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What is knee replacement surgery?
For many people, a knee replacement is recommended to help treat pain and stiffness in the knee caused by osteoarthritis.
Depending on the extent of damage in your knee, your doctor may recommend a total knee replacement, where all your knee joint is replaced, or a partial knee replacement where much of your knee joint remains in place and only parts are replaced.
It is important to note that the surfaces of the joint are replaced and not the joint itself. This means you will still retain all your bone and most of your ligaments.
A knee replacement can last for more than 20 years and should significantly improve your quality of life if you are suffering with chronic knee pain.
What is the cost of knee replacement surgery?
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
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.
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.
You’ll see improvements in mobility after a few months, though full recovery can take up to a year. Most patients can start driving in 6 weeks after a full replacement (3 weeks for a partial replacement). Avoid flying for 6-12 weeks to reduce the risk of blood clots. Physiotherapy throughout recovery is essential, and our dedicated team is here to support your journey back to full mobility.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH)