If you’ve been suffering from knee pain, your doctor may recommend knee surgery as a solution. From that point, it’s only natural for you to want to learn as much as possible about the procedure. Join us as we explore some of the different types of knee surgery that may be used to solve your knee problem. Don't forget to take a look at our useful Q&A video with Mariusz Korycki Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon where you will find answers to the most popular knee surgery questions.
Total knee replacement surgery
Total knee replacement surgery involves replacing diseased or damaged joint surfaces in the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.
Who it's for
Total knee replacement surgery is for people whose knees are severely damaged by arthritis or sporting injuries. It’s suitable for those that find it difficult to perform simple activities like walking or climbing stairs or those that suffer from pain and stiffness.
How it works
During the procedure, the damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with metal implants. These are often cemented into the bone. A plastic spacer is then inserted between the metal components to create a smooth surface.
Where it's available
Private knee replacement surgery is available through Practice Plus Group. The procedure is also available on the NHS but waiting times are likely to be much longer.
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves a torn ligament being removed from the knee. A tissue graft is then inserted. The surgery is performed via keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, to reduce scarring and bruising.
Who it's for
This surgery is available to everyone but ACL injuries are most common in sportspeople. Basketball, football and tennis players are among those most at risk from an ACL injury due to the stop-start nature of their sport.
How it works
ACL reconstruction surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. It takes around one hour and 30 minutes. Once you’re under anaesthetic, your surgeon will perform most of the surgery using an arthroscope. The injured ACL tendon is reconstructed with tissue from elsewhere in your body. These are most often taken from either your hamstring or patella tendon.
Where it's available
ACL reconstruction is available through the NHS or private healthcare. The statutory waiting time on the NHS is currently 18 weeks. However due to the Covid pandemic, lots of people are currently waiting longer than this.
Private knee ligament surgery is available in all our Practice Plus Group hospitals. The waiting time is normally between two to four weeks.
A knee arthroscopy is used to investigate knee problems, including inflammation and injury, or to repair damaged tissue or remove a Baker’s Cyst. An arthroscope – a telescope on a long, thin cord – is inserted through small cuts in the skin. Arthroscopies enable the patient to recover faster from surgery.
Who it's for
If you suffer from pain, stiffness, swelling or instability in your knee, an arthroscopy may be recommended. Injuries within the knee are usually age-related, due to sports or accidents (falling over, for example).
How it works
Knee arthroscopy (sometimes referred to as keyhole surgery) allows your surgeon to look inside your knee. They can then diagnose and treat with the required surgery.
Where it's available
Knee arthroscopy is available privately and on the NHS. The current NHS waiting time is around 18 weeks. Private knee arthroscopy is available via Practice Plus Group. The waiting time for surgery is around two to four weeks.
This surgical procedure involves replacing a patient’s artificial knee joint with a new one.
Who it's for
Knee revision surgery is for people who have already had a knee replacement. It is usually necessary when their original implant has failed. Injury, wear and tear, loosening and infection are among the most common indications.
How it works
During surgery, the old implant is removed and replaced with specialised knee revision implants. The surgery takes longer than a primary knee replacement procedure.
Where it's available
As with the procedures that have already been mentioned, knee revision surgery is available both privately and with the NHS. The current NHS waiting time is around 18 weeks but can be longer. Private knee revision surgery is available via Practice Plus Group. The waiting time for surgery is around two to four weeks.
In this surgical procedure, tight structures on the outer part of the kneecap are released. This eases knee pain caused by the kneecap being pulled away from its normal alignment.
Who it's for
Lateral release is an arthroscopic procedure that realigns the kneecap. This is most often due to patella (kneecap) tilt where the kneecap is ‘tilted’ towards the outside of the leg.
How it works
Lateral patella tilt is when the kneecap is not sitting properly in the groove at the bottom of the thigh bone (femoral groove) and is tilted towards the outside (lateral) of the knee.
A lateral release procedure involves your surgeon cutting through the tissue pulling the kneecap out of position. This allows the patella to sit properly within its groove. The incision is then closed. You may be given special supports to stop the kneecap sliding out of position.
Where it's available
Lateral release surgery is available privately and on the NHS.
Meniscus knee surgery repair
The meniscus cartilages stabilise and cushion the knee joint. Injury to the meniscus is a very common occurrence and can be sports or age-related.
Who it's for
Meniscus surgery is for patients that have suffered a torn meniscus cartilage that has resulted in pain and instability of the knee. When a knee is unstable, it may give way or lock in a bent position.
