Deepu Sethi: Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon in London

Training and experience

Mr Deepu Sethi qualified at University College London Medical School and completed his specialist orthopaedic training at Oswestry and Birmingham. He also undertook subspecialty fellowship training in Australia and the UK, which was focused on knee sports injuries and joint reconstruction.

Mr Sethi was appointed as Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon at Homerton University Hospital, where he is the lead surgeon for knee and joint replacement surgery. In addition to his clinical role, he is an active surgical trainer and educational supervisor.

Mr Sethi collects data on the outcome of his surgery and registers his patients on the National Ligament Registry. For patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, he uses validated scoring systems to help improve patient outcomes.

Patient-centred care

Mr Sethi takes a patient-centred approach to orthopaedic care. He takes the time to understand each patient’s lifestyle, needs and demands and makes sure that they are fully involved in the decision-making process; his role is to give his patients realistic expectations about different treatment options and then to deliver the treatment plan in the best way possible.

Following surgery, Mr Sethi ensures that his patients are fully supported with a personalised treatment plan. In partnership with specialist physiotherapists, he and his team are on hand to ensure that patients meet their rehabilitation targets. Mr Sethi’s patients also have access to a customised mobile app to guide them through their treatment and recovery from surgery.

Treatments

Mr Deepu Sethi treats the full spectrum of knee problems, from sport injuries in the professional adult to knee arthritis in the senior population. Treatments available include:

Conditions

Meniscal tear

There are two rings of cartilage in the knee, found between the bones of the knee joint, called the meniscus, which act as a “shock absorber” in the knee. Tears to the meniscus cartilage are very common and rarely heals by themselves. Meniscal tears can be repaired by key hole surgery (arthroscopy), however it is important to bear in mind that not all meniscal tears can be repaired, and many do not require surgery.

Where surgery is indicated, Mr Sethi will always try to preserve the meniscal tissues, stitching and repairing the meniscus, this can relieve pain and also prevent further development of arthritis. In the case of a non-repairable tear, Mr Sethi will preserve as much meniscal tissue as possible and will trim and contour the area of the tear such that it has a lower risk of tearing further over time.

ACL injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments of the knee. Tears to the ACL are commonly caused by pivoting or twisting and can result in knee instability.

Mr Sethi offers comprehensive assessment of ACL injuries, including 3T MRI scanning. Some ACL injuries can be treated conservatively with a supervised physiotherapy led rehabilitation programme. However, patients who continue to experience knee instability, or who wish to continue participating in pivoting sports such as football, netball and basketball, will often require a surgical reconstruction of the ACL.

Mr Sethi performs ACL reconstructions using modern techniques and by keyhole surgery (arthroscopically). His technique involves using the patient’s own tissues to reconstruct the ligament. Mr Sethi discuss all graft options with his patients prior to surgery. In line with modern practice, the reconstruction graft is placed more anatomically than in the past to provide better stability for the knee.

Knee arthritis

Knee arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition. Mr Sethi offers a wide range of techniques to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

In the first instance, Mr Sethi will try and treat patients non-surgically, if appropriate, using procedures such as hyaluronic acid or PRP injections. When surgery is indicated, Mr Sethi uses joint preservation surgical techniques and knee osteotomy, where possible, to delay the need for joint replacement surgery.

In patients with severe end stage knee arthritis, the main form of treatment is knee replacement surgery. Mr Sethi offers both partial and total knee replacement surgery and is fully trained in the NAVIO® Surgical System for Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery.

Patella (kneecap) instability

In general, when the knee cap dislocates more than once or continues to feel unstable, Mr Sethi would discuss potential surgical treatment to prevent pain, instability and future degeneration in the joint. Procedures he offers to stabilise the kneecap are medial patella-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and, for selected patients, tibial tubercule osteotomy or trochleoplasty.

Articular cartilage injuries

Cartilage is a smooth substance that covers the ends of the bones, allowing the knee to move in a fluid, painless manner. Damage to the cartilage causes pain and swelling. Over time, this process will continue to progress leading to a complete loss of cartilage, exposing the bone and resulting in arthritis. For this reason, it is important to address a cartilage injury as soon as it occurs.

Mr Sethi is highly experienced in the treatment of articular cartilage damage, offering a range of cutting-edge techniques:

MCL Injuries

The most common knee ligament injury is an injury to the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL). There are three grades of MCL tear and the majority can be treated non-surgically and with a structured rehabilitation programme. There are, however, some cases where surgery may be recommended.

The use of a MCL protective knee brace is often recommended whether the injury is treated with or without surgery. It is recommended that this be fitted by a brace specialist who fully understands the patient’s goals and will correctly fit a MCL brace which is durable enough for the patient’s desired activity levels.

PCL/LCL/PLC injuries

Mr Sethi provides accurate assessment and a full range of treatment options, including ligament reconstruction, for injuries to the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) and Postero-Lateral Corner (PLC).

Consultation

Mr Sethi is available for private consultation at OneWelbeck Orthopaedics and The London Clinic in London’s Harley Street District, LycaHealth Canary Wharf in Docklands, Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s in the City of London and Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital in Essex.

Research interests

Mr Sethi is actively involved with research and teaching both nationally and internationally.

Memberships and associations

• British Orthopaedic Association
• British Association for Surgery of the Knee
• Royal Society of Medicine
• British Orthopaedic Sports Trauma and Arthroscopy Association
• Royal College of Surgeons of England

Testimonials

Read testimonials from Mr Sethi's patients.