Knee Replacement
In the first instance most knee pain and early degenerative arthritis is best assessed and treated by your general practitioner with simple over the counter medication, and with a structured program of exercise supervised by a physiotherapist or sports and exercise scientist. As an adjunct to this intra-articular injections may be of benefit to you.
If however you have exhausted these treatments, and knee pain from moderate to advanced degeneration is limiting your mobility and affecting your quality of life, your general practitioner may suggest referring you to an orthopaedic surgeon to consider knee replacement surgery.
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged or worn-out parts of your knee joint with an artificial implant. The procedure aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. This procedure can involve partial knee replacement, called unicompartmental knee replacement, or full knee replacement, called total knee arthroplasty.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, surgical, or legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it does not substitute professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Individual health conditions vary, and you should seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged or worn-out parts of your knee joint with an artificial implant. The procedure relieves pain, restores function, and improves your ability to perform everyday activities.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement?
You may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery if:
You experience severe knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or everyday activity. Your knee pain persists at rest or at night to the point that it stops you sleeping well. Non-surgical treatments (medications, injections, or physical therapy) have failed to provide relief. Your knee joint is stiff, swollen, or deformed due to arthritis or injury.
Are There Different Kinds of Knee Replacement?
Yes,
Total Knee Replacement: The entire knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant.
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement: Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy tissue and bone.
Revision Knee Replacement: Performed to repair or replace an existing implant that has worn out or failed.
What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Surgery?
This will be discussed in detail prior to you surgery, but as a general overview;
Before Surgery
Preoperative Evaluation: Comprehensive tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRI's blood tests) to confirm surgery is right for you, to plan the surgery, and to minimise risks.
Preparation: You may need to adjust medications, engage with pre-habilitation with a physiotherapist, a prepare your home for post-surgery recovery.
During Surgery
The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and takes about 1–2 hours.
Damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with the prosthetic joint.
After Surgery
Hospital Stay: Most patients stay 1–3 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy begins immediately to regain strength and mobility.
Full Recovery: Most people return to normal activities within 6-12 weeks, although further improvement may continue over 12 - 24 months post surgery.
When can I return to work?
This depends on the type of work you do. Desk jobs may be resumed within 4 to 6 weeks, while more physically demanding jobs may require 3 months or more.
Risks and Considerations
Like all surgery, knee replacement is associated with significant risks, these will be discussed in detail prior to your surgery and will be discussed in particular reference to your particular circumstances.
Can I play sport after knee replacement?
Many patients are able to return to varying levels of physical activity after a knee replacement, although it depends on the type of activity, your level of activity prior to surgery, your overall health, and the progress of your recovery. Knee replacement surgery aims to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life, enabling you to lead an active lifestyle. However, a knee replacement is not a 'normal' knee joint and will be unlikely to allow you to perform very high demand activities. Things that can be expected to be possible after knee replacement include gym work/classes, golf, social level tennis, walking, and gentle skiing if done as a life long activity. It would be unreasonable to expect a return to running, contact sports, or high level competitive sport post knee replacement.
Do you perform robotic assisted knee replacement?
Yes, like many other surgeons who work both publicly and privately in Brisbane and Queensland more broadly, when appropriate we perform robotic-assisted surgery. We are happy to discuss whether robotic surgery is appropriate for you. It is important to note that at this point there is limited evidence that robotic surgery has significant benefit over non robotic alternatives.