Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with a metal and plastic prosthetic implant. This procedure is commonly performed to treat severe arthritis, injuries, or other conditions that cause chronic pain and limit mobility.
Depending on your knee’s condition, you may require a total or partial knee replacement. This procedure uses modern surgical techniques to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life. Located in St John’s Wood (NW8), our hospital offers this treatment to patients across London in a caring and professional environment.
Knee Replacement Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we focus on providing high-quality care tailored to your needs. Our orthopaedic specialists use advanced surgical methods and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.
Why choose us for your knee replacement surgery?
- Specialist Consultants: Our surgeons are highly experienced in knee replacement procedures, ensuring a personalised approach to your care.
- Prompt Access: We offer timely appointments and diagnostic services, reducing waiting times so you can start your recovery sooner.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with the latest technology to support effective surgery and post-operative care.
- Accessible Location: Based in NW8, we are conveniently located for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the surrounding areas.
We are committed to guiding you from initial consultation through to your recovery, providing compassionate and professional care every step of the way.
How Much Does Private Knee Replacement Surgery Cost?
from £14,245*
The price shown includes all hospital related costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. The price does not include the cost of consultation, diagnostics, or the surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
| £14,245 |
| £13,795 |
| £11,995 |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Appointment
You will have an initial consultation with a specialist knee surgeon.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, you will go through your medical history, have a knee exam and if needed, be referred for an up-to-date scan (such as X-rays or MRI) of your knee. If surgery is recommended, your doctor will explain the risk and benefits of surgery and what to expect from recovery. Together, you will decide whether knee replacement surgery is the best option for you.
Prehab
Your knee needs to be in the best condition possible before surgery, as this will lead to better outcomes. Once your swelling has gone down, you should follow your physiotherapist’s exercise programme.
Pre-Assessment
If you decide to go ahead with knee replacement surgery, you will need to come in for a pre-assessment, which is a standard ‘fitness for surgery’ check.
Surgery
You will be able to walk the same day with the help of crutches or a walker. You should be able to go home after 1-3 days.
Aftercare
You will need to keep your wound clean and dry, take pain relief and have physiotherapy consistently. You will not be able to fly short haul for six weeks or long-haul for 12 weeks. We have an excellent therapies team at our hospital that can support you throughout your recovery.
Follow-Up
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor at two weeks, where any stitches or clips will be removed. You may need further check-ups at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We’re close to Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6), making us accessible to patients across the region.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, main routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient travel for patients from across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
Knee replacement may be necessary if knee osteoarthritis causes severe pain, reduced mobility, or difficulty walking, and non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, pain relief, and lifestyle changes no longer work. If you’re experiencing significant knee pain, consult one of our knee specialists, who can assess your knee and discuss whether surgery is the best option.
Before surgery, ‘prehab’ exercises with a physiotherapist can help strengthen your knee and improve flexibility, which supports a smoother recovery. You’ll also undergo a pre-assessment to ensure you’re fit for surgery, including tests like bloodwork and an MRSA screening. If you’re taking blood thinners or NSAIDs, let your doctor know, as you may need to adjust your intake.
You’ll need to stop eating six hours and drinking two hours before surgery. Wear loose clothing and bring essentials like a toothbrush, phone, charger, and any medications. Once admitted, a nurse will check your vitals, and your doctor will review the procedure and have you sign a consent form.
Surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours and is done under general or spinal anaesthesia. In a total knee replacement, your surgeon will replace damaged parts of your knee with metal and plastic implants. If only part of the knee is affected, a partial knee replacement may be an option. Your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches or clips, and the knee will be bandaged.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours. Patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days after surgery for initial recovery and monitoring.
You’ll start your recovery in a private room where nurses will monitor you, and physiotherapists will help you start walking with crutches or a frame. You’ll likely go home within 1-3 days. During the first two weeks, keep your leg elevated, apply cold wraps, and follow a pain management plan. Avoid bearing full weight on the knee initially and keep up with your physiotherapy exercises to strengthen and balance the knee.
Recovery times vary depending on the individual and the type of surgery. Many patients resume light activities within six weeks, while full recovery and the ability to engage in more strenuous activities can take up to three months. A tailored rehabilitation programme will help you regain strength and mobility at a pace that suits you.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH)