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25/Aug/2026

Finding the right knee specialist can feel like a difficult decision, especially when you have been living with knee pain for weeks, months or even years. Whether you are dealing with arthritis, a sports injury, a damaged meniscus or considering knee replacement surgery, choosing an experienced knee orthopaedic surgeon can make the treatment journey feel much clearer.

For people living in Blackburn, Lancashire and nearby areas, there are several experienced orthopaedic consultants who specialise in different aspects of knee care. Some focus heavily on knee replacement, while others have particular expertise in knee arthroscopy, sports injuries, ligament reconstruction, partial knee replacement or complex revision surgery.

This guide looks at 10 knee specialists who have a professional connection with Blackburn and whose published profiles show experience in knee-related treatment. It is not intended to be an official ranking. Instead, it is designed to help patients understand their options before deciding who they would like to consult.

1. Orthopaedic Surgeon Prof. Kuntal Patel

Professor Kuntal Patel

Professor Kuntal Patel is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist interest in lower limb surgery, including hip and knee conditions. He provides private consultations at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn, as well as practices in Lancaster and Blackpool.

His areas of expertise include knee replacement, knee arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction and arthritis of the knee. He also offers VELYS robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. His professional profile states that he completed specialist orthopaedic training across several North West hospitals, including Blackburn and Wrightington, and later gained lower limb arthroplasty fellowship experience at Wrightington Hospital.

For patients considering total knee replacement, partial knee replacement or treatment for long-term knee arthritis, having a consultation with a specialist who regularly deals with lower limb problems can be useful.

Professor Patel is also the surgeon behind Lancashire Hip Knee Clinic, which provides specialist assessment and treatment for hip, knee and foot and ankle conditions. The clinic is based across Lancashire, with The Beardwood Hospital being its Blackburn location.

2. Mr Dinesh Alexander

Mr Dinesh Alexander is a Consultant Orthopaedic and VELYS robotic-assisted knee surgeon practising at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn.

His clinical interests include knee replacement, unicompartmental knee replacement, knee arthroscopy and revision hip and knee surgery. He also works as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with East Lancashire Hospitals across Blackburn and Burnley and has held the role of Clinical Director for Trauma and Orthopaedics at East Lancashire Hospitals.

His experience covers both straightforward and more complex knee replacement procedures. This can be particularly relevant for patients who want to understand whether traditional or robotic-assisted surgery may be appropriate for their condition.

3. Mr Amit Shah

Mr Amit Shah is an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon practising at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn. His professional profile shows a particular interest in hip and knee surgery, including knee replacement and knee pain.

He has been involved in orthopaedics since 1998 and has extensive experience in the specialty. His Doctify profile also lists knee replacement and enhanced recovery knee replacement among his areas of expertise.

For someone looking for an experienced consultant to assess persistent knee pain or discuss whether knee replacement is appropriate, a detailed consultation is usually the best starting point rather than assuming surgery is automatically required.

4. Mr Ravi Goyal

Mr Ravi Goyal is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon based at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn. His specialist interest is knee surgery, and his published profile lists knee replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, meniscal surgery, ligament reconstruction and treatment for degenerative knee disorders.

He also has experience in ACL surgery and sports-related knee problems. His profile confirms that he works at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn, while National Joint Registry records show activity associated with Beardwood Private Hospital and Royal Blackburn Hospital.

This broad knee experience may be particularly relevant to patients whose symptoms are linked to sports injuries, ligament problems, meniscal damage or arthritis.

5. Mr Rajan Mohan

Mr Rajan Mohan is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn with more than 20 years of experience in orthopaedics and trauma.

His clinical interests include hip and knee arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee replacement. He also has experience with arthroscopic procedures.

His experience with revision arthroplasty can be particularly important for patients who have already undergone a joint replacement and are experiencing problems with an existing implant.

6. Mr Sriranga Kamath

Mr Sriranga Kamath is an experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialist interest in hip and knee surgery. He practises at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn.

His published clinical interests include primary total knee replacement, custom total knee replacement, revision total knee replacement, partial medial and lateral unicompartmental knee replacement, patellofemoral joint replacement and knee arthroscopy.

This range of experience means his profile may be relevant to patients who are exploring different forms of surgical knee replacement, particularly where the condition is more complex or only part of the knee is affected.

7. Mr Syed Awais Bokhari

Mr Syed Awais Bokhari is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon practising at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn. His specialist interests include hip and knee replacement surgery, including primary, complex and revision procedures.

He also performs keyhole knee surgery for sports-related injuries. His training included a fellowship at Wrightington Hospital, where he developed further experience in complex primary and revision joint surgery.

