Ciaran Thrush Orthopaedic Surgeon

16/07/2026

Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is an addition to ACL reconstruction that has been shown to improve rotational stability and potentially decrease graft re-rupture rates in high risk patients.

It’s gaining popularity but is it for everyone? There is evidence of complications associated with LET (especially depending on the technique used) and some differences in recovery and so it’s probably not appropriate for use in everyone.

I’ve been using LET since 2017 in patients with a high risk of re-injury: adolescents, elite athletes, revision operations or those with residual feelings of instability despite an intact, well positioned graft. It certainly has its place in the toolbox of the ACL surgeon, but like any treatment, dose titration is important and it doesn’t take away the need for a good ACL reconstruction as the primary treatment!

https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2026/mar/clinical/clinical03/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13018-025-05880-3

Introduction Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is a surgical technique that can be used in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), improving rotational stability and reducing the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) re-rupture. However, as with any surgical proce...

25/06/2026

Another milestone for joint replacement in Hawkes Bay. My team and I were the first to perform robotic assisted total knee replacement, partial knee replacement and total hip replacement here and today we because the first surgical team to perform 100 robotic assisted cases in Hawkes Bay!

Thanks to my team and to Stryker for supporting me in the expansion of this technology in Hawkes Bay. Here’s to the next 100!

13/06/2026

I’ve just been to the Stryker DART Advanced course - another well run and organised lab designed to refine and streamline the use of robotics in direct anterior approach hip replacement. Amazing faculty with lots of helpful conversation, insights and practical tips.

30/05/2026

What is robotic hip replacement?

Performing a hip replacement with the aid of robotic technology allows increased accuracy, efficiency and customization of surgery for each and every patient. It uses state of the art software and hardware to help your surgeon combine powerful preoperative planning with intraoperative accuracy.

Your surgery is planned on highly accurate CT scans to allow customization to your individual anatomy, then your surgeon executes that plan with robotic tools to ensure that plan is reproduced exactly. Your surgeon is still the one in control and is performing every step of your operation.

When combined with modern approaches such as the supine direct anterior approach, it can result in the best possible outcome for your individual problem.

Ciaran Thrush is the only surgeon to offer this technique for hip replacement in Hawkes Bay. Contact us to see if it is right for you.

Ciaran Thrush Orthopaedic Surgeon. ACL Rupture Surgery. Robotic Direct Anterior Hip Replacement. Robotic Knee Replacement. Hawkes Bay.

30/05/2026

What is direct anterior hip replacement?

Direct anterior hip (DAA) replacement is a technique for performing hip replacement using a muscle sparing approach. It has gained popularity because the initial recovery is typically faster than other surgical approaches, with less pain and restriction compared to other techniques. It is typically attractive to people seeking a rapid recovery to function following hip replacement. Hospital stays are shorter, initial pain levels lower, and time on crutches shorter than some other approaches.

DAA hip replacement can be performed in a way that doesn’t restrict the type of implant that can be used, and can easily incorporate technology such as x-ray, navigation or robotics into the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome. This means that we can use the best approach and the best implant for your individual disease. We use robotic techniques for appropriate patients to improve accuracy in implant placement.

Like any surgical technique, DAA is not suitable for everyone. Some anatomical factors make it unsuitable for certain people and there are risks specific to DAA, all of which can be discussed at your consultation to establish if DAA is appropriate for you.

Ciaran Thrush has experience performing hip replacement via all the major approaches, including DAA and using robotic technology, so he can advise you and together you can choose what is best.

https://www.ctortho.co.nz

Ciaran Thrush Orthopaedic Surgeon. ACL Rupture Surgery. Robotic Direct Anterior Hip Replacement. Robotic Knee Replacement. Hawkes Bay.