Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the knee is resurfaced with artificial parts. Your knee replacement will consist of a metal shell on the end of the femur and a metal and plastic trough on the tibia. A plastic button may be used to resurface the back of the kneecap if needed.
You can experience freedom of pain, improved mobility and improved quality of life since everyday activities and exercise are easier. You may or may not be able to return to active sports or heavy labour. You should follow the advice of your consultant on
what level of activity you can undertake.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Sam Rajaratnam talks about why choosing The Horder Centre for knee replacement surgery.
All these measures become less effective if your arthritis gets worse.
The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes. Various anaesthetic techniques are possible.
Your surgeon will make a cut on the front of your knee and remove the damaged joint surfaces. They will replace these with an artificial knee joint made of metal, plastic or ceramic, or a combination of these materials (see figure 1).
Your knee replacement is fixed to the bone using acrylic cement or special coatings on your knee replacement that bond directly to the bone.
Complications of anaesthesia
Your anaesthetist will be able to discuss with you the possible complications of having an anaesthetic.
General complications
Specific complications
This guide book has been written and designed by the clinical team in partnership with patients to provide you and your family with all the necessary information about having a knee replacement and what to expect before, during and after your operation.
Enhanced Recovery is a new, evidence-based approach that helps people recover more quickly after having major surgery. Having an operation can often be both physically and emotionally stressful. Enhanced Recovery Programmes try to get you back to full health as quickly as possible.
Sometimes referred to as rapid or accelerated recovery, Enhanced Recovery aims to ensure that patients:
• Are as healthy as possible before receiving treatment.
• Receive the best possible care during their operation.
• Receive the best possible care while recovering.
Research has shown the earlier a person gets out of bed and starts walking, eating and drinking after having an operation, the shorter their recovery time will be.
Knee replacement (total)
| Consultation | Diagnostics | Treatment | Care after discharge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital costs | Included | From £350 | £9780 | Included |
| Consultant costs | From £220 | Included | Included | Included |
| Estimated total cost | £10,350 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated length of stay | 3 nights | |||
The prices in the table above (the “Guide Prices”) show what most patients should expect to pay at each appointment and on admission to hospital. The Guide Prices you pay might be different depending on your medical history and the type of implant you choose or your Consultant advises is best for you. Your price quotation will be made clear to you before you proceed with any tests, consultations or treatment.
As an NHS patient, you can be referred directly to Horder Healthcare for your diagnosis, treatment and care. Horder Healthcare is an accredited provider of NHS services. Under the NHS Patient Choice Scheme, you can choose to access services at Horder Healthcare, if appropriate, with a GP referral.
If you would like faster access to Horder Healthcare's services you are able to self pay and take advantage of no waiting lists. Finance options are available.
If you have private medical insurance and want to choose Horder Healthcare for your treatment, we are recognised by the majority of medical insurance companies.
“I couldn’t fault The Horder Centre. The care was excellent. When I had an operation in an NHS hospital 15 years ago, I was in a ward with around eight other people and didn’t sleep but I had my own room at The Horder. I was made to feel at home and everyone made me feel at ease."
“Mr Butler-Manuel was the first consultant I saw who had any time for me and who listened to me. I think what is different about The Horder Centre is the team spirit. Having had countless operations, the Horder Centre is, in my opinion, streets above all the private hospitals I have been in. Nothing was too much trouble. After a couple of weeks I felt my knee wasn’t bending properly and within an hour, I was seeing a doctor then a specialist then a physiotherapist.”
“My experience at The Horder Centre was excellent, from my surgeon, Mr Gibb, and the neatness of the operation, to the physiotherapy and the post-operative care. The operation has made an incredible difference to me. Before, I could not even walk 50 yards because it was so painful. Now I am walking pain-free.”
“I was in constant pain with my knee before the operation and it meant that walking was seriously curtailed and when I cycled it was beginning to hurt. Since the operation, the more cycling I do, the better the knee gets.
The entire care package was excellent. The Horder Centre is different because it is a specialist hospital with a world-class reputation that I found to be incredibly professional yet so friendly with really fantastic staff.”