For patients who have already had a knee replacement and may require revision knee arthroplasty, or for those with a more complicated joint problem, discussing the full range of treatment options with a suitably experienced consultant can be important.

8. Mr Rizwan Arshad

Mr Rizwan Arshad is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn. His specialist training included a fellowship at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where he developed expertise in paediatric, adolescent and adult knee problems.

His clinical interests include soft tissue reconstruction, ligament problems, knee arthroscopy, knee replacement surgery and sports injuries. He is also involved in teaching and research and serves as an MSK lead at East Lancashire Hospitals.

His background can be particularly relevant for younger patients and those with ligament, soft tissue or sports-related knee conditions.

9. Mr Jonathan Barrow

Mr Jonathan Barrow is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who practises at The Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn. His listed specialties include knee surgery and treatment for knee arthritis.

His clinical interests include primary hip and knee replacement, including day-case surgery, as well as complex revision hip replacement. He also has experience in arthroplasty and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in the field.

For patients considering a knee replacement operation, understanding the reason for the procedure, expected benefits and possible recovery process is just as important as choosing the surgeon.

10. Mr Hans Marynissen

Mr Hans Marynissen is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon with a long-standing professional connection to East Lancashire. His NHS practice includes Blackburn, Burnley and Rossendale, and he also holds private practice privileges at The Beardwood Hospital.

He developed a specialist interest in shoulder and knee pathology through further fellowship training and has experience in knee replacement care. Current PHIN information reports patient feedback in which 100% of 64 respondents said they were extremely likely or likely to recommend him.

As with any consultant, patients should consider their own diagnosis, treatment requirements and personal preferences when deciding whether a particular surgeon is right for them.

How Do You Know If You Need Knee Replacement?

Not every painful knee needs surgery.

Knee pain can happen for many different reasons. Arthritis is one of the most common, but meniscal injuries, ligament problems, inflammation, previous injuries and other conditions can also cause symptoms.

If your knee swelled up and hurts, it is worth finding out why rather than immediately assuming that you need a knee replacement. Common knee swelling causes include injury, arthritis, inflammation and fluid build-up. Swelling can also occur behind the knee, sometimes resulting in a noticeable lump or tight feeling.

There are many possible puffy knees causes, so a proper assessment is important.

A knee specialist may examine the joint, ask about your symptoms and medical history, and arrange imaging such as an X-ray or MRI when appropriate. The aim is to understand what is actually causing the pain before recommending treatment.

Total Knee Replacement or Partial Knee Replacement?

One of the questions patients often ask is whether they need a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.

A total knee replacement replaces the damaged surfaces of the main parts of the knee joint. It may be considered when arthritis or damage affects several areas of the knee and symptoms have become severe enough to affect everyday life.

A partial uni knee replacement, also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement, is different. It replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee while preserving healthier parts of the joint.

However, not everyone is suitable for partial surgery. Partial knee replacement eligibility depends on factors such as where the arthritis is located, the condition of the remaining parts of the knee, ligament stability, symptoms and overall joint function.

That is why reading a partial knee replacement guide online can help you understand the basics, but it cannot replace an individual assessment by a knee specialist.

What About Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the knee through small incisions.

It may be used for certain meniscal, cartilage, ligament or other internal knee problems. Whether arthroscopy is appropriate depends on the underlying condition. It is not automatically the right treatment for every person with knee pain.

A good consultation should explain why a particular procedure is being suggested and whether non-surgical options should be considered first.

What Is Revision Knee Arthroplasty?

Sometimes a previous knee replacement develops a problem and further surgery becomes necessary. This may be referred to as revision knee arthroplasty.

Revision surgery can be more complex than a first knee replacement because the surgeon may need to deal with issues involving the existing implant, bone quality, instability, infection or wear.

For this reason, patients considering revision surgery should look for a consultant with appropriate experience in complex and revision joint replacement.

What Is the Knee Replacement Recovery Time?

There is no single answer to knee replacement recovery time because every patient is different.

Your age, general fitness, muscle strength, the condition of your knee before surgery, the type of procedure performed and your rehabilitation can all affect recovery.

Many people begin walking soon after surgery with support and gradually increase their activity. Physiotherapy and regular exercises are important parts of knee replacement recovery.

Rather than asking only, “How quickly will I recover?”, it can be more useful to ask your surgeon what recovery is likely to look like in your particular situation.

Choosing the Right Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon in Blackburn

Choosing between different knee orthopaedic surgeons is not simply about finding the person with the longest list of qualifications.

You should feel comfortable asking questions.

Ask what is causing your knee problem. Ask whether surgery is genuinely necessary. If replacement is recommended, ask why a total or partial replacement is more suitable for you. If you have already had surgery, ask what could be causing your current symptoms and whether revision surgery is necessary.