How it works
This arthroscopic procedure may require trimming or full repair. This decision is based on the type and location of the tear. It takes about an hour, and recovery from meniscus repair surgery normally takes a few weeks. The procedure aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and get you back enjoying everyday life.
Where it's available
Meniscus knee surgery repair is available privately and on the NHS.
Patella resurfacing
A surgical procedure to replace the joint surface of the patella. It is usually performed as part of a total knee replacement but may be done in isolation if the joint surface damage is confined to the patella.
Who it's for
It’s important to note that patella resurfacing is not a common procedure. In the majority of cases it isn’t needed. It’s usually for patients that have isolated arthritis of the kneecap, or part of a total knee replacement procedure.
How it works
Patella resurfacing is a procedure in which the worn-out surface of the kneecap is repaired with a prosthesis. Sometimes, tissue around the kneecap is removed down to the level of the quadriceps and patella tendons.
Where it's available
Patella resurfacing surgery is available privately and on the NHS.
Therapeutic injection for joint pain relief
Injections are a fast and easy method of easing joint pain and inflammation in the knee caused by arthritis/osteoarthritis.
Who it's for
Injections may be suitable for patients suffering from joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
How it works
Depending on the type of pain and the location, different injections may be recommended.. The effects typically last between 6 weeks to 6 months.
Where it's available
Therapeutic injections for pain relief are available privately and on the NHS.
Partial knee replacement
Partial knee replacement surgery involves replacing only the diseased or damaged joint surfaces in the knee with metal and plastic components. These are shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.
Who it's for
Partial knee replacement surgery may be suitable for some people suffering from osteoarthritis that is restricted to one part of the knee.
How it works
Although similar to a total knee replacement, this procedure doesn’t interfere with healthy cartilage or bone. Instead, the implant only replaces damaged parts of the knee.
The recovery period lasts around three to six weeks.
Where it's available
Partial knee replacement surgery is available through Practice Plus Group. The procedure is also available on the NHS but waiting times are likely to be much longer.
How knee surgery works
Once you know you require knee surgery, you’ll need to decide whether you want to pay for your treatment or use the NHS. If you choose to pay for yourself with Practice Plus Group, the next step is a private knee consultation.
You’ll meet your dedicated orthopaedic surgeon and anaesthetist for a pre-assessment appointment. This may include x-rays and MRI scans of the affected knee. This is your opportunity to ask questions and prepare yourself for the procedure, so fire away. Once the clinician has assessed you, you’ll be given a date for surgery.
You’ll be given either a general or spinal anaesthesia. This will be discussed with you by your anaesthetist. During the surgery itself, the worn ends of the bones in your knee joint are removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts.
At Practice Plus Group, we follow the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP). This is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps people speed up their recovery following major surgery. The ERP champions the many advantages of day surgery knee replacement. With this support you will be mobile enough to go home either on the day of surgery, or soon after.
Severe pain (that stops you from carrying out everyday chores)
Swelling around the knee
Stiffness around the knee
Reduced mobility
How successful is knee surgery?
According to an NHS survey from 2020, 75% of patients said they felt a lot better following their operation. 15% reported feeling a little better, while just 5% said they felt worse. If you have any doubts or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your orthopaedic surgeon.
Risks and complications of knee surgery
As with any major operation, knee surgery carries risks. For example, there can be side effects of confusion and sickness from the anaesthesia. On occasion, there can also be complications after the operation involving blood supply. A very small number of patients have developed blood clots in their legs or lungs.
Other complications can include infection, ligament damage and dislocation. In a very small number of cases, nerve damage may be a factor. This often leads to pain in the shin bone.
Knee surgery recovery time
Recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you’ve had and how old you are. However, for everyone there is a specific list of do’s and don’ts to follow after surgery.
Do:
Walk when it’s safe to do so
Strengthen your knee with exercises given to you by your doctor
Follow the advice of your doctor
A few weeks after your operation, your doctor may suggest including exercises into your recovery. Cycling after a knee replacement is often recommended.
Don’t:
Try to do too much too early
Participate in sports with a high risk of falling (i.e. football, rugby, mountain biking etc)
Drive straight after the operation. You won’t be able to drive until you can fully bend your knee
Arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time
The recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery depends entirely on the patient. Age plays a big part, as well as completion of the exercises set by the doctor. An operated knee can take up to two years to fully heal following surgery.
Knee cartilage surgery recovery time
The recovery time for knee cartilage surgery depends entirely on the patient. Age plays a big part, along with completion of the exercises set by the doctor. An operated knee can take up to two years to fully heal following surgery.
