Knee surgeon in Toulouse: sports trauma, osteoarthritis and knee surgery
Professor Étienne Cavaignac, knee surgeon and sports trauma specialist in Toulouse, supports you at every stage of your care, from the first symptom to a full return to activity.
+1000
Surgeries/year
+450
LCA reconstructions/year
+250
Publications
A knee specialist who listens
A knee specialist and university professor at Toulouse University Hospital, Professor Cavaignac devotes his entire practice to knee conditions, from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and meniscal tears to osteoarthritis and joint replacement.
With more than 1,000 knee procedures performed each year and close to 250 international scientific publications to his name, he combines the academic rigour of a university professor with the day-to-day clinical experience of a high-volume operator.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that knee surgeons with higher case volumes achieve better patient outcomes, including lower infection rates, fewer post-operative complications and a greater range of motion after surgery.
Whether your concern is a recent sports injury, persistent pain that returns with effort or progressive arthritis that begins to limit your daily life, every step of your care is anticipated and coordinated within the Knee Augmented Care Experience (Knee-ACE) framework. From the initial consultation through to the final rehabilitation milestone, your pathway is built around your objectives, your activity level and the real condition of your joint, with the goal of restoring lasting, painless mobility.
Choose the situation closest to yours
Areas of expertise of your knee surgery specialist
Sport and trauma
Returning to sport, feeling at ease under effort
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, with a protocol that includes the prevention of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI).
- A strategy tailored to your specific sport and level.
- A gradual return to activity guided by an expert team.
Arthritis and mobility
Easing pain, protecting your joint
- Understanding the pain that is specific to you
- Having a real choice between progressive options that preserve movement
- Making an informed decision in full confidence
International patients
Choosing a recognised expert
- An internationally recognised knee reference, consulted by patients from around the world
- Exceptional care, from the first exchange through to your return home
- A bespoke coordinated pathway designed to limit your travel
A structured continuum of care
Knee-ACE, the knee care experience redesigned
From the first symptom to recovery, with clear milestones.
Understanding
Decide
Take action if necessary
Recover + tracking
Working with a dedicated knee expert means more than booking an operation. From the first symptom to full recovery, Professor Cavaignac offers a continuous care journey, shaped around your individual condition.
The Knee Augmented Care Experience (aka Knee-ACE) rests on a simple observation: a good surgical outcome depends as much on what happens before and after the procedure as on the operation itself.
Consultation, imaging review, shared decision-making, anaesthesia, hospital stay, rehabilitation and return to activity form a chain in which every link matters.
This approach guides the daily practice of your orthopaedic knee surgeon: close coordination with physiotherapists trained to his protocols, remote follow-up between appointments, regular exchanges with sports physicians, GPs and other clinicians involved in your care. You are never on your own between two stages. This continuity reduces the risk of complications, accelerates functional recovery and improves long-term outcomes.
The typical stages of your continuum of care
| Step | Objective | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | First contact | Teleconsultation or in-person appointment, review of imaging and reports, careful listening to your situation. |
| 02 | Diagnosis and options | Clinical examination, interpretation of MRI or X-rays, presentation of the suitable solutions. |
| 03 | Shared decision | Conservative care, surgery or rehabilitation: the choice is built with you, in line with your objectives. |
| 04 | Preparing for the procedure | Anaesthetic consultation and, when indicated, pre-rehabilitation physiotherapy. |
| 05 | Surgery | Operation performed during a short hospital stay or as a day-case procedure. |
| 06 | Guided rehabilitation | A personalised protocol shared with your physiotherapist. |
| 07 | Remote follow-up and gradual return | Review of every key milestone until you return to sport or daily activity. |
01
Research and publications
Insights into Professor Cavaignac’s work
Professor Cavaignac is the author of more than 250 publications in international peer-reviewed journals. This research activity directly informs the treatment choices he proposes in consultation, ensuring that the techniques offered to you reflect current best practice.
02
For surgeons
Collaboration between peers
Professor Cavaignac regularly works with other surgeons, sports physicians, physiotherapists and research teams across France and internationally. Referring a patient for a specialist opinion, discussing a complex case or collaborating on a protocol is part of his everyday practice.
03
Practical information
Preparing your consultation
From booking your appointment to the day of the consultation itself, you are guided step by step. Every stage is anticipated so that you can focus on what truly matters, your care, without having to manage the logistics of your visit on your own.
Insights into Professor Cavaignac’s work
Choosing a knee joint doctor requires trust, and trust is also built through the experience of others. Fellow surgeons, sports physicians, physiotherapists and operated patients share their perspectives on the care Professor Cavaignac provides.
Thank you to him and the nursing staff! One drawback is the very short hospital stay (2025), especially considering the time it took to return home.
If you have knee problems, consult Professor Cavaignac.
Exceptional care was provided from the first appointment, where everything was explained to us very clearly.
The surgery was scheduled and performed under optimal conditions in the Pierre Paul Riquet outpatient department, where everyone was very attentive.
Both before and after the operation, a monitoring platform provides very precise support for the patient, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
I highly recommend Professor Cavaignac for his expertise and professionalism, as well as the entire team for their excellent care.
A truly professional who listens to his patients.
Consultations were to the point and informative and the operation went swimmingly – it was one week ago and I’ve already managed to start walking slowly without crutches.
The most useful thing I found, though, was the Doctor’s almost immediate correspondence per email – always answering any questions or queries that might pop into my mind pre and post-op very quickly. This really put me at ease when worrying about my knee.
Frequently Asked Questions
The essential answers before booking your appointment with a specialist in knee problems. Each question reflects what patients most often want to clarify before taking the next step.
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When should I see a knee surgeon?
Several signals should prompt a consultation: pain that persists beyond a few weeks, a knee that swells, locks or gives way, instability after a sports injury, or a progressive loss of mobility. -
Is knee surgery always necessary?
No. The decision depends on the precise diagnosis, your symptoms, your age and your personal goals. -
How do I choose the right knee surgeon?
Favour a surgeon whose activity is centred on the knee, with a high annual case volume for the specific condition that concerns you. -
When can we start exercising again?
A teleconsultation takes place after your imaging (MRI, X-rays) and reports have been transmitted. -
What are the waiting times and how is care funded?
Waiting times for an appointment vary according to the reason for consultation and the clinical urgency. -
Does Professor Cavaignac treat patients from abroad?
Yes, Professor Cavaignac treats international patients and offers a dedicated care pathway.
Move forward with confidence, starting today
Pain that is settling in, a recent injury or simply the need for a second opinion: every situation deserves a clear analysis before any decision is made.