Total Knee Replacement

Arthritis, overuse, and injury can damage the knee, making it stiff, swollen, and painful to move. Chronic knee pain is uncomfortable and can limit your ability to live a full and active life. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers a comprehensive same-day service for assessment of knee pain and treatment by internationally renowned experts.

Conservative management with physiotherapy and anti-inflammatories can ease symptoms. However, if your pain is affecting your quality of life, the expert surgeons at the London Orthopaedic Clinic can operate to replace the damaged knee joint, alleviate pain, and restore function and mobility.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic’s world-leading knee specialists operate in state-of-the-art theatres using cutting-edge prosthetic technology. They work with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team that will provide specialist support during your recovery and help you quickly get back on your feet.

How does arthritis affect the knee?

A healthy knee has joint surfaces covered with cartilage. The cartilage pads act as shock-absorbers and allow the bones to glide smoothly over each other. Arthritis and injury can damage or degenerate the cartilage. The joint space narrows and the bones start to rub against each other. As a result, the knee becomes increasingly stiff and painful.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides a range of treatments for knee arthritis. If non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, painkillers, and exercise haven't resolved your pain, the specialist knee surgeons can surgically replace the joint with a high-tech prosthetic device.

What is total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement is surgery to remove all of the damaged or diseased knee joint surfaces and replace them with state-of-the-art prostheses. The surgeon removes and replaces the end of the femur or thigh bone and the end of the tibia or lower leg bone. In addition, they may insert a prosthetic, button-like device under the kneecap to facilitate knee movement.

Knee replacement is among the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures. In expert hands, like the orthopaedic surgeons at the London Orthopaedic Clinic, most patients will achieve significantly improved mobility and immediate relief from pain.

A wide range of the latest prosthetic devices are available at the London Orthopaedic Clinic. Your consultant orthopaedic surgeon will make a detailed assessment of your knee, arrange investigations, and recommend the replacement that best suits your knee, your lifestyle and your needs.

What happens in total knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement is usually performed under general anaesthetic. However, a regional block can also be used; you will numb from the waist down but remain conscious. Your consultant and anaesthetist will discuss the options with you and make recommendations based on your health and your preferences.

The orthopaedic surgeon will make a cut in the skin and soft tissues on the knee. They will then carefully excise the arthritic joint surfaces, smooth any bony lumps and insert the prosthetic components. They will close the joint capsule, the tissues and the skin.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic’s consultants utilise innovative technologies and the latest surgical techniques.  They offer computer-navigated, laparoscopic knee replacement. This cutting-edge procedure assists with precise prosthesis placement and a speedier post-operative recovery.

Complications of total knee replacement

All surgery carries risks. The expert surgeons and staff at the London Orthopaedic Clinic strive to reduce complications and support your safe, healthy recovery.

Bleeding, pain, infection and the development of blood clots can be potential complications following any operation. Knee replacement can also be linked to nerve damage, dislocation, recurrent pain and the failure of the bones to heal and grow into the replacement.

However, complications are uncommon and the results of total knee replacement are usually excellent. The procedure relieves pain and provides excellent movement and flexibility. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss any potential risks, answer all your questions, and explain the careful measures that the London Orthopaedic Clinic takes to prevent problems.

Woman holds on to the knee,Athlete pain in the knee

Recovery from total knee replacement

Your consultant and the dedicated rehabilitation team at the London Orthopaedic Clinic will work together to promote your healthy recovery. They will offer pain relief, support your mobility and help you regain fitness and function.

Your recovery will depend on your general health and wellbeing. You will be given a bespoke rehabilitation plan. In general, most people will be supported to get on their feet within twenty-four hours of surgery. You will be able to go home after between one and four days, with a programme of exercises and controlled mobilisation.

Your surgeon will arrange outpatient follow-up after around six weeks; however, the staff at the London Orthopaedic Clinic are always on hand if you have any problems or concerns.

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Why choose the London Orthopaedic Clinic?

The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides high-quality, expert orthopaedic, and musculoskeletal care tailored to the individual needs of our patients. The Clinic is based at Mayo Clinic Healthcare, at the heart of London's internationally renowned Harley Street medical district. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostics, treatment, management, and personalised care.

The expert multidisciplinary team includes more than 25 leading orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, pain management specialists, and radiologists. They work together to reduce pain, improve movement, and make a real difference to patients' lives.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers patients something truly unique: access to world-leading experts, high-tech imaging, and the latest innovative treatments, together with the feeling of trust and safety of a small family practice.

Total knee replacement costs

Knee replacement surgery at the London Orthopaedic Clinic may be covered by your health insurance policy. Competitive packages are also available for patients who are self-paying. Contact a member of our friendly team on 020 7186 1000 or at info@londonorthopaedic.com to find out more.