Waiting times for knee replacement surgery

What is the average waiting time for knee surgery in the UK?

According to a report from the Royal College of Surgeons in England, the number of patients on the NHS waiting list reached six million in 2022. Of these, over 18,500 had been waiting for treatment for more than two years. Patients facing the longest length of time waiting are for Trauma and Orthopaedic treatment, such as hip and knee replacements.*1*

In contrast, the average waiting time for private patients is between four and six weeks.

NHS waiting times for knee replacement surgery

For NHS England, the statutory aim is for patients to receive surgery within 18 weeks of their consultation. However, the fallout from the COVID pandemic has seen waiting times grow for NHS patients. For orthopaedic procedures such as joint replacements, the average waiting time for NHS treatment in the UK is currently 35 weeks. This figure increases with some Hospital Trusts reaching 55 or even 85 weeks before patients have their procedure.*2*

Private knee replacement waiting times

Private health sectors pride themselves on the speed with which they can get patients the treatment they need. The current average waiting time in the UK for private practices is between four and six weeks. This can and does vary depending on the provider and location of the patient.

At Practice Plus, the average waiting time from booking enquiry to private knee surgery is between two and four weeks.

How long is the waiting list for knee replacement?

It’s difficult to get an exact figure on the number of patients waiting for knee replacement surgery. The context we can provide is that, according to a 2022 report, the total number of patients on the NHS waiting list is now over six million.

In terms of knee replacement patients, the number of people that have been waiting more than two years for hip or knee replacement surgery is nearly 4,000.

Who has priority on the knee replacement waiting list?

Once on the waiting list, there generally isn’t priority given to a certain type of patient. The location of the hospital can affect the waiting time, with patients in some areas of the UK waiting longer than others.

Following consultation, some patients are also seen as being ineligible for surgery. As such, they aren’t put on the waiting list.

Impact of the pandemic on waiting times

As mentioned previously, the impact of the COVID pandemic on waiting times has been profoundly negative. COVID patients were prioritised over those needing non-life threatening surgery (such as knee and hip replacements). This meant the waiting list grew, and now stands at over six million.

How to waiting times for knee operations

While there isn’t a specific way of checking knee operation times, there are some tools you can use. The NHS has a Waiting List Tracker that allows patients to check current waiting list times in their area. It also allows them to filter by treatment, average waiting times, highest waiting times, and much more. The tool is also capable of providing national-level statistics.

At Practice Plus, the average waiting time from booking enquiry to surgery is between two and four weeks. In contrast, the average waiting time for private patients in the UK is between four and six weeks.

Hospital waiting times near me – compare

As mentioned previously, the NHS Waiting List Tracker is a useful tool for keeping an eye on current waiting lists. You can also compare by area of the UK. For instance, the tool allows you to see that currently, North-East London, Kent and Medway, and Birmingham have the highest waiting lists. On the contrary, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Knowsley currently have the shortest NHS waiting lists in the UK for orthopaedic surgery.

How long should I wait for a knee replacement?

If you’re suffering from the signs you need a knee replacement, it’s best to seek advice from your doctor. There are alternatives to knee replacement that your doctor may recommend. However, if left untreated, you run the risk of developing the following problems:

• weakened muscles and ligaments of the knee
• deformity of the area outside the knee joint
• limited mobility due to chronic knee pain and loss of function
• continued degeneration of the knee joint
• reduced success rate of any future surgery.

Can you wait too long to have a knee replacement?

Put simply, the longer you wait for surgery, the greater the risk of developing complications. Waiting too long for surgery can put you at risk of the following issues:

• putting strain on other parts of the body to compensate
• potential for reduced mobility post-operation
• increased pain and lower quality of life.

What can you do while waiting for a knee replacement?

If you have a date for your surgery, you should start to prepare right away. Removing hazards from your home (loose rugs and cables) to prevent falling, placing items within reach, and clearing space for walking with crutches, are all good ideas for preparation.

You might also consider strengthening and conditioning your body prior to surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces the amount of stress that will be put on the knee joint post-op.

Knee support while waiting for a knee replacement

The use of knee braces has become more common in recent years, as patients seek alternative ways of supporting their injured knees. Different types of knee supports can help patients with differing conditions. For instance, some supports and braces can help reduce the weight and strain passing through the affected part of the knee.

In some cases, this can help delay the need for knee replacement surgery.

Pain relief while waiting for a knee replacement

Anti-inflammatory medication can help significantly. They can help patients manage the pain of a damaged knee, allowing them to carry out daily activities and maintain a level of fitness.

With that said, the frequency of medication consumption should be monitored. Ask your GP or consultant for advice on how often you should self-medicate.

Exercise while waiting for a knee replacement

The best exercises for patients waiting for knee surgery are those that don’t place strain on the affected joints. These include the following:

• walking
• cycling
• swimming
• cross-trainer

Your physio or doctor will be able to recommend specific exercises and how long you should do them.

How to reduce the wait and get treatment faster

At Practice Plus Group, we follow a consultant led approach. You will be supported throughout by an expert Consultant and a Private Health Coordinator who specialise in hip and knee replacements.

If, after your initial enquiry, you are eligible for surgery (and happy to proceed), you will receive a no obligation appointment. This will cost £95 and includes your x-ray. It will take place at a Practice Plus Group hospital appropriate for you within 2-3 weeks of enquiry.

After a further consultation, your Private Health Coordinator will help arrange your surgery dates. They will also provide you with all of the relevant information you will require to prepare and start treatment. Surgery normally takes place between two and four weeks of your consultation.

Typical recovery time from knee replacement surgery is around six weeks. You will need to rest when you return home and you are likely to feel tired for a while. Pain relief, ice packs, elevation and a programme of rehabilitation are normal. It is also likely you’ll need to use crutches for two to three weeks after the procedure.

References:

¹ https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/waiting-times-press-notice-november-2021/
² March 2022 based on data from https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/