Knee Replacement Surgery

A knee replacement, or arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which the damaged or worn portions of the knee are removed and replaced with a new, artificial joint. The operation involves removing the damaged surfaces of the knee and replacing them with an artificial joint containing metal and high-grade polymer. It is a very successful operation for the vast majority of people.

DO YOU NEED A KNEE REPLACEMENT?

You may need a knee replacement if you have difficulties with day to day activities such as walking and climbing stairs. You may not be able to walk or enjoy your leisure activities as much as you wish due to discomfort, an aching awareness of your knee and stiffness and/or swelling.

A knee replacement is a quality of life procedure which should improve these symptoms significantly. Patients who recover after knee replacement often report not just improved physical fitness, improved well-being and but being in better mood.

IS KNEE REPLACEMENT PAINFUL

You will experience pain after a knee replacement, but it is well controlled by a number of ways including the use of regular painkillers and anti-inflammatories and regular icing after several weeks after surgery. You will experience a different type of pain compared to the arthritic pain before surgery, which will improve day by day.

The pain is part of the healing process and due to swelling and inflammation. It may last several months after the procedure, but improves every day. As such, regular icing and anti-inflammatories (if not contra-indicated) and regular stretches as shown by the physiotherapists would help.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

Although knee replacements are successful operations, there are risks associated with the procedure you must be aware of and accept prior to knee replacement. These risks include infection, clots (‘thrombosis’), stiffness, pain in spite of surgery, incomplete relief of pain after surgery, nerve and vessel damage, re-operation, medical, anaesthetic and mortality risks. However, you will be reassured we will take every precaution to minimise these risks, including but not limited to, giving you antibiotics before and after surgery, injections or tablets to reduce the risk of clots, surgical stockings and medical care and supervision before and after surgery.

THE ANAESTHETIC

You will typically have a regional anaesthetic (spinal anaesthetic), or occasionally for medical reasons a general anaesthetic, and sedation. We will of course, consider your wishes in relation to your preferred anaesthetic. The operation will take between 1 and 2 hours (depending on whether conventional knee replacement or robotic assisted knee replacement or partial knee replacement is performed- read further!).

THE PROCEDURE

A straight cut, usually over the front of your knee is made. The bottom end of your thighbone is trimmed to remove the damaged surface and is then shaped to fit the metal bit of the knee replacement. The damaged top end of your shin bone is removed to make a flat surface. The new parts are fitted over both bones, and tested to make sure they fit and the joint works well.

Once the new parts are fitted and working the wound will be closed using stitches or staples and covered with a large dressing.

RECOVERY FOLLOWING KNEE REPLACEMENT

You will typically be in hospital between 2 to 5 days after surgery. You will need crutches or a walking aid for several weeks after knee replacement. Recovery is a balance between rest and icing the knee to reduce inflammation and swelling, and staying active with increasing walks and exercise. A trained physiotherapist and your Surgeon will guide you through your recovery. In general, listen to your knee. If you do too much, your knee will ache and may swell excessively. If that happens, you must elevate, rest and ice your knee, allowing the inflammation and swelling to subside.

LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY KNEE REPLACEMENTS

Although knee replacements are generally successful in relieving pain and improving function, approximately 15 to 20% patients are not fully satisfied with the procedure, possibly because of increasing expectations of what the procedure should achieve. Increasingly, patients want to forget they had a knee replacement.

Robotic-assisted technology has come about as it is appreciated that the precision and accuracy of knee implant placement can be the difference between a ‘good’ and a ‘forgotten’/excellent knee. In robotic assisted knee replacement, your Surgeon could very precisely (to fractions of a millimetre) implant a knee that is tailored to your anatomy, your knee size and alignment. The outcomes following robotic assisted knee replacement are very promising, with patients happy that the technical approach to surgery is extremely accurate, so that they are left with just having to concentrate on the rehabilitation required after knee replacement.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME

Knee replacements are generally very successful operations. However, it is important to be patient, to follow Surgeon and physiotherapy advice/instructions, (e.g. regular icing), to expect that recovery is a process ("good/bad days"), may take 6-9 months to see significant improvement to your symptoms and function. It is important you understand that compliance with physiotherapy and exercises after knee replacement correlates strongly with an excellent outcome. It is also crucial you understand what may or may not be achievable, that is, your expectations must match what the surgeon and physio believe can be achieved in terms of pain relief and improvement in function from having a knee replacement when considering what you were like before surgery.

In short, be patient and rehab well to ensure a good outcome. Mr Kim and his team will ensure that you are seen by trained/specialist physiotherapist and you are fully aware of what is required before and after surgery in terms of patient education, exercises and a fitness and strengthening program of exercises tailored to your needs.

AFTER CARE FOLLOWING KNEE REPLACEMENT

The advantages of having your knee replacement performed privately is that the whole of your care is provided by an experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon assisted by his team. Your Surgeon will see you daily after your knee replacement, you will have your own room in highly reputable hospitals (BMI the Alexandra or Spire Manchester Hospitals), physiotherapy treatment, medical care if required will readily available including High Dependency or Intensive Care facilities.

Furthermore, you will have ready access to your Surgeon and his team after discharge from hospital (via a phone call, e mail or outpatient visit, as required).

PRICING (GUIDE PRICE- PLEASE CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

This is a guide price for your consultation and treatment package. Your consultant will be able to discuss treatment options (e.g. conventional v robotic assisted surgery, and whether ITU care required) and costs with you (subject to your pre-assessment tests) so you are able to make an informed decision that's right for you. The fixed cost will be confirmed in writing at time of booking your treatment. Prices can be subject to change.

WAYS TO PAY

There are three ways to pay for your treatment via BMI Alexandra or Spire Hospital.

PAY FOR YOURSELF: Pay for yourself with our fixed price packages. This includes your pre-assessment, treatment, follow-ups and 6 months aftercare

SPREAD THE COST: Pay for yourself with the finance and spread the cost over 12 months, interest-free (terms and conditions apply)

PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE: The cost of your treatment may be covered by private medical insurance (check with your insurer first)

Want to find out more? Speak to one of our team today

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