Knee replacement surgery

As a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, I have carried out a lot of total knee replacement operations. It is a very good operation with consistently high patient satisfaction, and I have been privileged to see the very real difference it has made to many people over the years I have been providing it.

For people whose mobility has been severely reduced as a result of long-term knee pain, total knee replacement can make a huge difference to the quality of their life.

Let’s talk about your knee

Your knee is a hinge joint, formed by the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shin bone (tibia).

In a healthy knee, the femur and tibia move freely and smoothly over and around one another as the leg is moved. Healthy joints do not cause pain. When there is a problem with the knee, movement within the joint can become painful, sometimes severely so and this can cause all kinds of difficulties and challenges.

The most common cause of ongoing knee pain is osteoarthritis, a degenerative form of arthritis. There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, although treatments are available to help manage the pain. Trauma or injury can also cause knee pain.

Often, knee pain can be successfully managed through non-surgical means, such as pain relief medication, physiotherapy or corticosteroid injections. Other times, the problem may be significant enough that the knee joint itself is worn out and needs replacing. This is when total knee replacement surgery would be appropriate.

Knee replacement surgery

As the name suggests, knee replacement surgery replaces the natural (damaged, worn out) knee joint with an artificial one.

During the operation, I will make a cut on the front of your knee, move the kneecap to one side and then remove the damaged surfaces of the femur and tibia. I will then resurface them with a cobalt chrome joint and a medical grade polyethylene spacer. The back of the kneecap is also usually resurfaced with the same material.

I always tell people that this is a big operation and that full recovery will take some time, often around three months or so. You will need to stay in hospital after your surgery. During this time, the physiotherapy team will show you how to move safely using a walking frame and crutches, so that you have confidence to move around once you are back home.

We are normally able to discharge patients after two nights, sometimes earlier. Patients mobilise better and are more comfortable at home, so you won't be in hospital for any longer than necessary.

As somebody who is passionate about people getting the best possible results from their knee replacement surgery, I know how important it is to get quality aftercare such as pain relief, physiotherapy etc. At Sulis Hospital Bath, this is all provided for you and we will be there with you throughout your recovery to ensure you receive the best possible outcome from the surgery.

The difference knee replacement surgery can make

We all like to have our own independence. When something threatens our independence – like serious, chronic knee pain for example – it can be a real cause of worry. The knee is one of the largest joints in the body and a problem in it can have a seemingly disproportionate impact on our ability to carry out everyday tasks and movements.

Many of the people who come to see me for a consultation about knee pain tell me of their concern about losing their independence. They want to be able to continue with their current lifestyle, able to enjoy hobbies and regular activities, but their knee pain is limiting their ability to do so. They are often quite worried about the future and may even be considering moving into a care home in the near future as a result.

Knee replacement surgery can take away chronic knee pain and improve mobility. Some patients have described the operation to me as life-changing; they have been able to regain their independence, often experiencing a new lease of life as a result of their improved mobility and lack of pain.

Can I help you?

Having a new (artificial) knee joint can make a real difference to the quality of life. It can eliminate debilitating knee pain and restore good mobility once again.

If you are suffering from knee pain, why not book a consultation with me here at Sulis Hospital Bath? I am highly experienced in treating the many different causes of knee pain and am involved in teaching trainee surgeons on both local and national courses.

Whatever the knee problem you're struggling with and the extent of the problems you're experiencing, I can help. From your first consultation with me, my focus will be on getting you out of pain, treated effectively and back to good knee health and function.

It's easy to book a consultation with me at Sulis Hospital Bath. Just contact my private secretary who will be able to schedule you in for a time that's most convenient for you.