period after knee replacement surgery?
Post-operative recovery is a crucial phase that varies among individuals based on several factors, including age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. Generally, the initial recovery period lasts approximately six to twelve weeks; however, achieving full functional capacity may take several months. Patients will gradually transition from assisted mobility devices to walking independently.
Upon discharge, patients are encouraged to engage in physiotherapy to facilitate rehabilitation and regain strength in the affected muscles. Your orthopaedic care team will give you detailed advice on this.
How can I prepare for knee replacement surgery?
Preparation for knee replacement surgery is essential to ensure a smooth experience and successful outcome. Patients should begin by engaging in detailed discussions with their orthopaedic surgeon, who will provide personalised guidance based on individual medical history and specific needs. Your multi-disciplinary orthopaedic care team will discuss the types of preparation you should engage in during your 'prehabilitation' period. This can include exercise, diet & nutrition, stress reduction, and smoking cessation.
It is also important to assess your daily activities and make necessary modifications. This may involve preparing your home environment to accommodate mobility challenges post-surgery. Consider removing tripping hazards, securing loose rugs, and ensuring that frequently used items are within easy reach. You may also need to stock up on supplies that you will require during the recovery phase, such as ice packs and assistive devices like crutches or a walker.
Before the procedure, patients may be required to undergo several diagnostic tests, including blood tests, which help evaluate overall health and detect any underlying conditions that could complicate surgery. This takes place in the 'pre-admission clinic' which will be scheduled for you.
What are the common indications for hip replacement surgery?
Indications for hip replacement surgery primarily arise from conditions that cause significant pain and functional impairment in the hip joint. Osteoarthritis stands as the most prevalent reason, characterised by the degeneration of cartilage, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Patients often report chronic joint pain that hampers daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or engaging in recreational pursuits. The progressive nature of this condition can severely limit mobility and quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another critical indication for this surgical procedure. As an autoimmune disorder, it leads to persistent inflammation within the joints, resulting in erosion of bone and cartilage over time.
How long is the recovery period after hip replacement surgery?
The recovery phase following hip replacement surgery varies among individuals, influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and the type of procedure performed. Generally, a substantial portion of the initial recovery occurs within the first few weeks post-surgery. During this period, patients typically stay in the hospital for one to four days depending on their progress and any underlying health conditions.
Upon discharge, patients are encouraged to engage in physiotherapy to facilitate rehabilitation and regain strength in the affected muscles. Your orthopaedic care team will give you detailed advice on this.
How can I prepare for hip replacement surgery?
Preparation for hip replacement surgery is essential to ensure a smooth experience and successful outcome. Patients should begin by engaging in detailed discussions with their orthopaedic surgeon, who will provide personalised guidance based on individual medical history and specific needs. Your multi-disciplinary orthopaedic care team will discuss the types of preparation you should engage in during your 'prehabilitation' period. This can include exercise, diet & nutrition, stress reduction, and smoking cessation.
It is also important to assess your daily activities and make necessary modifications. This may involve preparing your home environment to accommodate mobility challenges post-surgery. Consider removing tripping hazards, securing loose rugs, and ensuring that frequently used items are within easy reach. You may also need to stock up on supplies that you will require during the recovery phase, such as ice packs and assistive devices like crutches or a walker.
Before the procedure, patients may be required to undergo several diagnostic tests, including blood tests, which help evaluate overall health and detect any underlying conditions that could complicate surgery. This takes place in the 'pre-admission clinic' which will be scheduled for you.
How do I access Orthopaedic Surgery services?
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment. Please see our Request Appointment Form
My health insurance and costs for Orthopaedic Surgery services
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our 'Payment Options' page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
