Knee Surgeon Central Coast
Expert in Mako RoboticKnee Replacement
Dr John Limbers is a knee surgeon consulting on the Central Coast at North Gosford and Kanwal. His current knee practice is focused on osteoarthritis, Mako robotic partial and total knee replacement, and selected revision knee replacement surgery.
Dr John Limbers
MBBS (Hons 1) · BSc (Med) · FRACS · FAOrthA
Experience
25+ years
of orthopaedic surgical experience
Hip & knee replacements
5,000+
completed
Mako robotic procedures
3,000+
Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements
Knee arthritis on the Central Coast
Knee arthritis commonly causes pain with walking, stairs and standing from a chair, together with stiffness, swelling and reduced confidence in the joint.
As arthritis progresses, some people gradually reduce their walking, exercise and social activities without realising how much their day-to-day life has changed.
Not every painful knee needs surgery and not every arthritic knee needs a total knee replacement. Dr Limbers assesses the location and severity of arthritis, ligament function, alignment, symptoms and previous non-surgical treatment before recommending the most appropriate next step.
About Dr Limbers
Dr Limbers has completed more than 5,000+ hip and knee replacements over a career spanning more than 25+ years.
He was the first surgeon in New South Wales to perform a Mako robotic total knee replacement outside pre-release clinical assessments and has used robotic technology for knee replacement since its early availability in Australia.
He also contributed to the RASKAL Study Group, the Australian registry-nested randomised trial comparing robotic-assisted with computer-navigated knee replacement and functional with mechanical alignment. The trial adds an important evidence-based perspective to the way he discusses the advantages and limitations of robotic assistance.
Areas of Expertise
What Dr Limbers assesses and treats.
Knee osteoarthritis affecting one or more compartments
Persistent knee pain, stiffness, swelling or loss of walking tolerance despite non-surgical treatment
Isolated compartment arthritis where partial knee replacement may be considered
More widespread arthritis where total knee replacement may be appropriate
Pain, stiffness or instability after a previous knee replacement
Loosening, wear, infection, fracture or other mechanical problems affecting a knee replacement
Key Operations Performed
Key operations performed.
- Mako assisted
Mako Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the compartment affected by arthritis and preserves the unaffected parts of the knee, including the cruciate ligaments where they remain healthy. It is suitable only for a selected group of patients, so accurate diagnosis and patient selection are particularly important.
- Mako assisted
Mako Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is generally used when arthritis affects multiple compartments. Dr Limbers combines CT-based Mako planning with assessment of ligament tension and knee movement to individualise the plan before the bone is prepared.
- Mako assisted
Mako Revision Total Knee Replacement
Revision surgery may be required where a previous knee replacement has loosened, worn, become unstable, stiff, infected or otherwise failed. Because pain after knee replacement can also come from the hip, spine or surrounding soft tissues, Dr Limbers first works to establish a clear cause before revision is considered.
About Mako Robotic Surgery for the Knee
Mako uses a CT scan to build a three-dimensional model of the knee before surgery.
During the operation, the model is matched to the patient’s anatomy and Dr Limbers can assess alignment, movement and ligament tension before finalising the implant plan.
The robotic arm then assists with bone preparation within planned boundaries. Robotic assistance improves the accuracy and consistency with which the plan is executed. In the RASKAL trial, robotic assistance was not superior to computer navigation for patient-reported outcomes at two years, although it was associated with intraoperative differences including shorter operating time and better preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament.
About Gosford Private Hospital for Knee Surgery
Dr Limbers performs Central Coast knee replacement surgery at Gosford Private Hospital.
The hospital has 12 modern operating theatres, with orthopaedic theatres specifically equipped for joint replacement and other orthopaedic procedures.
Gosford Private introduced Mako technology to the Central Coast and has an established robotic joint replacement program. Orthopaedic patients are cared for on a dedicated ward by nursing staff supported by physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists.
The hospital also provides on-site orthopaedic rehabilitation, with inpatient and day programs, a gymnasium and hydrotherapy pool. This can be useful for patients who require more support after knee replacement, although many people can return home with an appropriate outpatient rehabilitation plan.
Key Orthopaedic Surgical Experience
Which treatment fits the knee in front of him.
First surgeon in NSW to perform a Mako robotic total knee replacement outside pre-release clinical assessments
Contributor to the RASKAL trial of robotic-assisted knee replacement
More than 3,000+ Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements
Partial, total and revision knee replacement within a focused hip and knee practice
Dr Limbers’ experience allows the consultation to focus on which treatment fits the knee in front of him. A patient with isolated compartment arthritis may be considered for partial replacement; a patient with more widespread disease may require total replacement; and some patients are best managed without surgery.
Consulting Locations
On the Central Coast
North Gosford
Gosford Private Consulting Suites
Suite 4, 12 Jarrett Street
North Gosford NSW 2250Kanwal
Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital
corner Pacific Highway and Craigie Avenue
Kanwal NSW 2259
Book an Appointment Today
Appointments are available at North Gosford and Kanwal for knee arthritis, partial or total knee replacement, and assessment of a painful or failed previous knee replacement. Dr Limbers performs private knee surgery at Gosford Private Hospital.
For Central Coast appointment enquiries, call 0424 992 259. The practice sees privately insured patients, self-funded uninsured patients and eligible DVA patients.