It is also reasonable to ask about expected knee replacement recovery, possible complications, rehabilitation and when you may be able to return to normal activities.

Most importantly, you should feel that your consultant has listened to you.

When Should You Seek Help for Knee Pain?

If knee pain is stopping you from walking normally, disturbing your sleep, making stairs difficult or preventing you from doing activities you previously enjoyed, it may be time to seek professional advice.

You should also speak to a healthcare professional if you have persistent swelling, repeated episodes of your knee giving way, locking, significant stiffness or pain that does not improve with reasonable self-care.

A swollen knee can have several causes, so getting an accurate diagnosis is more useful than simply treating the symptom.

Book an Appointment With Lancashire Hip & Knee Clinic

For people in Blackburn, Blackpool, Lancaster and across Lancashire, specialist assessment can help you understand what is happening inside your knee and what treatment options may be suitable.

Lancashire Hip & Knee Clinic provides specialist orthopaedic assessment and treatment for hip, knee and foot and ankle conditions. Professor Kuntal Patel is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a particular interest in lower limb surgery, including knee replacement and knee arthroscopy. The clinic’s Blackburn practice is based at The Beardwood Hospital.

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, have ongoing knee pain or want to understand whether a partial or total replacement may be appropriate, you can book an appointment for a professional assessment.

A consultation is not simply about deciding whether you need surgery. It is about understanding your knee, discussing your options and choosing a treatment approach that makes sense for you.

For many patients, having that conversation is the first step towards getting back to walking, working, exercising and enjoying everyday life with greater confidence.

Final Thoughts

There are several experienced knee specialists available to patients in Blackburn and the wider Lancashire area. The right choice will depend on your specific condition, the type of treatment you may need and the experience of the consultant in that particular area.

Whether you are researching total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, knee arthroscopy or revision surgery, do not feel pressured to make a decision based only on a name or online ranking.

Take the time to understand your diagnosis, ask questions and discuss your treatment options with a qualified orthopaedic specialist.

For patients looking for specialist knee care in Blackburn and across Lancashire, Lancashire Hip & Knee Clinic can provide an opportunity to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with Professor Kuntal Patel.

 

FAQs

1. How do I choose the right knee orthopaedic surgeon in Blackburn?

Look for a consultant with relevant experience in your specific knee condition and the treatment you may need. It is also important to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, expected results and recovery before making a decision.

2. When is a total knee replacement recommended?

A total knee replacement may be considered when severe knee arthritis or joint damage causes ongoing pain, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities, particularly when other treatments have not provided enough relief.

3. Am I suitable for a partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement eligibility depends on several factors, including where the damage is located, the condition of the other parts of your knee and the stability of your ligaments. Your surgeon can assess whether it is suitable for you.

4. How long does knee replacement recovery take?

Knee replacement recovery time varies from person to person. Many patients start walking with support soon after surgery, but returning to normal activities can take several weeks or longer depending on individual circumstances and rehabilitation.

5. What causes knee swelling and pain?

There are several possible knee swelling causes, including arthritis, injuries, inflammation and fluid build-up. Swelling behind the knee can also have different causes, so persistent or unexplained swelling should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

6. Can I avoid knee replacement surgery?

In some cases, knee replacement may not be necessary. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, treatment may include physiotherapy, exercise, medication, weight management or other non-surgical options. A knee specialist can help you understand which approach is appropriate for your condition.


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18/Jul/2025

Types of joint injections

 

Unfortunately, lots of patients suffer from painful joints. Pain in weight bearing joints like hips and knees is extremely common and may prove to be quite debilitating.

Joint pain often necessitates the need for clinical assessment and imaging studies (X-rays and/or MRI scans). Arthritis (wear and tear) of these joints is the commonest cause of joint pain. Other reasons for joint pain include inflammatory conditions, previous injury, ligament/tendon inflammation, etc.

Initial management of most of these conditions includes pain management, activity modification and exercises. If these fail to give any substantial benefit, joint injections have a role to play. Book an appointment at our clinic if you want to take any joint injections.

Joint injection has a role in a variety of situations including

  • Mild to moderate arthritis
  • Severe arthritis in young patient
  • To delay the need for any major surgical intervention
  • For short term benefit for important life events
  • For early recovery following sports injuries

Different types of injection therapies are available and their use is tailored based on the clinical indication. These include:

  • Corticosteroid injection – These injections help to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.  They are commonly used for arthritis.
  • Visco-supplementation injection (lubricant injection to replenish the joint fluid) – These injections generally help with joint lubrication, joint movement and reduce pain.
  • PRP injection (Platelet rich plasma injection) – PRP injections use the patient’s own blood platelets to promote heading and reduce inflammation.
  • Hydrogel (Arthrosamid injection – for long lasting pain relief) – This type of injection helps as a cushion and lubricant within the joint and thereby helps with pain relief.

