Knee

Specialist assessment and advanced treatment of knee conditions

The Knee Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital offers highly specialised care focused on the accurate diagnosis and individualised treatment of knee conditions, whether in patients with sports injuries, degenerative conditions or highly complex cases.

It forms part of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery and brings together a team with specific expertise in knee conditions, alongside advanced technology and a patient-centred approach focused on preserving function, reducing pain and restoring quality of life.

How we treat knee pain and injuries

Our approach is based on three pillars: rigorous diagnosis, well-founded surgical indications and the use of advanced techniques where necessary.

Each case is analysed individually, taking into account the severity of the injury, the patient’s age, activity level and functional goals. This enables us to make an informed decision between conservative treatment, joint-preserving surgery or joint replacement surgery, thereby avoiding both unnecessary procedures and delays in indicated treatments.

Technology — including robotic surgery and personalised planning — is utilised as a tool to improve the precision and reproducibility of results, always in line with clinical indications.

Knee conditions requiring specialist assessment

The unit specifically addresses a wide range of knee conditions, particularly where these cause persistent pain, a feeling of instability or limitations in daily or sporting activities. Among the most common are:

• Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis) of varying degrees

• Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

• Meniscal injuries and degenerative meniscal conditions

• Patellar instability and femoropatellar problems

• Multiligament injuries and complex knee cases

• Chondropathy and cartilage injuries

• Periarticular fractures and complications following previous surgery

• Failure of prostheses or previous surgeries

In these situations, a specialist assessment helps to avoid inappropriate treatments and identify more precise solutions.

Clinical and imaging diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical examination, supplemented by high-resolution imaging tests integrated into the healthcare pathway itself. The combination of magnetic resonance imaging, digital radiography, computed tomography and musculoskeletal ultrasound in the clinic enables the diagnosis to be confirmed accurately and decision-making times to be reduced.

This approach avoids unnecessary tests and facilitates a faster and more tailored treatment plan for each individual case.

Surgical treatment of knee conditions

Not all knee conditions require surgery, but when it is indicated, the correct choice of procedure and precise planning are crucial to achieving a good outcome.

The need for surgery is determined following an expert assessment, which helps to establish the right time for the procedure and the most appropriate technique, depending on the type of injury, the condition of the joint and the patient’s functional goals.

Advanced knee surgery

When surgery is indicated, advanced techniques are used to restore knee stability, preserve joint structures and optimise functional outcomes.

Advanced arthroscopy enables the treatment of multiple injuries using a minimally invasive approach, whilst ligament reconstruction — such as that of the cruciate ligament — is carried out using state-of-the-art techniques that improve surgical precision and graft integration.

In more complex situations, such as previous failed surgeries or combined injuries, the team’s experience enables them to determine the most appropriate surgical strategy for each individual case.

Joint preservation: delaying joint replacement where possible

In young patients or those with high functional demands, priority is given to strategies aimed at preserving the joint for as long as possible.

This includes techniques such as customised osteotomies, meniscal transplantation, and cartilage repair and regeneration procedures. When appropriately indicated, these options can alter the course of the condition and significantly delay the need for a knee replacement.

Knee replacement and robotic surgery

When osteoarthritis is advanced and significantly impairs quality of life, joint replacement surgery becomes an effective solution.

The unit offers a specialised programme covering everything from partial replacements to total replacements and complex revision procedures. These procedures are supported by robotic surgery systems, which allow for more precise planning of the operation, optimise implant alignment and improve the consistency of outcomes.

In addition, surgical protocols are applied that are designed to reduce complications and facilitate a faster recovery.

Rapid recovery and ongoing monitoring

Recovery is not seen as a subsequent phase, but as an integral part of the treatment itself.

Rapid recovery protocols are implemented to enable early mobilisation, better pain management and, in certain cases, to avoid hospital admission. The entire process is carried out in a coordinated manner between the surgical team, nursing staff and physiotherapists.

Follow-up is continuous and structured. Each patient has a follow-up plan that enables us to assess functional progress, resolve any issues and adjust treatment where necessary – something that is particularly important in knee surgery.

Second opinions and assessments of complex knee cases

The unit offers consultations for both initial assessments and patients seeking a second opinion.

In acute cases or situations requiring a rapid decision, priority assessment is provided. We also treat patients with complex diagnoses or a history of previous procedures, where it is necessary to review the initial diagnosis and redefine the treatment strategy.

The ability to perform an ultrasound scan during the consultation also allows the assessment to be completed during the same appointment.

Specialist care with support and time to explain

Knee conditions, particularly when surgery may be required, necessitate a thorough understanding of the diagnosis and the various treatment options.

From the very first consultation, we take the time needed to explain the cause of the problem, the available options and realistic expectations for recovery. Where there are different approaches, the decision is made jointly, weighing up the benefits, risks and functional goals.

Support continues throughout the entire process, including follow-up care, with clear and accessible communication that enables the patient to approach their treatment with greater confidence.