The indication
Clarify the problem the procedure addresses and the benefit sought in your circumstances.
Ask your professionalWhat are we aiming to achieve for me?
Published catalogue
Understand medical procedures
Move from a major medical family to a specialty, then to the clinical branch that helps you understand each intervention in context.
Medical procedures
Explore progressively by family, specialty and clinical branch — or use search and the alphabet for direct access.
Starting point · Spine & orthopaedics
Matching procedures
50 procedures
Orthopaedic Surgery · HipHip replacementHip replacement substitutes damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components to address pain and loss of function. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · KneeKnee replacementKnee replacement resurfaces damaged parts of the knee with prosthetic components after non-operative options have been assessed. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · Trauma and reconstructionArthroscopyArthroscopy introduces a camera through small incisions to inspect and, when indicated, treat structures inside a joint. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · HipRevision hip replacementRevision hip replacement removes or exchanges some or all previous components when wear, loosening, instability, fracture or infection requires reconstruction. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · HipHip arthroscopyHip arthroscopy uses a camera and small instruments to address selected labral, cartilage or impingement problems; traction and bony reshaping may be involved. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · HipHip preservation surgeryHip preservation surgery aims to improve joint mechanics without replacement through procedures such as periacetabular osteotomy or labral reconstruction. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · KneePartial knee replacementPartial knee replacement resurfaces one affected compartment while preserving other joint surfaces and ligaments when the pattern of damage permits. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · KneeRevision knee replacementRevision knee replacement exchanges previous components and may require augments, stems or bone reconstruction for loosening, wear, instability, fracture or infection. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · KneeKnee arthroscopy and meniscus surgeryKnee arthroscopy may repair or selectively trim a damaged meniscus and address selected loose bodies or cartilage lesions; preservation and resection have different pathways. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · KneeKnee ligament reconstructionKnee ligament reconstruction replaces or repairs an ACL, PCL or several stabilising ligaments using graft tissue and a procedure-specific rehabilitation plan. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · KneeKnee alignment and patellar surgeryKnee osteotomy or patellar stabilisation changes load distribution or kneecap tracking; bone cuts, fixation and soft-tissue procedures may be combined. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · KneeKnee cartilage restorationCartilage restoration covers microfracture, osteochondral grafting and cell-based implantation for selected focal defects; these differ from treatment of widespread arthritis. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · ShoulderShoulder replacementShoulder replacement substitutes selected joint surfaces with anatomical, reverse or partial components according to bone, tendon and joint function. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · ShoulderShoulder arthroscopyShoulder arthroscopy uses a camera to evaluate and treat selected tendon, labral, bursal or joint problems, sometimes combined with an open procedure. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · ShoulderRotator cuff repairRotator cuff repair reattaches selected torn tendons to bone using sutures and anchors; tear size, tissue quality and protection influence rehabilitation. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · ShoulderShoulder stabilizationShoulder stabilisation repairs or reconstructs labrum, capsule or bone to address recurrent instability; Bankart repair and bone-block procedures are distinct. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · Elbow, wrist and handElbow replacement or arthroscopyElbow replacement and elbow arthroscopy serve different problems: one substitutes joint surfaces, while the other treats selected intra-articular conditions through small portals. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Orthopaedic Surgery · Elbow, wrist and handUlnar nerve decompressionUlnar nerve decompression releases pressure around the nerve at the elbow and may include moving it to a new position; sensation and muscle recovery vary. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.
Before deciding
Understand a procedure before considering it
A procedure page helps you understand an intervention. Its suitability for you is discussed with a professional, considering your circumstances, the options and what matters in your life.
Understand the purpose. Explore the options. Prepare what comes next.
The alternatives
Consider other options and the possible consequences of waiting or having no intervention.
Ask your professionalWhat other possibilities should we discuss?
Preparation
Share your medicines and medical history. Clarify the tests and instructions appropriate to the planned procedure.
Ask your professionalWhat individual instructions should I receive before my appointment?
What happens
Ask about the steps, the team and, where relevant, the anaesthesia.
Ask your professionalWhat will actually happen during the procedure?
Aftercare and recovery
Plan support at home, appointments and the return to activities with your care team.
Ask your professionalWhat follow-up should be arranged after discharge?
Risks and complications
Ask about risks relevant to you, uncertainties and what to do if difficulties arise.
Ask your professionalWho should I contact and which signs mean I should seek help?
Your questions, ready for the consultation
Write down your priorities and anything that remains unclear. Ask for explanations in a language you understand.
- What benefit can I reasonably expect?
- What might change the decision?
- Which documents and contacts should I keep afterwards?
These pointers help you prepare a discussion with a professional. They do not establish an individual indication or a preparation or recovery protocol.
Sources and reading context
NHS resources in English. The surgery pages address surgical procedures; arrangements for other procedures should be clarified with the relevant team. Local processes may differ.
- Discussing surgery with a specialist NHS · Seeing a specialist — Having an operation (surgery)
- Preparing for surgery NHS · Before surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Planning aftercare and discharge NHS · After surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Understanding consent to treatment NHS · Consent to treatment
Sources accessed on 14 September 2026
Continue with the right medical context.
Compare the related specialty and use the Guide to understand destinations, preparation and the questions to ask a professional.