After knee surgery care
As mentioned previously, every patient will recover at different rates. However, there are still some things you can do to help speed up the process:
Walk frequently (when permitted by your doctor)
Follow your doctor or physiotherapist’s exercises and advice
The cost of private knee surgery depends on a number of factors. These include the location of the hospital, the type of surgery, and the chosen healthcare provider. As a ballpark figure, you can expect to pay anything from £5,000-15,000 for your knee surgery.
The cost of knee surgery at Practice Plus Group
For knee replacement surgery with Practice Plus Group, you can expect to pay £11,200, plus £95 for the initial consultation. As of 2022, this is cheaper than our nearest competitors.
Ways to pay
There are 3 ways to access knee surgery at Practice Plus Group:
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
Knee surgery FAQs
Total knee replacement is the most common type of knee surgery. The two main causes are Injury and arthritis. With the UK’s ageing population, the number of total knee replacements is expected to increase.
Knee replacement surgery is available at most (if not all) private healthcare providers. To enquire about knee surgery with Practice Plus Group, please book an appointment.
This depends on the type of knee operation. Most knee surgeries take between 1-3 hours.
No. The operation itself isn’t painful as you’ll be under anaesthetic. Some pain and discomfort is likely in the hours and days after the operation. However this is usually managed with prescribed pain relief and exercise.
If you have a date for your surgery, you should start to prepare right away. Removing hazards from your home (loose rugs and cables) to prevent falling, placing items within reach, and clearing space for walking with crutches, are all good ideas for preparation.
You might also consider strengthening and conditioning your body prior to surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces the amount of stress that will be put on the knee joint post-op.
The internet is a great resource here. It allows you to shop around and weigh up the pros and cons of different healthcare providers.
For those that don’t have access to the internet, private healthcare can be accessed via a referral from your GP.
Knee surgery Q&A with Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mariusz Korycki
I had an op today in Emerson Green and wanted to say how well I was looked after and cared for. Truly wonderful. Thank you
by Laura Steer - Emersons Green Hospital, Twitter
Above and beyond
Big shout out to Practice Plus Group Plymouth who went above and beyond to make my day case visit today as comfortable as possible, from the day case nurses to all the theatre staff. Special mention to Carly, Cathy, Amy and Elaine(?) nothing was too much trouble!
by Sue Bentley, Twitter
Incredibly slick and super friendly
Despite the most huge system demand, strikes and winter pressures the NHS still carries on, so grateful to Practice Plus Group for looking after me yesterday. You were incredibly slick, super friendly and got the job done!
by Joanna Masters, Twitter
Process was very quick and well organised
The whole process was very quick and well organised from first contact to being discharged. The initial telephone contact allowed me to ask questions and be directed to the clinic which would best suit my needs. Everyone involved was very friendly and quickly put me at ease. I was always explained choices and not pressured into any response. My concerns were fully answered enabling me to feel confident to go ahead. I loved my consultants humour during the procedure keeping me involved and relaxed. My eyesight is amazing now with no need to wear glasses so I’m extremely satisfied.
by Mary Hillman, Google
Tremendous skill, diligence and care
Tremendous skill, diligence and care at this hospital. They deserve their reputation as one of the best facilities in the UK for hip and knee replacements.
by Ian Keys, Google
Superb care
Attended for a colonoscopy, superb care from Siobhan the receptionist through to Kemi, the lady who carried out the procedure and everbody inbetween, such care and dedication rarely seen these days. Thanks to all, you made a daunting afternoon much, much better!!!
by Dianne Keys, Google
Caring
Attended for cataract surgery and cannot fault the care I received from every single member of staff.
by Yvonne Akrill, Google
Friendly, caring and professional
Attended for cataract surgery and cannot fault the care I received from every single member of staff. Following a warm and friendly welcome at reception, pre surgery checks were carried out in a friendly, caring and professional manner with everything clearly explained – this carried through to the actual procedure where theatre staff were so kind and reassuring.
by Yvonne Akrill, Google
Outstanding
A big thank you to Mr Sadek and his team for the outstanding way they looked after me during my hernia surgery. Everyone was so friendly and polite and looked after me so well. Thank you all of you.
by Richard Lewis, Google
Exceedingly courteous and helpful
Appointments staff exceedingly courteous and helpful getting both my elderly parents booked in for appointments on the same day and directly after each other, for eye surgery.
by Paula Stubbs, Google
Very impressed
Very impressed by this team. All appointments ran to time and all staff empathetic, skilful, kind and friendly. Thank you for all the team who dealt with my hernia surgery yesterday, it was a pleasure to meet you all. Great sense of team work and moral, and all communication and managing of expectations top notch.
