Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure, aimed at relieving pain and enhancing mobility. It involves replacing a damaged knee joint with a high-quality artificial one.

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure, aimed at relieving pain and enhancing mobility. It involves replacing a damaged knee joint with a high-quality artificial one.

Surgery at a Glance

Knee Replacement at a Glance

Surgery Waiting Time:

2 weeks

Procedure Time:

1 - 2 hours

Hospital Stay:

1 night

Light Activities:

6 - 12 weeks

Fully Recovered:

12 months

Knee Replacement in Detail

Experiencing knee discomfort is not uncommon, with many of us encountering occasional twinges of pain or stiffness. However, when this impacts your daily life, considering knee replacement surgery might be beneficial. This procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage and replacing your knee bone with a bespoke joint, potentially enhancing your quality of life and mobility.

Our knees endure a great deal over our lifetimes. Regular wear and tear, along with any previous injuries, can lead to discomfort and stiffness. Fortunately, knee replacement surgery can be a significant help. Here’s how it can benefit you:

  • Increased mobility
  • Decreased pain and stiffness
  • Long-lasting, durable implants
  • Improved overall quality of life

While every surgical procedure carries its own set of risks and potential side effects, it’s important to be informed. Knee replacement surgery, although generally safe, includes risks such as:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding within the knee joint
  • Damage to ligaments, arteries, or nerves
  • Artificial joint failure
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Fracture or dislocation
  • Excessive bone formation or scar tissue buildup
  • Numbness or stiffness

Before the surgery, you’ll typically receive a general anaesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free. The procedure involves making an incision at the front of your knee, reshaping the bone to fit the prosthetic replacement, and fitting the new joint. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours, followed by a short hospital stay for recovery.

The specifics of your knee replacement surgery will depend on the type of procedure you undergo. Options include: 

  • Total Knee Replacement: Replacement of the entire knee joint with an artificial one. 
  • Partial Knee Replacement: Replacement of either the inside or outside parts of the knee, often used for those with injuries. 
  • Bilateral Knee Replacement: Simultaneous replacement of both knees. 

Recovery from knee replacement is a significant process, and our dedicated team will support you every step of the way. Recovery time varies, but you’ll be encouraged to move your knee soon after the operation. We’ll provide pain medication, physiotherapy exercises, and continuous support to ensure a smooth recovery.

Knee Replacement in Detail

What is a Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that helps alleviate pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. This surgery involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.

Types of Knee Replacement

The specifics of your knee replacement surgery will depend on the type of procedure you undergo. Options include: 

Total Knee Replacement: Replacement of the entire knee joint with an artificial one. 
Partial Knee Replacement: Replacement of either the inside or outside parts of the knee, often used for those with injuries. 
Bilateral Knee Replacement: Simultaneous replacement of both knees. 

The primary reason for hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain that can’t be controlled by other treatments. Conditions leading to this include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, and hip injuries. Severe pain from these conditions can interfere with daily activities, such as walking, sitting, or even resting.

Prosthesis Materials: The artificial hip components can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and ceramic. These materials are chosen based on their durability, compatibility with the body, and the patient’s activity level.

Types of Hip Replacements: There are different types of hip replacement surgeries:

    • Total Hip Replacement: The most common type, where both the acetabulum (hip socket) and the femoral head (thigh bone’s upper end) are replaced.
    • Partial Hip Replacement: Involves replacing only the femoral head.
    • Hip Resurfacing: A less invasive procedure where the surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal covering.

Living with a hip affected by arthritis or injury can severely limit your freedom of movement and cause persistent pain or stiffness. Hip replacement surgery can be a life-changing solution. Here are some of the benefits you might experience:

  • Substantial pain relief
  • Increased mobility
  • Durable and long-lasting results
  • An overall enhanced quality of life

While hip replacement surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it does carry certain risks. These can include infection, hip dislocation, fracture, alterations in leg length, inflammation, fluid buildup, and blood clots. Although these complications are rare, we take comprehensive measures to minimize these risks.

Your hip replacement will typically begin with either general or spinal anaesthesia. The procedure includes making an incision, preparing the hipbone, fitting the artificial joint, and then closing the incision. The entire process usually takes about 2 hours, followed by at least one night’s stay in the hospital for recovery.

