Knee Replacement
- Waiting Time 1 -2 Weeks
- Typical Stay 1 Night
- Procedure Time 45 Minutes
- Anaesthetic General
- Health Insurance No
- Self-Pay Yes
The knee is divided into three compartments: the medial (inner), the lateral (outer) and the patello-femoral. Any of these compartments can be replaced, without replacing the entire knee joint.
Knee replacement is sometimes the only surgical option available to patients with knee conditions such as arthritis that cause damage to the knee joint, resulting in problems carrying out everyday activities. The aim of the operation is to relieve pain and improve mobility by replacing the worn-out parts of the arthritic knee with specially designed metal and plastic components.
You are more likely to need total or partial knee replacement surgery if you have:
- Arthritis. Wear and tear arthritis is by far the most common indication.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
- Haemophilia.
- Gout.
- Arthritis caused by a previous knee injury.
- Deformity of bones in the knee.
- Bone death due to poor blood supply (avascular necrosis).
How it Works?
The surgery involves having an anaesthetic which may be either general anaesthetic or one which involves numbing the limb so surgery can be performed. On the day, the anaesthetist will discuss the various options that are available which will take into account your general medical health to determine what is safe.
Once the anaesthetic has been performed, the surgery takes approximately 60 minutes. This involves an incision along the front of the knee to expose the diseased joint surfaces. The joint is then shaped precisely to fit the knee replacement, ensuring that the new knee is stable and allows for a pain free range of movement.Immediately after the surgery, a cuff is wrapped around the knee that delivers ice and compression. This device is very useful at reducing pain and swelling associated with knee surgery. This allows for better management of pain and which in turn helps with physiotherapy.
Our physiotherapy team will guide you through how to take steps after the operation. If you have steps in your home, then the team will show you how to manage these prior to discharge. A hospital stay is typically 24-48 hours long. The wound will usually take 12-14 days to heal, at which point you will meet a member of the team to ensure the wound has healed with any signs of infection.
Benefits
A knee replacement surgery can offer numerous benefits, particularly for individuals suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis or injury. Here are some of the primary benefits:
- Many patients experience a dramatic reduction in pain, allowing them to perform daily activities with much greater ease.
- Knee replacement can significantly enhance mobility and the ability to move the knee joint, allowing patients to walk, climb stairs, and engage in activities that were previously too painful or difficult.
- By reducing pain and improving mobility, knee replacement often leads to a better overall quality of life. Patients can return to activities they enjoy, such as walking, gardening, or even some sports, without being hindered by knee pain.
Recovery & Care
Recovery from surgery starts immediately after the operation. A cryocompression (ice and pressure) cuff is applied to the knee to help reduce the swelling from the operation. This will be effective for 4-6 weeks after surgery and typically should be applied 3 times a day. It can also be used overnight.
Our physiotherapy team will meet you the day of or the day after surgery. You will be shown simple exercises to perform in the bed and when you are up to it, exercises including walking with crutches. An xray of the knee will be performed prior to discharge.
The wound will take 2 weeks to heal and this will need to be assessed by a member of our team to ensure it has healed with any problems. Once the wound has healed, all dressings can be removed and the wound can get wet. After this, physiotherapy can be accelerated to gain maximise range of movement and mobility. Significant improvements will be seen in the first 6 weeks after surgery, but recovery will continue over the next 6-12 months.
Treatment Plans
Discover our all-inclusive package, designed to provide top-quality healthcare tailored to meet your needs.
- Pre-operative diagnostics including X-Ray
- Pre-operative assessment prior to admission
- Nursing care
- Catering during your day
- Operating theatre charges
- Drugs and dressings
- Post-operative surgeon consultation
- Post-Operative routine physio appointment
- Physio protocol guide
- 2 week nurse follow-up
- 6 week consultant follow-up
Essential Care Package
Testimonials
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FAQs
Explore our FAQs to find answers to common questions and gain a deeper understanding of our surgery.
One of our surgeons will already have discussed your procedure with you in detail and highlighted any potential risks or complications associated with it. We will then send you a pre-operative questionnaire to fill in and bring with you on the day of your procedure. When you have your pre-operative assessment, either over the phone or during an appointment, we’ll ask you some questions about your health and you’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns you may have. You’ll be given a time to arrive on the day of your surgery and some instructions about preparing for surgery.
When you arrive at reception you will be asked to sign any outstanding paperwork and confirm your payment details. One of our nurses will meet you and show you to your room. They will ask some more questions about your health and also check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. They will give you a hospital identity bracelet and ask you to change into a hospital gown. One of our surgeons will come and see you and discuss your procedure. He will then go through the consent process with you, highlighting any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure. After this, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form. You will also be seen by the consultant anaesthetist who will explain the different anaesthetic options; together you’ll agree the method that’s best for you (normally a general anaesthetic). You will have an opportunity to discuss any concerns about your anaesthetic with your anaesthetist before the surgery.
You will be taken from your room to the operating theatre. Once in the anaesthetic room, you will be given the appropriate anaesthesia. Most patients undergoing knee surgery have a general anaesthetic. However, patients with medical problems such as heart or lung disease may be offered a spinal anaesthetic instead. Sometimes both techniques are used, with the spinal anaesthetic providing post-operative pain relief.
When you wake up in the recovery suite you will be closely monitored until you’re ready to return to your room; you’ll be offered appropriate pain relief as and when you need it. Depending on the type of surgery you’ve had, you may be able to return home once you’ve had something to eat and drink and are feeling steady. During your hospital stay, your progress will be closely monitored by one of our surgeons, along with a team of ward nurses and physiotherapists.
During your hospital stay, one of our physiotherapists will advise you about your rehabilitation programme, including any follow-up physiotherapy appointments. Your surgery is likely to be more successful if you understand what your limitations will be after surgery and plan in advance so that you are well supported when you return home. Carrying out your rehabilitation exercises as advised will help you to recover as quickly as possible.
The time it takes to recover from TKR will depend on how closely you follow your rehabilitation programme once you return home after surgery, but it can be between three months and a year before you get back to normal. To achieve the best possible outcome, it’s important to follow your exercise plan which includes gradually increasing walking, and other low-impact exercises. It’s important to avoid falling or injuring your new knee. Let your dentist know that you’ve had a knee replacement as you may need to take antibiotics before certain dental procedures to avoid the chance of an infection in the joint. Our surgeons will be able to advise you about when it’s safe to drive again – this is usually around 4-6 weeks after surgery.
For detailed guidance, please click here to watch the video explanation by Dr. Raghbir Khakha.
Click here to watch the video explanation by Dr. Raghbir Khakha.