Who is the best knee surgeon in Southampton? While that’s a tricky question to answer, we’ll try our best to do so in this blog. Along the way, we’ll also look at the cost of private knee surgery in the area, how long you can expect to wait, and what to look for when choosing the right knee specialist for you.
You should see a Southampton knee specialist if you have ongoing pain, reduced mobility, or difficulty with daily activities. He or she will be able to diagnose your issue and recommend the best course of treatment. Private care with Wellsoon offers faster access (1–2 weeks for consultation, 4–6 weeks for surgery), experienced consultants, and clear pricing compared with longer NHS waits.
When to see a knee specialist in Southampton
If you’ve been experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be a good idea to book in some time with a knee specialist:
persistent knee pain
reduced mobility
difficulty performing everyday tasks
poor quality of life
knee joint damage shown on scans.
During your session, he or she will take the time to explore your specific knee issue, and provide both a diagnosis and recommendations on your next steps. One of these could be joint replacement surgery.
If you do need knee replacement surgery and choose to have it done privately, you’ll be able to see a consultant of your choice in just 1-2 weeks at a time that suits you.
What do knee specialists do?
Knee specialists are highly-experienced medical professionals trained to perform treatments designed to reduce pain and improve function in your affected knee.
With regards to Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, from your initial consultation to your aftercare, our experienced knee consultants will be on-hand to help you through every step of your healthcare journey.
During your initial appointment, your consultant will:
ask about your medical history
carry out a physical examination
take x-rays and blood tests (if needed)
provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.
If an MRI scan is needed to help arrive at a diagnosis, this will incur an extra cost. However, this will be a one-off and your consultant will clearly explain the need for it and the expected outcome. That same consultant will be the one carrying out your knee surgery 4-6 weeks later.
How to find the most experienced knee surgeons in Southampton
First, check the experience level and qualifications of the consultant. Ask yourself whether they have the right experience to carry out the specific treatment you need. If you need total knee replacement, for example, you should be looking for a consultant who’s highly experienced and knowledgeable with this surgery.
The next thing to do is read reviews from past patients. Glowing testimonials praising a consultant’s skills are likely to play a big part when it comes to booking yourself in for your initial consultation.
Meet our Southampton knee surgeons
Name: Andrew Flood
Location: Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton
Qualifications: – MBBS, King’s College School of Medicine and Dentistry – MRCS, Royal College of Surgeons of England – FRCS (Tr Orth), Royal College of Surgeons of England – Speciality Examination Trauma and Orthopaedic, Joint Committee on Intercollegiate Examinations Surgery
Specialities: – hip surgery – knee surgery – ankle surgery
Reviews and testimonials: “Looking back, I wish I’d had my knee surgery years ago. I’m incredibly grateful to my consultants Mr Andrew Flood, and Mr Graham Hill, and the team.”
In the red corner, with an entire country’s gratitude but a long waiting list: the NHS. And in the blue corner with rapid access to treatment but a price tag attached: private healthcare. Which one are you backing? Well, to help you make the best decision for your healthcare, we’ve listed the main differences between NHS and private knee consultants in Southampton below:
Shorter waiting times: As mentioned, waiting times are a huge factor when it comes to choosing between the NHS and private healthcare. NHS patients will need to navigate the NHS musculoskeletal pathway which can delay the process from GP referral to initial consultation. Another factor that may play a role is eligibility for surgery. The NHS has different eligibility criteria to some private providers which may affect a patient’s access to surgery.
At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton, you’ll have your initial knee consultation just 1-2 weeks after your booking enquiry. If treatment is needed, this will take place 4-6 weeks afterwards.
According to the My Planned Care site, one of the closest NHS hospitals, the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, has a current waiting time for orthopaedic treatment of 34 weeks.1
(Practice Plus Group is not responsible for and does not control the content displayed on external websites.)
Fixed prices: Up and down the country, at Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, we pride ourselves on being transparent with our patients. That means there are no hidden charges for fluffier pillows or having to stay with us overnight. What you see is what you pay, and in the event you incur further costs – usually through extra diagnostic tests such as MRI scans) – your consultant will clearly discuss these with you.
Experience: Whether you’re looking for orthopaedic treatment or help with a different health issue, our Southampton consultants boast a wealth of experience and knowledge in their fields. So, whatever your issue, it’s likely we’ll be able to help.
Availability: If you’re a private patient, consultant availability issues are not a concern. This is because all our consultants in Southampton are contracted to our private practice.
Knee treatments available in Southampton
Aside from knee surgery, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton also offers a range of different treatments to help manage knee pain. From surgical procedures to injections, the list below shows which procedures and surgeries are available:
Total knee replacement surgery
Partial knee replacement surgery (including medial compartment replacement*)
Knee arthroscopy
Knee repair – meniscus surgery
ACL repair
Knee revision surgery
Bursa removal surgery
Lateral release
Excision of bone overgrowth
Osteophytes treatment
Injection in theatre
Injection in tendon
Injection ultrasound-guiding (in clinic)
Knee injection in-clinic.
