Knee replacement surgery

Most people have lived with an aching, stiffening knee for months before surgery is even mentioned, and by then it’s limiting how far they can walk and waking them at night.

If your knee pain is affecting your mobility and everyday life, it’s time to seek help from a specialist knee consultant.

Private knee replacement surgery in Kent

The most common reason people need a knee replaceme

nt is osteoarthritis, although rheumatoid arthritis or an old injury can wear the joint down in a similar way. As the smooth cartilage lining the joint breaks down, the bones start to rub against each other, and that friction can cause pain and stiffness.

Before receiving a treatment plan, you’ll see one of our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons. They’ll examine your knee, review any scans, and talk through whether knee surgery is right for you or whether another treatment might help first.

If a replacement looks right for you, your consultant will explain which type suits your knee and what it costs, and give you an idea of the recovery time.

Do I need a knee replacement?

Most people who have a knee replacement have already tried other treatments and come to us when those treatments have stopped benefiting them. 

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on osteoarthritis suggests that joint replacement may be considered when pain, stiffness, or reduced function substantially affects someone’s quality of life and non-surgical treatment hasn’t worked or isn’t suitable.

It may be worth speaking to a specialist if you have:

• Knee pain that impacts everyday life or wakes you at night.
• Stiffness or swelling that makes it harder to bend or straighten your leg.
• Difficulty walking or managing stairs.

If you have found that physiotherapy, pain medication, or steroid injections no longer give you much relief, it is also worth speaking to one of our consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons.

However, experiencing one or more of these problems doesn’t mean surgery is automatically the right solution. Your consultant will assess your knee and review your imaging, talk you through all your options, including non-surgical ones, and then you’ll make the final decision together.

Total vs partial knee replacement

A knee replacement can involve the whole joint or just the damaged part, and which one suits you depends on how far the wear has spread.

Total knee replacement

In a total knee replacement, your surgeon replaces the worn surfaces at the end of the thigh bone and the top of the shin bone with artificial components. A total knee replacement is usually recommended when arthritis or damage affects more than one area of the knee.

Partial knee replacement

A partial knee replacement replaces only the worn compartment of the knee and preserves as much healthy bone and cartilage as possible. It may be suitable when pain or mobility issues are limited to one part of the joint.

Preparing for knee replacement surgery

• Your journey starts with an initial consultation, where your consultant goes through your medical history and examines your knee.
•  If needed, they’ll arrange an imaging scan such as an MRI, CT or X-Ray Scan to see exactly what’s happening inside the joint. 
• If surgery is the right option, you’ll have a pre-operative assessment to document your general health, complete any routine tests, and review your medical history.
• At this stage, you will need to make some preparations at home. Make sure everything is within easy reach, pack away objects and decorations, including rugs that could be a trip hazard, and arrange suitable seating. 
• If possible, arrange for someone to temporarily take on shopping duties and any activities that involve lifting. Suitable mobility aids, such as crutches or a frame, can help you while you recover.

What happens during knee replacement surgery?

On the day of your operation, you’ll meet your anaesthetist, who will explain how you’ll be kept comfortable. Knee replacements at KIMS Hospital are usually performed under a spinal anaesthetic with sedation, so you won’t feel any pain.

Your surgeon makes an incision over the front of the knee, removes the damaged bone and cartilage, and fits the new components so the knee can bend and straighten smoothly. Once the incision is closed, you’ll spend some time in the recovery area while the anaesthetic wears off, then go back to your room.

Recovery and rehabilitation after knee replacement

Your recovery will depend on the type of replacement you’ve had, your general health before surgery and how closely you’re able to follow your rehabilitation plan. As a general guide, most people move through the following stages.

The first few days

You’ll usually stay in hospital for one to three days depending on your individual circumstances. Our nurses will manage your pain with regular medication, and our inpatientphysiotherapists will help you get up and walking with a frame or crutches as soon as it is safe to do so, leading to your discharge.

Weeks 1 to 6

Once you’re home, you’ll gradually build up walking distance, range of movement and exercise tolerance using the advice and information provided by your physiotherapist.. Some swelling and discomfort are normal during this time, but week by week, household and daily tasks should become easier.

After 6 weeks and beyond

From around six weeks, most people are noticeably more independent. Driving usually takes four to six weeks, and returning to work can take up to twelve weeks, depending on how physical your job is. Your knee may take several months, or longer, to fully recover.