Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement is indicated in patients who are suffering from wear and tear within the knee joint. This "wear and tear" process results in a thinning and destruction of the lining of the bones in the joint (the cartilage). This process affects the joints ability to move smoothly. When people experience pain as a result of this, coupled with typical features on an X-ray, it is termed "osteoarthritis" or simply arthritis.

The knee joint comprises of the tibia (the shin bone), the femur (the thigh bone) and the patella (the knee cap) which slide against each other during normal function. During a total knee replacement all of  these portions of the joint are replaced. There are multiple different implant options that can be used in-order to achieve this. I will be happy to discuss the most suitable option with you during our consultation. 

If you require a total knee replacement then this can usually be done either under a general anaesthetic or a spinal. The majority of patients are able to get out of bed the following day under the guidance of the physiotherapy team. Most patients stay in hospital between 2-3 days. You will require a walking aid (stick or crutch) for six weeks after surgery. I use stitches underneath the skin so there are no painful clips to remove and an improved scar appearance.