Knee replacement surgery (Total and Partial)
An operation to replace the knee joint (arthroplasty)
Knee replacement surgery can help to relieve chronic pain in your knee joint and improve your range of movement
About a knee replacement
The most common cause of knee joint pain in the older age group is arthritis, which can be brought on by wear and tear (osteoarthritis), inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis) or injury (post-traumatic arthritis).
A total or partial knee replacement involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial metal and plastic implant.
A total or partial knee replacement involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial metal and plastic implant.
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
Knee replacement surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic or regional anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a cut at the front of your knee and remove any damaged bone and cartilage in the joint. An artificial joint implant – made of metal and plastic – is then fitted into place. Your surgeon will stitch the area, usually putting in a small drain to remove any fluid for the first day after surgery. The whole procedure takes one to two hours. -
How to prepare icon plus
Before surgery, your consultant will evaluate your knee condition to determine whether a total or a partial knee replacement is right for you. This will involve a physical examination to assess the current range of movement in your knee and how stable it is. Your consultant will also arrange an X-ray. Following a full assessment, you consultant will discuss treatment options with you, which may include surgery. You consultant will also discuss the potential risks and side effects of surgery with you. -
Afterwards icon plus
You'll usually be cared for in hospital for three to five days following your operation. You'll be encouraged to stand up and walk with the help of crutches or a walker as soon as possible. Your consultant will recommend physiotherapy exercises to help to build strength back in your knee and legs. You'll need to use crutches or a walker to move around for a few weeks after surgery. You should consider arranging for a friend, a family member or a carer to help you with tasks such as shopping, bathing and laundry during this time. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
Payment package
Hospital stay and procedure
Prices from
£14,670 subject to the specifics of your treatment as recommended by your consultant.
Indicative consultant fees from £1,425
Expected length of stay
4 nights
Included
Before admission
- Pre-assessment
During your hospital stay
- Accommodation in a standard room as quoted above.
- Routine admission tests
- Patient meals are included but not transferable.
- Nursing care and facilities
- Theatre fees, drugs and dressings
- Removal of stitches, dressing and plaster as required.
- Take home medication
Excluded
- Any additional nights in hospital not described in the above.
- Specialist nursing above and beyond required level of care.
- Any post-operative treatments/consultations which may be required.
- Any additional or more complex procedures not included in our initial agreement.
- Any readmission due to complications will result in additional charges in line with our standard prices.
- Personal costs including visitors’ meals and drinks as well as newspapers.
- Any costs not specified as included.
Useful information
Our consultants
We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Our locations
From complex knee surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS
Request an appointment
Our booking teams can help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.