The specific details of your hip replacement will depend on the type of surgery you undergo. The various types include:

  • Total Hip Replacement: The most common form, replacing the entire hip joint.
  • Partial Hip Replacement: Involves replacing just the femoral head, often used post-hip fracture.
  • Hip Resurfacing: Aimed at relieving pain from cartilage loss, this involves resurfacing the natural joint.
  • Bilateral Hip Replacement: Replaces both hips simultaneously, potentially reducing overall recovery time but requiring intensive post-surgery physiotherapy.

Recovery from hip replacement is a major process, and our dedicated team will be there to support you every step of the way. The total recovery time varies but can take up to 12 months. Post-surgery, you’ll need assistance at home for at least a week and should avoid strenuous activities for 6 to 12 weeks. Physiotherapy exercises will be crucial in regaining mobility and comfort with your new hip.

Normal Knee
Damaged Knee

What are the benefits of a knee replacement?

Our knees endure a great deal over our lifetimes. Regular wear and tear, along with any previous injuries, can lead to discomfort and stiffness. Fortunately, knee replacement surgery can be a significant help. Here’s how it can benefit you:

  • Increased mobility
  • Decreased pain and stiffness
  • Long-lasting, durable implants
  • Improved overall quality of life

What are the risks and side effects of a Knee Replacement?

While every surgical procedure carries its own set of risks and potential side effects, it’s important to be informed. Knee replacement surgery, although generally safe, includes risks such as:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding within the knee joint
  • Damage to ligaments,arteries, or nerves
  • Artificial joint failure
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Fracture or dislocation
  • Excessive bone formation or scar tissue buildup
  • Numbness or stiffness

What does a knee replacement procedure involve:

  1. Anesthesia: You’ll receive anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
  2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the front of your knee to access the joint.
  3. Reshaping the Joint Surface: Damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
  4. Implant Placement: The removed cartilage and bone are replaced with metal components that mimic the surface of the joint. These parts may be cemented or “press-fit” into the bone.
  5. Placing the Spacer: A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.
  6. Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with stitches or staples.
Knee Implant
Knee with implant

What does the recovery from Knee Replacement Involve?

Recovery from knee replacement is a significant process, and our dedicated team will support you every step of the way. Recovery time varies, but you’ll be encouraged to move your knee soon after the operation. We’ll provide pain medication, physiotherapy exercises, and continuous support to ensure a smooth recovery.

Knee Replacement in View

knee before surgery
knee preparing for surgery
knee replacement

Why Choose Klinikal for Orthopaedic Surgery?

World-class General Medical Council Registered Surgeons 

Localised care – clinics and hospitals near you 

Unparalleled aftercare – here when you need us

We’re affordable – ask about our finance options 

Read our patient reviews

Lauren
Read More
5 star service from everyone I have spoken to so far at Klinikal. They’ve been so helpful and informative. I feel so at ease, and I’m looking forward to my surgery.
Anna McPhee
Read More
Had a video consultation for facelift and it was extremely informative. The surgeon explained everything and showed me before and after photos. He made me feel totally at ease. I’ve now booked to have my facelift. Lovely staff - thank you, Emma, for your support! You've been just brilliant.
Danielle Martinson
Read More
I’ve previously had cosmetic surgery and thought this time I would shop around more. A friend recommended I speak to one of the surgeon assistants at Klinikal. So glad I did! Had an amazing consultation, she was so knowledgeable and patient.
Lee
Read More
Had an initial consultation with Harriet. She has been really informative and helpful. She went step by step through the procedure and got it all booked for me! I’m really excited to have the surgery that I’ve been looking forward to for such a long time.
Molly Pratt
Read More
Just had a phone consultation from Larna at Klinikal. She was very informative and put me straight at ease, explaining step by step the process - something that has bothered me for years. I will be meeting the surgeon and Larna on video call next week - excited to say the least!
Tina
Read More
Talked to a very helpful woman who gave very warm and precise information about services offered. We talked about different elements and deciding factors on why I chose to go with this company. Overall great first communication.
Previous
Next

Your Klinikal Orthopaedic Journey

Deciding to have orthopaedic surgery can be really empowering. But to help you make an informed decision, you need to understand the surgical process and what your journey will involve. At Klinikal, we know that this is important.

We’ve summarised each stage of the journey to give you an idea, but of course your experience will be tailored to your own needs.

