Award winning Specialist
Knee replacements are a very common surgical procedure designed to give you long-term pain relief from knee stiffness. While most knee replacements occur in patients over 50, some younger patients are also eligible if other knee pain treatments haven’t worked. Here, learn everything you need to know about having knee replacement surgery for knee pain conditions at Harley Street Specialist Hospital.
Consult with leading orthopaedic specialists
Same day imaging scans, diagnosis & treatment
Range of treatments for a variety of knee conditions
Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure at Harley Street Specialist Hospital, an award-winning surgery specialising in orthopaedic treatments. Our experienced surgeons can replace your knee swiftly and without complications, leading you to pain-free movement and a better quality of life.
We offer exceptional patient care and comfort standards backed by the UK’s largest pool of pain management consultants. Specialists include knee surgeons, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. With several knee pain treatments available, we’ll diagnose your condition and create a bespoke treatment plan based on your symptoms.
Get holistic, patient-centred knee pain care at Harley Street Specialist Hospital. Book an appointment with our knee pain specialists at a time that suits you.
A knee replacement is a surgical procedure designed to remove damaged bone and tissue within your knee and replace it with artificial parts made from metal or plastic. You can have a total or partial knee replacement, depending on the extent of the damage within your knee.
While it can take a while to recover from a knee replacement, this operation can restore your comfort, mobility, and quality of life in the long-term.
Knee replacements occur under a general anaesthetic or spinal block so that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Here’s how knee replacement surgery works:
1. Assessment and diagnosis — Our consultants will discuss your medical history and decide if you’re a suitable candidate for a knee replacement. This may include diagnostic and imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI scans.
2. Preparation — You might be asked to do certain things before your operation is scheduled, such as stopping smoking, strengthening your leg muscles, or losing weight.
3. Anaesthetic — You’ll be given a general or local anaesthetic so you don’t feel anything during the procedure.
4. Knee replacement surgery — Your surgical team will remove the damaged sections of bone in your knee and replace these with an artificial joint. Your kneecap will be placed over the joint (if it’s not damaged; if it is, this might also be replaced).
5. Recovery — After your knee has been dressed, you’ll go to a comfortable recovery room for monitoring. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days while you recover.
You’ll need crutches or a walking frame to help you get around when you go home. However, our private physiotherapy team will support you in improving mobility and getting back on your feet independently as soon as possible.
Have more questions about getting a knee replacement? Here’s everything you need to know.
Most knee replacements treat long-term pain and discomfort caused by knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis causes the bones, cartilage, and other supportive tissue to wear away, causing stiffness and pain in your knee joint.
Less often, a knee replacement might be recommended after a severe injury or gout.
Knee replacements often last more than 20 years. One Harvard study found just over 10% of knee replacements needed additional surgery after 20 years. By comparison, 3.9% needed an additional procedure within 10 years.
The amount of time your knee replacement takes depends on whether you have a partial or total knee replacement. A partial knee replacement typically takes around an hour, while a total knee replacement can take one to three hours.
Knee replacement surgery is a very common procedure with a low-risk profile. Most patients don’t experience any serious side effects.
However, there are some risks to note, including:
To minimise these risks, it’s important to follow the aftercare advice of your surgical team.
It can take a few months to recover from a knee replacement surgery. You’ll need to use crutches for around six weeks and stay off work for around six to 12 weeks, depending on how you feel and the nature of your job.
A total knee replacement at Harley Street Specialist Hospital costs £14,038. A partial knee replacement costs £13,288.
At our private hospital, you’re welcome to pay for your treatment or use medical insurance to cover the cost of the procedure.
Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.
Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.
We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.
Find out more about the knee replacement procedure below.
After a knee replacement, you should avoid:
Certain activities are also not recommended even after you’ve made a full recovery. This includes all contact sports (such as rugby and football) as well as skiing and long-distance running.
Most patients can walk without crutches around 5-6 weeks after knee replacement, though building up the muscle around your knee may take longer. Physiotherapy can help you build strength and get you back to walking normally as quickly as possible.
Yes, but you’ll need to wait at least eight weeks after your knee replacement before you can drive again. Your surgical team will let you know when it’s safe for you to drive.
You should also tell your car insurance provider you’ve had knee replacement surgery to confirm your insurance is still valid.
Follow your medical team’s aftercare advice carefully and do any exercises as prescribed. This will increase your flexibility and mobility as quickly as possible. Attend all your follow-up appointments for regular reviews.
Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking lots of water to maintain good general health while you recover is also a good idea.
Knee osteotomy may delay your need for a knee replacement if you seek treatment soon enough. A knee osteotomy repairs your original knee joint by reshaping the bone around it.
Seeking treatment sooner may mean you can have less invasive corrective knee procedures. Speak to a Harley Street Specialist Hospital consultant to determine which treatments suit you.
Get the best surgical care for your knee pain at Harley Street Specialist Hospital. With the UK’s largest pool of pain management consultants to diagnose and treat your knee condition, your care will be fast, convenient, and comfortable.
We’re committed to offering assessments and treatments without a waiting list. So, privately insured and self-paying patients can get a same-day diagnosis and a bespoke treatment plan for all knee conditions.Book an appointment with our knee pain specialists at a time that suits you.
