Knee Replacement

Suppose your knee has been damaged by injury or deformity or degraded by arthritis. In that case, it may be challenging for you to perform daily tasks such as walking and moving around in general. In addition, pain may be present when you are resting or lying down and this is usually when a knee replacement will start to be considered. The surgery involves removing the degraded and damaged cartilage and bone within the knee joint and replacing them using metal or ceramic structures. This can relieve the symptoms of inflamed and painful joints caused by arthritis.

Knee Replacement Surgery Explained

• The damaged cartilage surfaces at the tibia and femur ends are removed and reshaped, along with some bone.
• The removed cartilage is replaced with metal coverings to recreate the joint’s surface and may either be cemented or fitted into the ends of the bone.
• The underside of the kneecap is cut and resurfaced with a plastic covering.
• A spacer is inserted between the metal replacements to aid a smooth surface.

Patients will usually need to stay in the hospital for a night or two. Physiotherapy is required following procedure and it is encouraged to move the joint as soon as pain and swelling have reduced.

What Are The Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a major form of open surgery that requires extensive preparation and sufficient and well-considered post-operative recovery time, medication, and physiotherapy. Although knee replacement surgery usually transforms the lives of those who undergo the procedure, for the better, there are some risks to consider discussing with your surgeon:

• Bleeding
• Blot clots
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Allergy to the metal components
• Nerve damage
• Knee stiffness or loss of motion
• Implant becomes loose

How Much Does Knee Replacement Surgery Cost?

1. Knee replacement surgery costs around £13,500, often more, when performed privately in the UK. 
2. This surgery is available on the NHS but there is a long waiting list in most cases.