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Knee preservation surgery
- No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care*
- 97% of orthopaedic patients rate our care ‘very good’ or ‘excellent'
- Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
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KNEE PRESERVATION SURGERY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
We’re one of the most trusted providers of private orthopaedic care in the UK, and 97% of our patients say they’d recommend us to family and friends. You’ll be cared for by dedicated knee specialists, who’ll use the latest imaging technology to accurately diagnose your injury or condition and devise a treatment plan tailored to you.
We understand how frustrating it can be to experience pain or lose mobility. Our minimally invasive surgical techniques and excellent support and aftercare mean we can get you back to doing the things you love.
We understand how frustrating it can be to experience pain or lose mobility. Our minimally invasive surgical techniques and excellent support and aftercare mean we can get you back to doing the things you love.
Knee preservation surgery is a way to repair and preserve your knee joint, to avoid or postpone having a knee replacement. It could include surgery to repair your meniscus or cartilage, or reshaping bones (osteotomy) to realign your knee. Knee preservation should help relieve pain, improve how your knee joint functions and preserve it for as long as possible.
Your knee has a lot of different parts, and if only some of them are worn or damaged, or that damage isn’t too extensive, knee preservation surgery can repair them without the need for a replacement.
Knee preservation isn’t suitable if your knee has more extensive damage. For example, if you have severe osteoarthritis (damaged cartilage in your knee), a knee replacement may be a more effective treatment.
A knee replacement can be a very effective way to reduce knee pain and improve function, but it’s unlikely to allow you to return to high-impact activities whereas knee preservation might allow you to keep doing those things for longer.
Knee preservation can also delay the need for a replacement for a significant period of time. The later you have a knee replacement, the less likely you are to need a second replacement.
Knee preservation isn’t suitable if your knee has more extensive damage. For example, if you have severe osteoarthritis (damaged cartilage in your knee), a knee replacement may be a more effective treatment.
A knee replacement can be a very effective way to reduce knee pain and improve function, but it’s unlikely to allow you to return to high-impact activities whereas knee preservation might allow you to keep doing those things for longer.
Knee preservation can also delay the need for a replacement for a significant period of time. The later you have a knee replacement, the less likely you are to need a second replacement.
There are three main types of knee preservation surgery:
- Osteotomy. This procedure realigns your knee by reshaping the bones, so the load and pressure in your knee joint moves away from the damaged part to a healthier part of your knee and reduces your pain.
- Arthroscopy. This is keyhole surgery, which uses a small camera to identify damaged parts of your knee such as your ligaments or meniscus, and repair or replace them without the need for open surgery.
- Cartilage regeneration surgery. This describes a variety of procedures to stimulate the production of new cartilage, which should cover the ends of the bones in your knee joint and relieve pain.
If you’re a younger adult, or you’re actively involved in sports, knee preservation surgery might be the best option to relieve knee pain or repair any damage. That’s because it preserves the healthy, functioning parts of your knee so you benefit from its natural mechanics. Knee replacements are effective for pain relief and basic mobility, but they don’t function as well as your real knee for strenuous activity.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist knee consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
THE KNEE PRESERVATION SURGERY PROCESS
What to expect
Our specialist knee consultants will give you focused one-on-one care to ensure your condition is accurately diagnosed and expertly treated. From your first visit through to any recovery and aftercare, you’ll be in safe hands at every stage.
01
Initial consultation
The first step is to see a GP. They’ll ask you about your medical history and talk to you in detail about your knee condition, any pain you’re experiencing and how it’s affecting your life. Depending on your situation, they might recommend medication, refer you to a physiotherapist for non-surgical treatment, or to a specialist knee consultant.
02
Investigations and diagnosis
If physiotherapy or medication aren’t effective, you’ll be referred to a knee consultant. They’ll physically examine your knee in detail and will use imaging tests to get a more detailed view. These could include an ultrasound or an MRI scan and the results should come back within 48 hours. If your consultant recommends knee preservation surgery, they’ll discuss all your options, and together you can decide the best way forward.
03
Treatment
The specific surgical procedure you need will depend on your age, your general health the condition of your knee and what you’ve decided with your consultant. It might involve reshaping your bones to relieve pressure on the painful or damaged part of your knee, keyhole surgery to repair or replace damaged tissue, or techniques to help your knee regenerate cartilage. You’ll be looked after by dedicated specialist teams at every stage of your treatment, and they’ll keep you full informed about what’s happening before, during and after your procedure.
04
Aftercare
After your surgery, you’ll be given time to recover in a private room. When you’re ready, your consultant will talk you through how the procedure went and give you a detailed and thorough plan to manage your recovery and rehabilitation. That will include physiotherapy, as well as any pain medication you need, and advice about how to manage your recovery at home.
Locations
You can access our specialist knee services at locations across London, Manchester and Birmingham. From initial consultation through to treatment and next steps, you’ll be treated by some of the country’s most respected experts.
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Knee surgery FAQ
The knee is a complex joint, with many moving parts, and knee preservation surgery is only one potential way to treat a variety of conditions that can affect you. Before any surgical decisions are made, you’ll need to have a thorough and detailed assessment of your knee. Your consultant will talk to you about any symptoms you’re experiencing and how well you can use your knee. They’ll also carry out a thorough physical examination too.
It's likely they’ll also ask for imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans so they can see inside your knee joint in more detail.
If you’re a young adult, and the damage or issue with your knee can be treated without replacing the knee, then knee preservation surgery might be a good option for you.
It's likely they’ll also ask for imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans so they can see inside your knee joint in more detail.
If you’re a young adult, and the damage or issue with your knee can be treated without replacing the knee, then knee preservation surgery might be a good option for you.
All surgery carries some degree of risk, and your consultant will talk to you in detail about your specific procedure and any potential complications. Your knee preservation surgery has a small risk of blood clots (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), infection, nerve damage and stiffness because of scar tissue forming. You will also need to commit to physiotherapy after surgery to improve your outcome.
Knee preservation surgery can include a wide range of different procedures. The cost of your surgery will depend on your specific condition, the kinds of tests needed to diagnose the problem, and the kind of surgery you need.
Your consultant will be able to discuss your needs in detail and give you an accurate idea of the costs.
Your consultant will be able to discuss your needs in detail and give you an accurate idea of the costs.
Our patients’ stories
Sarah-Jane’s return from knee injury
It was when she slipped on the dancefloor at an office party that 38-year-old Sarah-Jane finally realised something wasn’t right with her knee. A keen skateboarder and tennis player, Sarah-Jane had always led an active lifestyle, but never thought much about injuries.
Decades of pain, resolved in weeks
Now 46, Mike had been struggling with knee problems since he tore his right ACL during a football match at the age of 19.
Kriti’s story
As Kriti Singh stepped off the dance floor at her thirtieth birthday party in Varanasi, India, she felt a sharp pain in her right knee. With a ten-year history of knee trouble, this didn’t bode well.
“I expected to have a chronic knee condition forever, but my knee is stronger than ever. As it was my first surgery, I was nervous, but I had the best care and the best people.”
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- *based on volumes reported by PHIN, Private Health Information Network
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.