Knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery replaces damaged parts of the knee joint with metal and plastic components. It may help reduce pain, restore movement and make everyday activities easier when other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Knee replacement surgery overview
Knee replacement is most often considered when osteoarthritis has caused persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility that affect your daily life. Your consultant will review your symptoms, scans, general health and personal goals before discussing whether surgery is suitable. There are two main types: Total knee replacement: the damaged surfaces at the lower end of the thigh bone and upper end of the shin bone are replaced. Partial knee replacement: only the damaged part of the joint is replaced, leaving the healthy areas in place.
How is surgery carried out?
Knee replacement is performed in hospital under a general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic. The operation usually takes around one to two hours.
For a total knee replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged ends of the thigh bone and shin bone and fits new metal and plastic surfaces to create the joint. The back of the kneecap may also be resurfaced. A partial replacement follows a similar process but treats only the affected section of the knee.
Are there any risks?
Knee replacement is a common procedure, but every operation carries risks. Your consultant will explain your individual risk and the steps taken to reduce it. Possible complications include:
- a blood clot in the leg or, more rarely, the lungs
- infection in the wound or deeper around the joint
- damage to a nerve, blood vessel, ligament or other tissue
- ongoing pain, stiffness or difficulty bending the knee
- instability or another problem with the new joint
- the replacement wearing or loosening over time, which may require further surgery
Recovery from knee replacement surgery
Early recovery: walking safely
In the first few weeks, focus on managing pain and swelling, completing your exercises and moving around regularly as advised. Keep your leg raised when resting and use your walking aids until you feel safe and your physiotherapist advises you to reduce them.
Rebuilding movement and strength
During the first six to twelve weeks, physiotherapy and regular exercises will help improve your bend, strength and walking pattern. Some people return to work during this period, depending on their role and progress.
Returning to everyday activities
Strength, movement and confidence continue to improve over several months. Your care team will advise you about driving, work, travel and suitable exercise. Build activity gradually and follow the plan agreed with your consultant and physiotherapist.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Knee replacement FAQs
Many people can go home one to three days after surgery once the wound is healing and they can move around safely. Your stay may be shorter or longer depending on your health, the type of replacement and your progress.
NHS guidance advises waiting at least six weeks after a total knee replacement or three weeks after a partial replacement, but you must also be able to control the car safely. Confirm this with your surgeon and motor insurer before driving.
Many people return after around six to twelve weeks. A desk-based role may be possible sooner than work involving heavy lifting or prolonged standing. Your consultant will advise you based on your recovery and job.
Many knee replacements last for 20 years or more. How long yours lasts will depend on factors including your age, activity and the type of implant used.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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