Nice to meet you!
Your journey with us begins with a call from a orthaepedic surgeon assistant. One of our highly experienced, friendly surgeon assistants will talk you through our orthaepedic procedures, pricing and finance options, and answer any questions that you might have.

Meet your surgeon
After speaking to your surgeon assistant, they’ll match you with the right surgeon for your procedure. You’ll meet them via video call, where they’ll take you through your surgery in more detail. If required, you’ll meet your surgeon in person.

Surgery day
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for! We’ll welcome you into one of our Klinikal locations where you’ll settle into your private room. You’ll then head down to theatre to have your procedure. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your luxurious suite to recuperate.

Post-op and beyond
Once you return home to recover, you’ll have our full support. You’ll have post-op appointments with a nurse to ensure your recovery is on track. To further aid your recovery, we've arranged for you to receive physiotherapy locally, so you won't need to travel back to our specialist hospital. This will allow you to receive the necessary care comfortably and conveniently close to home. Your surgeon assistant will also be in touch regularly to monitor your progress and provide guidance. Additionally, our helpline is always available should you have any issues or questions during your recovery process.

Nice to meet you!
Your journey with us begins with a call from a orthaepedic surgeon assistant. One of our highly experienced, friendly surgeon assistants will talk you through our orthaepedic procedures, pricing and finance options, and answer any questions that you might have.

Meet your surgeon
After speaking to your surgeon assistant, they’ll match you with the right surgeon for your procedure. You’ll meet them via video call, where they’ll take you through your surgery in more detail. If required, you’ll meet your surgeon in person.

Pre-op appointment
It’s important that you’re fit to go ahead with your surgery. That’s why we’ll schedule in an appointment with one of our lovely nurses, who’ll make sure that you’re well enough to proceed.

Surgery day
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for! We’ll welcome you into one of our Klinikal locations where you’ll settle into your private room. You’ll then head down to theatre to have your procedure. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your luxurious suite to recuperate.

Post-op and beyond
Once you return home to recover, you’ll have our full support. You’ll have post-op appointments with a nurse to ensure your recovery is on track. To further aid your recovery, we've arranged for you to receive physiotherapy locally, so you won't need to travel back to our specialist hospital. This will allow you to receive the necessary care comfortably and conveniently close to home. Your surgeon assistant will also be in touch regularly to monitor your progress and provide guidance. Additionally, our helpline is always available should you have any issues or questions during your recovery process.

Knee Replacement FAQ's

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure to replace a worn-out or damaged knee joint with an artificial one. It’s commonly performed to relieve pain and disability from arthritis or injury.

Recovery times can vary, but most people can start to move around within a day after surgery. Complete recovery, involving fully regaining strength and returning to normal activities, can take from 3 to 6 months. However, it’s important to follow a physiotherapy regimen to achieve the best outcome.

As with any significant surgical procedure, knee replacement does come with certain risks. These include the possibility of infection, the formation of blood clots, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. However, it’s important to note that serious complications are relatively uncommon. We take extensive measures to minimize these risks, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the procedure. Your peace of mind is paramount, and our team is committed to providing the highest standard of care.

The lifespan of artificial knee joints has improved significantly with advancements in medical technology and materials. On average, modern artificial knee joints are expected to last between 15 to 20 years. However, this can vary based on factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, weight, and the specific type of joint and materials used. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are important to assess the condition of the implant over time. 

Many patients are able to return to various sports and physical activities after recovering from knee replacement surgery. However, it is advisable to focus on low-impact activities that place less stress on the knee joint, such as swimming, cycling, and walking. High-impact activities or sports that involve running, jumping, or contact should be avoided as they can increase the wear and tear on the artificial joint. The timeline for returning to sports and specific recommendations will depend on the individual’s recovery progress, overall health, and the advice of the healthcare team. It’s important to follow a gradual approach and consult with your surgeon or physiotherapist before resuming any sports activities. 

Ask an Expert

Have a question about surgery? Want to enquire about a procedure? Fill in the form & we will be in touch very soon.

Book Your Free Consultation

Request A Brochure

Price Check

Trailblazer

As a trailblazer in our affiliate programme, you’ll have a crucial role in building our brand trust through personal stories and experience sharing. We ask that you:

  • Write a review detailing your experience with Klinikal.
  • Share your journey, from deciding to have surgery through recovery, with us and your social circle.
  • Share your transformation by providing before and after photos.