Knee surgery

Restoring mobility and reducing knee pain. A total knee joint replacement is a common and highly effective surgery for individuals suffering from severe knee pain and stiffness. During the procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged portions of the knee joint and replaces them with durable, artificial parts made from metal and plastic. These new components mimic the function of a natural knee, allowing for smoother, pain-free movement. Most patients who undergo a Total Knee Joint Replacement experience significant pain reduction and improved mobility, helping them return to the activities they love. Whether you're dealing with arthritis or knee injuries, this surgery can greatly enhance your quality of life by enabling easier walking and movement.

Patients with severe knee arthritis (usually osteoarthritis) causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Those with symptoms which significantly impair daily activities (walking, climbing stairs, sleep). Non-surgical treatments (physiotherapy, medications, injections, lifestyle changes) have failed. Generally performed in patients >60 years, but younger patients may be candidates if symptoms are disabling.

(May vary with provider). Hospital stay: 2–5 days. Early recovery: Walking with aids usually within 24 hours. Rehabilitation: Intensive physiotherapy begins immediately; focus on mobility, strength, and range of motion. Return to daily activities: 6–12 weeks for most patients. Full recovery: 6–12 months; progress varies by age, fitness, and complications.

Significant pain relief. Improved mobility and independence. Better quality of life and sleep. High success rate: most patients experience long-term improvement.

Surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots. Implant-related: loosening, wear, stiffness, instability. Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare). Persistent pain or reduced range of motion. Need for revision surgery (implants typically last 15–20 years). This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

A targeted solution for knee pain. A partial knee joint replacement is an effective treatment option for individuals with arthritis or damage limited to one part of the knee. Unlike a full knee replacement, this procedure focuses only on replacing the damaged section of the knee joint, preserving the healthy parts. The goal of a partial knee joint replacement is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you return to everyday activities with less discomfort. During the surgery, the worn-out or damaged tissue and bone in the affected area are removed, and a small prosthesis made of metal and plastic is inserted. This new component integrates smoothly with the rest of your knee, providing improved movement and reducing pain. The recovery time for a partial knee joint replacement is often shorter than that of a total knee replacement, and since more of your natural knee is preserved, it can feel more like your own knee after the procedure.

Patients with arthritis confined to one compartment of the knee. Good range of motion, intact ligaments and a stable knee overall. Less severe deformity than candidates for a total knee replacement. Often younger and more active patients who want to preserve more natural knee function. Not suitable if arthritis affects multiple compartments or if there’s significant stiffness and instability.

(May vary with provider). Hospital stay: 1–3 days. Early recovery: Walking with aids within 24 hours; quicker return to mobility than total knee replacement. Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy from day 1, focusing on motion and strength. Return to daily activities: 4–6 weeks (usually faster than total knee joint replacement). Full recovery: approximately 3–6 months, but varies with patient activity level.

Smaller surgery compared to total knee joint replacement as less bone and tissue is removed. Faster recovery, less pain post-op. More “natural-feeling” knee with better range of motion. Easier revision surgery if needed later.

Usual surgical risks: infection, blood clots, bleeding. Implant-related: loosening, wear, progression of arthritis in the other compartments. Persistent pain or stiffness. Need for conversion to total knee replacement in the future. This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

Addressing complications in knee surgery. A revision knee replacement is a surgical procedure designed to replace or repair a previously implanted artificial knee joint that has worn out, failed, or developed complications. This surgery involves removing the old prosthesis and replacing it with a new one, often requiring more complex techniques than those used in the initial procedure. A revision knee replacement is performed to address various issues, such as implant loosening, infection, instability, or damage to the surrounding bone. Because this procedure may involve extensive bone and tissue reconstruction, recovery can take longer compared to the initial knee replacement. If you are experiencing complications from a previous knee replacement, a revision knee replacement can provide a necessary solution to restore function and alleviate pain.

Patients who previously had a total knee replacement that has failed or is causing symptoms. Common reasons for revision: Implant loosening or wear. Joint infection. Instability or dislocation of the prosthetic knee. Persistent pain or stiffness. Fracture around a preexisting knee implant. Candidates must be medically fit for major surgery.

(May vary with provider). Hospital stay: Longer than primary knee joint replacement surgery (typically 5–10 days). Early recovery: Mobilisation with walking aids within a few days. Rehabilitation: Intensive physiotherapy to regain strength and range of motion; recovery is slower than primary knee joint replacement surgery. Return to daily activities: 3–6 months, depending on complexity. Full recovery: Up to 12 months; may be limited compared to primary knee surgery due to bone loss or soft tissue challenges.

Relief of pain from failed or worn knee replacement. Improved mobility and function. Restoration of knee stability and alignment. Prevention of further joint or bone damage.

Standard surgical risks; infection, blood clots, bleeding. Implant failure or loosening. Nerve or blood vessel injury. Persistent pain or reduced mobility. Need for further revision surgery. This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

A minimally invasive solution for knee problems. Knee arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery designed to diagnose and treat issues within the knee joint. During the procedure, a small camera, known as an arthroscope, is inserted into the knee through tiny incisions. This allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a screen in real-time. In addition to visualisation, the surgeon can use small surgical tools during knee arthroscopy to repair damage, such as removing torn cartilage or smoothing rough areas within the joint. Because knee arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional surgery, recovery is generally faster, making it a popular option for addressing conditions like a torn meniscus, damaged cartilage, or inflamed joint lining.

Patients with mechanical knee symptoms such as locking, catching, or persistent pain not responding to conservative treatment. Common indications: Meniscal tears. Loose bodies in the joint. Minor cartilage damage. Synovial disease (e.g. inflammation). Not typically recommended for advanced osteoarthritis as it provides limited long-term benefit.

May vary with provider. Hospital stay: Usually day surgery (same-day discharge). Early recovery: Walking with full weight-bearing is often allowed immediately; crutches may be used briefly. Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy may begin within days, focusing on range of motion and quadriceps strength. Return to daily activities: Typically 1–2 weeks for most light activities. Return to sports or heavy activity: 4–6 weeks depending on the procedure and rehabilitation.

Minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions. Quick recovery and short hospital stay. Can relieve mechanical symptoms (locking, catching). Diagnostic value: allows direct visualisation of disease within the joint.

Infection (rare but possible). Bleeding in the joint. Blood clots (DVT). Damage to the knee cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments. Persistent pain or swelling. Rarely, stiffness or need for further surgery. This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent. Knee arthroscopy is less invasive than joint replacement and ideal for specific mechanical issues.