TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN PLYMOUTH
We know living with a damaged knee can be a painful experience and can impact your quality of life.
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a common surgical procedure used to treat degenerative knee conditions.
The goal of a total knee replacement is to relieve pain and restore function to your knee.
It is most commonly offered when joint pain is no longer controlled by conservative measures such as painkillers, injections, walking aids or physiotherapy.
There are five basic steps to knee replacement surgery:
- Planning.
Use of appropriate X-rays and sometimes scans to confirm the diagnosis and carefully plan the proposed surgery. - Prepare the bone.
The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone. - Restoration of alignment
The bone cuts together with soft tissue releasing (if required) are used to restore the limb to correct and bow-leg or knock-knee mal-alignment as an integral part of the procedure. - Positioning of the implants
The distal femur and proximal tibia are replaced with metal implants that are usually secured using bone cement. Uncemented implants may on occasion be preferred. Components come in a wide range of sizes or may be custom-made. The patella is resurfaced with a Polyethylene ‘button’ cemented in place. - Insertion of the tibial bearing
A medical-grade Polyethylene bearing is inserted between the metal components creating a smooth gliding surface and providing stability to the prosthetic joint.
How will I feel after knee replacement surgery?
Most of your pain and swelling should be gone within 3-months of surgery. However, you may still have some discomfort with activities such as going up and down stairs or sitting in one position for too long for a little longer. It is important to remain physically active, maintain a healthy weight and follow physiotherapy advice to achieve the best recovery.
How is knee replacement surgery performed?
Mr Stitson will make a midline incision on the front of your knee and move your kneecap or patella to the side to access the knee joint behind it. He will use precision jigs and a saw to remove and re-shape the damaged ends of the shin bone and thigh bone. The new components are then fitted to the ends of both bones using bone cement to create the new joint. The components are usually made of metal (cobalt-chrome or titanium) and plastic (high-density polyethylene).
AT A GLANCE
⏰ A knee replacement usually takes about 1 hour.
🏨 You will be required to stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights, however, occasionally you may need to stay longer. Day case procedures may be appropriate in some cases depending on patient suitability.
💰 Prices start from £16,824 including a pre-assessment, treatment and post-discharge care.
Finance is available through the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION BELOW
An important factor in deciding whether to have total knee replacement surgery is understanding what a total knee replacement can and cannot do.
Is total knee replacement surgery right for me?
Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient’s pain and disability. Mr Stitson evaluates each patient on an individual basis before providing advice suited to your individual circumstances.
Total knee replacements have been performed successfully at all ages, from young teenagers with juvenile arthritis to elderly patients with degenerative arthritis, however, the most common ages are between 50 and 80.
Your doctor may recommend a total knee replacement if you have:
- Severe knee pain that limits your daily activities (such as walking, getting up from a chair or climbing stairs).
- Moderate-to-severe pain that occurs during rest or wakes you in the night.
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that is not relieved with rest or medication.
- Failure to obtain pain relief from medications, injections, physical therapy or other conservative treatment.
- A bow-legged knee deformity.
Postoperative Care Following your Knee Replacement Surgery
Rehabilitation begins immediately following your surgery. A physiotherapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement.
You will be able to walk with crutches and the physiotherapist will also provide you with an exercise program to follow at home in order to aid with your recovery. Details of the exercises and what to expect will also be provided in a booklet to take home.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY...
Mr David Stitson is in Private Practice at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG. He accepts new patient referrals directly from patients, via GP referral, on recommendation from your private medical insurer or via other practitioners including physiotherapists, osteopaths or chiropractors.
Please do get in touch with us to enquire about an appointment or a procedure.
What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?
While knee replacement surgery is to significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and mobility, like any surgical procedure, it comes with certain risks and potential complications.
Some of the risks associated with knee replacement surgery include:
- Infection:
Infections can occur at the surgical site or within the joint, requiring additional treatment including antibiotics, or even revision surgery to remove and replace the prosthetic joint. - Blood Clots:
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) can form in the legs and potentially travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening. Mechanical calf compression to encourage blood flow is used in hospitals and blood thing drugs are prescribed post-operatively to help reduce the risk.
Bleeding:
Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require blood transfusion or other interventions.- Blood Vessel or Nerve Damage:
Damage to blood vessels or nerves around the surgical area can result in complications such as reduced blood flow, numbness, weakness, or pain. - Implant Problems:
Prosthetic knee components may wear out over time, become loose, or fail, leading to pain and the need for revision surgery. - Pain and Stiffness:
Some patients may experience ongoing pain or stiffness in the replaced knee, limiting their range of motion. - Fractures:
During surgery, nearby bones can be accidentally fractured, requiring additional procedures for repair. - Anaesthesia Risks:
General anaesthesia carries its own risks, including adverse reactions or complications. Such risks will be described to you by the anaesthetist.
- Limited Improvement:
While most patients experience significant improvement in pain and mobility after knee replacement, some may not achieve the desired level of improvement. - Stiffness/Scar Tissue Formation:
Excessive scar tissue formation (arthrofibrosis) around the joint can limit movement and require further treatment. - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Risks:
Complications such as heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia can arise. The pre-assessment process is designed to pick up those at particular risk.
It’s important to note that while these risks exist, they are relatively uncommon, and the majority of knee replacement procedures are successful and lead to improved quality of life.
The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery should be based on a thorough discussion between yourself and Mr Stitson, with particular attention given to your individual health status, lifestyle, and the severity of knee joint symptoms.
Mr Stitson will take all necessary precautions to minimise operative risks and will closely monitor your progress during the recovery period, addressing any potential complications promptly.
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