As this year’s Orthopaedic Knee Conference is fast approaching this week, we talk to chairman Mike McNicholas about life as an orthopaedic surgeon, after he missed out on what was a great day of learning last year due to illness
OPN: As a specialist in knee surgery, could you tell us more about your experience and training background in this field?
MM: My day-to-day role is as a consultant soft tissue knee and trauma surgeon at the University Hospital Aintree, Major Trauma Centre for the Cheshire and Mersey Region, with a private practice held in Spire Cheshire and Manchester Hospitals.
After completing knee fellowships in Edinburgh, Switzerland, America and Japan, I was appointed as a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon in Warrington General Hospital (2001), specialising in knee surgery. I qualified from the Universities of St Andrews (BSc, 1986), Manchester (MB, ChB, 1989) and Dundee (MD, 2000).
My current research interests include stem cell applications in knee injury, outcomes following arthroplasty, ligament reconstruction, osteotomy, the treatment of focal articular cartilage defects and early arthritis using novel implants. I also focus on outcomes for complex trauma of the lower limb. I am taking over as Chair of the ICR’s Global Cartilage Registry and sit on the UK National Ligament Registry steering committee.
OPN: What do you hope the delegates will leave with at the end of the one-day conference?
MM: The delegates will see leaders in their respective fields giving a wide-ranging update of various aspects of current therapeutic interventions for knee pathologies and an informative look at the interesting work carried out by the Red Cross and NGMV medical charity in some of the most dangerous conflict environments in the world. They will leave the interactive, informative and enjoyable programme, enthused about the new options available for them to help patients they see in their clinical practice.
OPN: Who should attend the event?
MM: The event is open to all individuals involved in treating patients for knee pathology. It is suitable for experienced and newly-appointed consultants, trainees who are aspiring knee specialists and those with the exit exam looming.
Medical students with an interest in orthopaedics would be most welcome, too. Basic scientists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nursing staff would also enjoy the day.
OPN: How do you think the future looks in the field of orthopaedics and knee surgery?
MM: Improved material science, stem cell applications and ongoing research continue to keep orthopaedics the most exciting of surgical specialities, ensuring it will remain at the cutting-edge of surgery.
OPN: What drove you to choose surgery as a career – and orthopaedic surgery in particular?
MM: Sport has played a significant role in my life, I was a St Andrew’s University Blue in swimming and waterpolo and I have also played a great deal of rugby, volleyball and football. I recently survived a masters water polo tournament in Antwerp, just!
Given my