About Mr Karuppiah Mahalingam

Mr Karuppiah Mahalingam is an experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hip and knee surgery, with expertise in joint replacement, minimally invasive surgical techniques and revision procedures. Based at Mater Private Network in Cork, he has extensive experience treating patients with painful joint conditions, arthritis and mobility difficulties.

In addition to his work in Ireland, Mr Mahalingam provides orthopaedic surgery for Irish patients travelling to Spain with Healthcare Abroad under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive. Through this pathway, eligible Irish residents can access planned medical treatment abroad and be reimbursemed for medical treatment costs.

Mr Mahalingam can also provide pre-operative and post-operative consultations for patients travelling to Spain for surgery under the Directive, supporting them through the treatment process before their procedure and during their recovery. This helps patients benefit from specialist orthopaedic care while maintaining continuity of consultation and follow-up.

Educational & Professional Background

Mr Mahalingam began his medical studies at Madras University in India, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1977. He subsequently pursued further surgical training in Ireland, obtaining his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCS) in 1990.

He completed specialist training in general surgery and orthopaedics in Ireland, developing expertise in the assessment and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. Before moving into private practice, he worked as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Cork University Hospital for more than ten years, gaining extensive experience in orthopaedic surgery.

Special Fields of Expertise

• Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, including bikini hip replacement
• Total hip replacement and revision hip surgery
• Total knee replacement and revision knee surgery
• Treatment of arthritis and degenerative joint conditions
• Management of sports injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions

Training Summary

• Medical Degree (MBBS) — Madras University, India (1977)
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCS) — 1990
• Specialist Surgical Training — General Surgery and Orthopaedics, Ireland
• Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon — Cork University Hospital, for more than ten years
• Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon — Mater Private Network, Cork

Professional Career Summary

Mr Mahalingam developed his orthopaedic expertise through surgical training in Ireland and more than a decade working as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Cork University Hospital.He subsequently moved into private practice at Mater Private Network in Cork, where he specialises in hip and knee surgery. His clinical practice includes primary and revision joint replacement procedures, as well as arthroscopic surgery for selected hip and knee conditions.

He has a particular interest in minimally invasive hip replacement using the anterior approach, commonly referred to as bikini hip replacement. This technique is designed to minimise disruption to the surrounding muscles and may offer recovery advantages for suitable patients.

He has also been involved in the introduction of advanced technology in knee replacement surgery, including the ROSA robotic-assisted knee system at Mater Private Cork.

Surgical Innovation & Professional Involvement

Mr Mahalingam has developed significant expertise in minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery, particularly anterior approach hip replacement.His work with bikini hip replacement reflects an interest in techniques designed to reduce disruption to the surrounding soft tissues during surgery.

He has contributed to the adoption of technology-assisted knee replacement, including robotic-assisted systems that help surgeons plan and perform procedures with greater precision.His broad experience in hip and knee replacement, including revision surgery, enables him to assess a range of joint conditions and surgical needs.

Why Choose Mr Karuppiah Mahalingam?

Specialist Expertise in Hip & Knee Surgery
Mr Mahalingam specialises in hip and knee replacement surgery, including revision procedures for patients who require further surgical treatment following an earlier joint replacement.

Experience in Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
He has particular expertise in bikini hip replacement, an anterior approach to hip surgery designed to minimise disruption to the surrounding muscles. Suitability and recovery vary depending on each patient’s individual circumstances.

Extensive Orthopaedic Experience
His background includes more than ten years as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Cork University Hospital, followed by private practice at Mater Private Network in Cork.

Focus on Surgical Innovation
His experience includes the use of advanced techniques in hip replacement and involvement in the introduction of robotic-assisted knee replacement technology.

Individualised Treatment Approach
Hip and knee conditions can affect mobility, independence and quality of life. Mr Mahalingam’s expertise across different orthopaedic procedures supports the assessment of each patient’s condition and the consideration of an appropriate treatment plan.

Commitment to Restoring Mobility
His work in joint replacement and minimally invasive surgery focuses on treating painful joint conditions and helping patients work towards improved mobility and everyday function.