Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery involves removing the worn or damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replacing them with carefully shaped artificial components that restore smooth, pain-free movement. It is one of the most performed Orthopaedic procedures in the world, and for patients who have reached the point where everyday life is significantly affected by knee pain, it can be life-changing.
Surgery is usually recommended when knee pain and stiffness are seriously affecting daily life, and when other approaches such as physiotherapy, pain medication, or steroid injections are no longer providing adequate relief.
Common Causes
- Osteoarthritis. The most common reason for knee replacement. Over time, the cartilage protecting the surfaces of the knee joint wears down, leaving the bones to rub against each other. The result is persistent knee pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly after long periods of sitting or when going up and down stairs.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system attacks the lining of the joints. In the knee, this causes chronic inflammation that progressively destroys the cartilage and bone, leading to deformity and significant loss of function.
- Post-traumatic arthritis. Arthritis that develops as a result of a previous knee injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscal damage, even years after the original injury has healed.
- Severe cartilage damage. Significant cartilage loss that cannot be addressed through less invasive surgery can leave the joint painful and unstable, making replacement the most effective path to restoring function.
Benefits
- Pain relief. The majority of patients experience a dramatic and lasting reduction in knee pain.
- Improved mobility. Walking comfortably, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, activities that have become painful or difficult become manageable again.
- Better sleep. Knee pain is frequently worse at night. Resolving the pain typically leads to a meaningful improvement in sleep quality.
- Long-term joint function. Modern knee implants are highly durable and are designed to provide stable, smooth movement for many years.
- Lifestyle benefits. Improved quality of life, improved physical health, better independence and return to certain sports that were stopped due to pain.
Common Knee Replacement Procedures
Total Knee Replacement with the Evolution Knee System
The Evolution Knee is a medial pivot knee system. It uses kinematic alignment to better mimic the natural movement and alignment of the knee. This advanced prosthesis is designed to enhance joint stability, comfort, and long-term functionality.
Dr. Barrett utilises the medial pivot Evolution Knee System to achieve more natural knee biomechanics, providing patients with improved outcomes in total knee replacement surgeries.
Uni-Compartmental / Partial Knee Replacement
Uni-compartmental, or partial knee replacement involves resurfacing just the affected segment of the knee. It is the preferred surgical alternative to a total knee replacement when the patient is suffering from damage or a degenerative disease restricted to a single particular region of the knee.
What to Expect Prior to Surgery
1. A pre-operative assessment. Dr. Barrett will review the patient's knee through examination to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery. General health is also assessed to make sure the patient is fit for the operation and anaesthetic.
2. A medication review. Patients may be asked to stop certain medicines (such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs) in the days before surgery.
3. Final surgery preparation. The patient may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the operation. It is also worth preparing the home environment before surgery, such as a raised toilet seat and a bed that is easy to get in and out of to make the early days of recovery more comfortable.
What to Expect During Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is carried out under either general anaesthetic (the patient is fully asleep) or spinal anaesthetic (awake but numb from the waist down). Dr. Barrett will recommend the most appropriate option on a case-by-case basis. The operation typically takes between 1 and 2 hours.
1. An incision is made along the front of the knee to access the joint.
2. The damaged bone and cartilage surfaces are carefully removed.
3. The prosthetic components: a metal femoral component, a plastic spacer, and a metal tibial component, are fitted and secured.
4. Before closing, Dr. Barrett checks the movement, alignment, and stability of the new joint.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery is gradual and varies between patients. The following is a general guide:
Days 1 – 3
The patient will be in hospital after surgery. Movement begins early with the support of a physiotherapist. Swelling and discomfort are normal and managed with medication.
Weeks 1 – 6
A walking aid is needed in the early weeks. Swelling gradually subsides. Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement and beginning to build strength in the muscles around the knee.
Weeks 6 – 12
Most patients are walking unaided and returning to light everyday activities. Driving is usually possible again around 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the knee replacement surgery.
Months 3 – 12
The knee continues to settle and strengthen. The full benefit of surgery is typically felt between 6 and 12 months after the operation.
Knee replacement is typically considered when the pain is seriously affecting daily life and when other treatments have stopped working. Dr. Barrett will assess the extent of the damage, alongside the broader impact on the patient's quality of life, before recommending surgery.
The vast majority of knee replacements are still working well 15 to 20 years post-surgery. Avoiding high-impact activities, keeping to a healthy weight, and staying active with gentle exercise can all help extend the life of the implant.
A knee replacement is a safe and well-established operation, but as with any major surgery, there are risks, including temporary swelling and stiffness, infection, blood clots, and, very rarely, injury to surrounding nerves or vessels. Dr. Barrett discusses all relevant risks with each patient before surgery.
Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in pain and mobility. The knee is unlikely to feel exactly the same as a natural healthy knee, and some patients are aware of the implant, particularly with certain movements. However, for the vast majority, the outcome is a knee that is comfortable, stable, and functional.
Yes. Physiotherapy is essential to getting the best outcome from knee replacement surgery. It begins shortly after the operation, starting with gentle movement and progressing to strengthening work as the knee heals. Following the programme consistently is one of the most important things a patient can do to ensure a full, lasting recovery.
Other Services
Dedicated Orthopaedic surgeries focused on improved mobility and exceptional recovery.
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Shoulder Replacement Surgery
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Arthroscopic Surgery
Precise keyhole surgery for knee and shoulder injuries, with minimal disruption and a fast return to normal life.
Muscle & Tendon Repair
Getting patients back to full strength by repairing torn or ruptured muscles and tendons.
Ligament Surgery
Rebuilding the ligaments that keep a joint stable, so the giving-way feeling becomes a thing of the past.
Trauma
Expert doctor care for broken bones and serious injuries.
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