by Jon “Jev” Ev, Google
Looked after all way through
The Endoscopy staff were fantastic put me at ease straight away. Dr Patel was so nice and what I thought was going to be a horrible experience wasn’t. Looked after all way through.
by Jane Morgan, Google
Would recommended to everyone
Had hip op recently. Big thanks to Mr Flood..Maria..and all the hospital staff they treated me with care ..respect thank you all for being there for me. Would recommended to everyone.
by Arthur Syson, Google
Service was excellent
The service was excellent and all the staff were kind and considerate and helpful during my stay. It’s never nice having to have a operation but they made the experience a lot better and I was very impressed.
by Alan Cole, Google
Reassuring and kind
All the staff were amazing friendly and helpful. They were understanding, reassuring and kind. The receptionist, the dental surgeon and the dental nurse were all fantastic. I can’t thank you enough for how kind you all were.
by Liberty Davies, Google
From start to finish my treatment by all was amazing
I had a Partial Knee Replace at this hospital on the NHS. From start to finish my treatment by all was amazing. I cannot praise the care I had enough. The nurses are so friendly and caring. The hospital was very clean. A good choice of food. Highly recommend.
by Audrey Hartley, Google
Really felt looked after
Staff were absolutely fantastic, really felt looked after. I was nervous about my procedure and the staff were reassuring and kind.
Procedure was smooth and painless. Many thanks all!
by Hugh Jego, Google
So much care and compassion
I recently had a total knee replacement operation at Shepton Mallett hospital, and there are not enough words to describe what an amazing place it is.
Everyone I came into contact with from the beginning of my referral has been so positive. So much care and compassion, I cannot thank you all enough you are all angels.
by Carol Ison, Google
Could not fault the care, thank you
Had a cystoscope done this morning I could not fault the care and the support from Christopher and the nursing team thank you from an anxious patient.
by Gemma Hopkins, Google
So caring
I found the hospital to be very clean, staff could not be more helpful and Nurses and ward team so caring nothing to much trouble, food first class, would recommend this hospital. Thank you to all the staff.
by John Coulthard, Google
Best experience ever for my hip replacement
I had the best experience ever for my hip replacement. Would highly recommend, thank you to all the staff involved throughout
by Franca
Highly recommend
I highly recommend Practice Plus Group! I had eye surgery yesterday and already can see clearly.
by Dave
Aftercare was brilliant!
I went in for my new hip and was out within 3 days! The aftercare was also brilliant – 10/10!
by Peter
Thank you
I just wanted to thank everyone at your urgent treatment centre, the receptionist was lovely, we were seen very quickly despite it being very busy. Thank you again.
by Natalie Cossar, Facebook
Fabulous practice
I had 2 cataract operations by the same surgeon and she was excellent! Both eyes are now perfect and operations went without a hitch! Aftercare was superb!
by Anonymous, Plymouth
Amazing facility
This was my 2nd time as an inpatient at Barlborough for knee replacement surgery and in my opinion you couldn’t have this surgery at a better place. It is truly outstanding.
by Joy Lesley Wright
Absolutely wonderful
I had a knee replacement in May 2022. I have to say that all of the staff from the consultant, the nursing staff and the entire team were absolutely wonderful.
by Susan Farmer
A big thank you
I had a day case hernia repair yesterday and wish to thank all staff involved. Throughout the experience I felt reassured, fully informed and cared for.
by Kevin
Brilliant in every respect
Very polite and helpful staff at all levels. Friendly consultant who explained everything clearly. Extremely efficient x-ray department and choice of treatments.
by Ann Sturtridge
Brilliant service
I visited this walk in centre today and although there were quite a few people already there I was in and out in 15 minutes. They were very efficient and helpful.
by Anonymous
Amazing staff
Went here as a nervous patient. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel welcome and looked after extremely well. Practice Plus Group staff are just amazing and caring.
by M K
Friendly and highly professional
October 2020 I had total knee replacement, NHS referral. My experience was excellent…everyone was caring, listening and very professional.
by Anonymous
No pain at all
Best dentist I’ve ever been to ! Had to have 2 teeth removed this week ! A very professional team took care of everything!
by Mrs Hazel Showering
Fantastic care
I would recommend Practice Plus Group and would use them again if I need to. So, so grateful to all of them.
by Fran Taylor
Well organised from start to finish
Well organised from start to finish. Staff so friendly & reassuring. Excellent facilities & a really personal service provided.
by John Telcot, NSRF Specialists
Nothing was too much trouble
The staff were so friendly & put me at ease. Lovely clean hospital.
