Samknee Ltd logo — Mr Sam Nahas, consultant knee surgeon in Reading
    Mr Sam NahasConsultant Knee Surgeon

    For GPs — Referral Guidance & Rapid Access

    GP speaking with a patient during a consultation, seated in a clinic room

    Why Refer to Mr Sam Nahas

    • Appointments within a week for new knee referrals (injury or degenerative)
    • Imaging within 7 days (X-ray/MRI/CT/US; long-leg alignment when indicated)
    • Plan within one week of first contact: non-operative pathway or surgery when appropriate
    • Fee-assured for insured patients; clear self-pay pricing for others
    • Knee-only consultant covering ligament, meniscus, cartilage, osteotomy, and arthroplasty

    When to Refer Urgently

    Within a week / soon (non-A&E)

    • •Suspected ACL rupture with instability, repairable meniscal tear (locking/catching), osteochondral injury
    • •PCL
    • •MCL
    • •Patella dislocation (especially first-time with effusion/fragment concern)

    Same day to A&E (not clinic)

    • •Suspected septic arthritis, neurovascular compromise, or acute fracture/dislocation
    • •Recent knee dislocation or multi-ligament injury, even if the knee has gone back in (risk of popliteal artery injury)
    • •Acute extensor mechanism rupture (quadriceps/patellar tendon): unable to straight-leg raise after injury
    • •Knee locked after injury and unable to straighten

    What to Include in Your Referral

    • •Presenting complaint, mechanism/date of onset, red flags
    • •Functional impact (stairs, night pain, instability, locking)
    • •Relevant PMH (cardiac, diabetes, DVT/PE history), current meds (especially anticoagulants), allergies, BMI, smoking
    • •Any prior physiotherapy, braces, injections, or surgery
    • •Imaging available (attach reports)
    • •Patient preference (non-operative vs. surgical discussion, sport timelines)

    How to refer: Secure email or letter, please contact Mr Nahas' practice manager for details.

    Refer a Patient

    Imaging Guidance (Primary Care)

    • •X-ray (first-line for pain/arthritis): weight-bearing AP, lateral, and skyline views
    • •MRI (injury/locking/instability): we can organise rapidly; no need to delay referral if MRI access is limited
    • •Ultrasound: peri-patellar/tendon issues; US-guided injections available

    Mr Nahas is happy to triage and arrange appropriate imaging directly.

    Typical Pathway & Timelines

    1. 1.Consultation (history, examination, goals)
    2. 2.Imaging arranged within 7 days if required
    3. 3.
      Diagnosis & plan agreed within a week:
      • •Non-operative: education, physiotherapy, bracing, steroid injections, and HA or PRP injections if appropriate
      • •Operative: arthroscopy/meniscal repair, ACL/MPFL, HTO/DFO, UKR/TKR, or revision as indicated
    4. 4.Communication to GP: clinic letter summarising diagnosis, plan, and safety-netting

    Surgical Access & Safety

    • •Surgery scheduled as soon as safe, subject to pre-operative assessment (often the rate-limiting step)
    • •Patients complete 5-day antibacterial skin washes pre-op
    • •Enhanced recovery pathways; clear post-op instructions and follow-up

    Fees & Insurance

    • Insured: fee-assured with major UK insurers

    Contact

    If you'd like informal advice on a case, send a brief summary and we'll respond with suggested next steps.

    Refer a PatientBook a Consultation Within a Week