Knee replacement surgery

There are two main types of knee replacement surgery: total and partial. Your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend what type of treatment is right for you.

Total knee replacement 

In a total knee replacement operation, both sides of your knee joint are replaced with parts made of metal or plastic.

Usually, the underside of the kneecap is also replaced with a smooth plastic dome.

Partial knee replacement 

A partial knee replacement, sometimes called a half knee replacement, replaces only the damaged part of the knee rather than the whole joint.

Most partial knee replacements involve the main knee joint between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). In some cases, only the joint between the kneecap (patella) and the thigh bone is replaced.

People who have a partial replacement of the main knee joint often recover more quickly than those who have a total knee replacement. However, recovery after a kneecap joint replacement is usually similar to recovery after a total knee replacement.

This difference is mainly due to the type of surgery needed to insert the replacement joint.

A knee replacement is usually carried out under general or spinal anaesthetic. It can take between one to two hours.

Spinal anaesthetic means you’ll be awake during the operation, but the anaesthetic blocks feeling from your waist down.

It can also be done under general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep.

Your surgeon will make a cut down the front of your knee so they can access your knee joint. They will remove the damaged ends of your shin and thigh bone.

The ends of the bones will be shaped and measured precisely so that the artificial knee joint can be fitted. The back of your kneecap may also be replaced if needed.

Your surgeon may place small tubes called drains in the wound to remove any excess blood after surgery. These are usually removed within 24 to 48 hours.

The wound will be closed with stitches or clips and covered with a dressing and bandage to help reduce swelling and protect the area while it heals.

If clips are used, they are usually removed 10 to 14 days after surgery by a nurse at the hospital.

After a knee replacement, you’ll stay in hospital on average two days.

You’ll be given painkillers to help relieve any pain and early movement is essential to guarantee a good range of movement. You will be encouraged to start walking around on crutches, usually within 24 hours. Our physiotherapy team will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee and will also apply a Game Ready ice machine to help reduce pain and swelling following the operation.

You will need some help when you get home. It’s a good idea to arrange for a family member or friend to stay with you for the first few days.

It can take between six and 12 weeks to recover from surgery, depending on the surgery performed but everyone is different. Your consultant will let you know when you can go back to everyday activities like work, driving, and sport.