Total Knee Replacement

When alternative methods of pain relief, such as physiotherapy, steroid injections and medication, have proven unsuccessful, a total knee replacement is often advised to treat conditions such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic knee arthritis
• Septic arthritis

Additionally, common symptoms that indicate you might need a knee joint replacement include:

• Persistent knee pain that limits your movement
• A change in the appearance of your knee
• Knee pain when bending down
• Knee pain while exercising
• Knee pain during sex
• Severe knee stiffness
• Knee pain when walking
• Knee pain at night
• An inability to support your body weight on one leg
• Limited relief from other forms of treatment you’ve tried

A total knee replacement is performed under general anaesthetic or spinal block. The surgeon will make an incision on the knee to access the kneecap, which is then moved aside to access the joint. The damaged ends of the thighbone and shinbone that are within the joint are cut away and then shaped and measured ready for the prothesis to be fitted.

Before the prothesis is fitted, the joint is tested with a trial prothesis. The surgeon will then replace the end of the femur with a curved metal piece, while a metal plate will replace the end of the tibia. A plastic spacer will then be positioned between these two metal parts to minimise friction. Once your surgeon is sure it’s in the right place and working well, the prosthetic is cemented into place using a surgical cement. Depending on the extent of the damage to the knee, a total knee replacement could also include replacing the kneecap. The incision is then closed with stitches or clips and covered with a dressing.

The whole procedure usually takes approximately 1-2 hours from anaesthetic to recovery, depending on your response to surgery.

Guide price: £14,695

**Guide prices may vary following consultation

Expected length of stay: Day case procedure

Our Enquiries Team are here to help. To speak to a member of the team about a procedure, simply use one of the contact methods below:

• Complete the online contact form here
• Email our Enquiries Team on enquiries@osdhealthcare.co.uk
• Call our Enquiries Team on 01442 331 900