Indications for the different types of injections vary and I generally help patient decide, which is likely to be most useful based on individual requirements.

Ready to take the next step toward better joint health? Book an appointment with Dr. Kuntal Patel today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common joint injection?

Corticosteroid injections are the most common joint injections. They are often used to relieve inflammation and pain in joints affected by arthritis, especially in knees, shoulders, hips, and smaller joints.

2. Which injection is used for joint pain?

Steroid (corticosteroid) injections are widely used to treat joint pain. They reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or bursitis. Relief may last weeks to months.

3. What is the best anti-inflammatory injection?

Corticosteroid injections are considered the best anti-inflammatory option for joint issues. They quickly reduce inflammation and pain in affected joints, offering relief from conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.

4. What is best for joint pain?

Treatment depends on the cause, but a combination of physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and lifestyle changes is effective. For severe pain, injections or surgery may be considered after medical evaluation.

 

Read More Blogs

Advances in Knee Replacement

Advances in Hip Replacement

Return to sports after ACL reconstruction surgery

Recovery Time After Knee Arthroscopy

Driving After Joint Replacement


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08/Jul/2025

Advances in Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is generally a very successful operation. Approximately 3.6 million knee replacements are carried out annually worldwide! Modern-day knee replacement surgery has transformed the lives of millions of people around the world.

Total knee replacement is typically performed for patients with arthritis of the knee.  It can also be performed for patients with knee injury,  post-traumatic arthritis, inflammatory conditions, etc.

Knee replacement surgery has seen significant advances over the years, improving patient outcomes and recovery times. Here are some key developments:

  • Minimally Invasive Techniques: Surgeons now use smaller incisions and advanced surgical techniques to reduce tissue damage and speed up recovery. This approach often results in less pain and shorter hospital stays. I routinely use this in my practice and find that the post-operative recovery is much less painful with reasonably quick return to normal life.
  • Improved Prosthesis: Modern knee implants are made from durable materials like highly engineered metal alloys, which offer better wear resistance and longevity. These materials help reduce the risk of implant failure and the need for revision surgery. The polyethylene bearing has also seen significant improvement in technology due to cross linking and gamma irradiation, improving the longevity.  Data from joint registries around the world show that the average survivorship of knee replacement is now in excess of 18-20 years.
  • Robotic-Assisted Surgery: The use of robotic systems in knee replacement surgery allows for greater precision in implant placement. This technology helps surgeons achieve optimal alignment and positioning, leading to better functional outcomes.
  • Enhanced Rehabilitation Protocols: Advances in rehabilitation techniques and protocols have improved post-surgery recovery. Patients now benefit from tailored exercise programs and physical therapy that promote faster healing and return to normal activities.  In my practice, patients are encouraged to mobilize full weight bearing on the day of the surgery and are generally able to walk with walking aids as well as manage stairs from the next day.
  • Pain Management: New pain management strategies, including regional anaesthesia and multimodal pain relief, have significantly reduced post-operative pain and discomfort. This allows patients to mobilize sooner and participate in rehabilitation activities.

These advancements have contributed to better overall outcomes for knee replacement patients, making the procedure safer and more effective. In my practice, the overall success rate following total knee replacement using modern techniques is more than 95%.

Concerned about your hip or knee? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kuntal Patel at the Lancashire Hip & Knee Clinic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of knee replacement is most successful?
Cemented total knee replacement is the most commonly used and successful type, offering strong fixation, excellent outcomes, and durability for most patients across various age groups and activity levels.
Book an appointment with Lancashire Hip and Knee Clinic and forget about your knee pain.

2. Are there any advances in knee replacement surgery?
Yes, recent advances include robotic-assisted surgery, patient-specific implants, minimally invasive techniques, and improved biomaterials that enhance precision, reduce recovery time, and increase implant longevity.

3. What is the lifespan of a knee replacement?
Most modern knee replacements last 15 to 20 years or more, depending on factors like activity level, weight, and implant type, with many patients enjoying long-term pain relief and mobility.

4. What is a smart knee replacement?
A smart knee replacement includes a sensor-enabled implant that collects data on motion, load, and activity, helping doctors monitor recovery and optimize outcomes through real-time insights.

5. What age is best for total knee replacement?
The ideal age for total knee replacement is typically between 60 and 70 years, balancing the need for pain relief with implant longevity and minimizing the chance of requiring revision surgery later.

 

Read More Blogs

Types of joint injections

Advances in Hip Replacement

Return to sports after ACL reconstruction surgery

Recovery Time After Knee Arthroscopy

Driving After Joint Replacement