Mr Maurice Neligan on Joint Repairs & Replacements on RTÉ Radio 1

Mr Maurice Neligan talks about Joint Repairs & Replacements on RTÉ Radio 1

Yesterday evening, Mr Maurice Neligan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Beacon Hospital, joined Anna Geary on Supercharged on RTÉ Radio 1. Mr Neligan discussed joint repairs and replacements, answered listener questions and shared his expert insight. Joint pain impacts many people as they age.

Mr Neligan spoke about why joint replacement surgery may become necessary, emphasising that surgery is always a decision focused on improving quality of life. For many patients this may include shoulder joint replacement surgery, hip replacement options, or knee replacement procedures, depending on which joint is affected.

For most patients, the journey begins long before surgery, often starting with their GP, physiotherapy and pain management. Mr Neligan explains non-operative treatments are always explored first, with surgery considered only when symptoms significantly impact daily life.

He discussed that there is no such thing as a “typical” patient. Every individual’s circumstances are unique, with factors such as genetics, previous sports injuries, lifestyle and overall health all playing a role. Mr Neligan also said that alternatives such as pain injections can often be effective, and that surgery is only recommended when it is the right option for that patient.

Anna Geary and Mr Neligan discussed joint replacement prevention. While genetics cannot be changed, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active are key to protecting joint health. As Mr Neligan explained, exercise is medicine and remains one of the most effective tools we have for long-term joint health.

Finally, Mr Neligan spoke honestly about recovery, reminding listeners that joint replacement surgery is a commitment, as rehabilitation takes time, effort and patience.

You can listen back to the full interview on RTÉ Radio 1 here.

Mr Maurice Neligan is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Director of Orthopaedics at Beacon Hospital. Mr Neligan completed the Irish Specialist Training Programme in Orthopaedic Surgery in 2005 and was awarded a CCST and the FRCSI (tr& Orth). He then went on to complete a Specialist Fellowship in the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic in the University of Western Ontario. 

Mr Neligan’s interests are in sports surgery of the knee and shoulder, arthroscopic surgery, knee preservation surgery, and hip and knee arthroplasty. He also has a major interest in trauma surgery in the area of hip, knee, and shoulder.