*When it comes to knee replacements, NICE guidance recommends offering patients a medial replacement, if suitable. A medial replacement is a smaller procedure compared to a total knee replacement designed to preserve the cruciate ligaments and target pain in the inner (medial) part of the knee. Patients report an easier recovery alongside a lower risk of post-surgery pain and swelling.2
They say that word of mouth travels faster than anything else, so to squeeze that accelerator pedal even further, here’s a story from Michael, a knee replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton.
Hear from a past patient
“I did all my physio religiously, and was back on a horse within two months, and back in the show jumping ring after two and a half months…I felt brilliant. Before surgery, every jump came with pain and fear of landing, but now, I don’t think about my knee at all.”
It’s a good question, and one that actually features several different answers. One of which is the experience and expertise of our consultants. Another is the 4-6 week waiting time for treatment and – don’t look now – but yet another is the ability to pay for your treatment in various different ways. So, whether you want to enjoy high-quality healthcare from some of the most trusted medical professionals in the country or just want to get back to doing what you love as quickly as possible, why not get in touch today and start your private Wellsoon knee surgery journey.
Cost to see an orthopaedic knee specialist in Southampton
So, we’ve sampled the appetiser of when to see a knee specialist, and wolfed down the meaty main course of whether to choose private or NHS treatment for your knee surgery. Now for the financials, only with this bill, there are a few ways you can pay
Private cost of knee replacement
Before we dive straight into the ways to pay, let’s get an idea about the lay of the land.
The table below illustrates knee replacement surgery costs at different private healthcare providers in the Southampton area.
Name of hospital
Price of knee replacement surgery
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton
£13,149
Spire Southampton Hospital
from £16,382 (includes price of consultation
Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital
£17,958 (guide price)
Prices correct as of 17th November 2025
Using private health insurance
Using private medical insurance for surgery represents an effective way of accessing private healthcare. Before you get started though, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
First, you’ll need to make sure your existing policy covers knee surgery. If you get the green light here, your insurance provider will give you a list of pre-approved knee consultants from which you’ll need to choose the one you want to carry out your treatment. This is a big decision, so be sure to take your time and do your research.
Payment plans or self-pay options
Of course, if you have the financial means and wish to do so, you can pay for your Wellsoon knee surgery in a one-off lump sum payment.
For patients that don’t want to pay one lump sum, another way of accessing private knee surgery is through payment plans. With Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you can spread the cost of your knee surgery over 12 months at 0% APR or, for more long-term options, from 24-60 months at 14.9% APR.
This means you can spread the cost of your treatment and avoid paying a one-off lump sum.
Not yet found the Southampton knee surgery information you’re looking for? Perhaps our FAQs can help!
What does a knee surgeon in Southampton do?
Just like a knee surgeon anywhere else in the country, a Southampton knee surgeon will perform the necessary surgery on your knee to resolve your specific issue.
How do I know if I need a knee surgeon or just a physio?
In most cases, a consultation with a knee specialist will answer this question. Consultations are available with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group for just £95.
How do I choose the right knee surgeon in Southampton?
You’ll need to look at things like consultant experience, availability, qualifications, and past patient reviews to help you make your decision.
What is the average cost of knee surgery in Southampton?
Currently, the average cost of private knee surgery in Southampton is nearly £16,000*.
At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, knee replacement surgery costs £13,149 (plus £95 for your initial consultation).
*Figure based on knee replacement surgery prices from Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton, Spire Hospital Southampton, and Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital on 17th November 2025.
How long is recovery after knee surgery in Southampton?
Recovery time varies on a patient-to-patient basis but generally knee replacement patients can expect to be able to resume everyday activities around six weeks after their operation.
What risk are involved in knee surgery?
As with most other types of surgery, knee surgery carries risks of blood clot, infection, deep vein thrombosis, nerve damage, and stiffness and issues with the new joint. Complications are, however, rare.
Can I have knee surgery if I am older or have medical conditions?
Yes, you can. However, your eligibility for knee surgery will be determined by your consultant.
When can I walk again after knee surgery?
As soon as possible – potentially even before you leave hospital! If your nursing team is happy it’s safe, you’ll be encouraged to mobilise just hours after your surgery.
Can I return to work or play sport after knee surgery in Southampton?
Yes and yes (but with a caveat). If you have a desk-based job, you should be able to return to work sooner than patients with jobs that involve manual labour. Plenty of past patients have returned to sport after their knee surgery but this is done on the recommendation of a consultant or physio and doesn’t involve high impact sports like rugby and skiing.