Knee surgery is a medical procedure to repair or replace parts of the knee joint, relieve pain, improve mobility, or fix damage caused by conditions or injury. There are lots of different types of knee surgery. These range from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive surgeries. The goal is to help patients regain function and reduce pain.
Who is it for?
Knee surgery is usually for people who suffer from significant knee pain or mobility issues that haven't improved with more conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy or lifestyle changes. It’s often recommended for those with severe arthritis, knee injuries or wear-and-tear damage that limits daily activities and reduces quality of life.
If knee pain is affecting your ability to walk, exercise, or even rest comfortably, knee surgery might be a beneficial option to help restore function and relieve pain. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your options.
If your doctor has recommended knee surgery, it's time to explore the knee operation types available.
Take a look below at the different types of knee surgery available at Practice Plus Group that could help get you back on your feet.
Total knee replacement surgery
Total knee replacement surgery is a common procedure that sees damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint replaced by artificial counterparts. This is to restore motion and reduce pain.
Who it's for: Total knee replacement operations are for people whose knees are severely damaged by rheumatoid arthritis or sporting injuries. It’s suitable for those that find it difficult to perform daily activities like walking or climbing stairs or those that suffer from pain and stiffness.
How it works: During the procedure, the damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with metal implants. These are often cemented into the bone. A plastic spacer is then inserted between the metal components to create a smooth surface.
How long it takes: Between 1-2 hours
Where it's available: Private knee replacement surgery is available through Practice Plus Group. The procedure is also available on the NHS but waiting times are likely to be much longer.
Recovery time: Most patients will see a significant improvement in their knee function by 12 weeks post-surgery. A full recovery can take much longer, sometimes up to 18 months.
Partial knee replacement surgery involves replacing only the diseased or damaged joint surfaces in the knee with metal and plastic components.
Who it's for: Partial knee replacement surgery may be suitable for some people suffering from osteoarthritis that is restricted to one part of the knee.
How it works: Although similar to a total knee replacement, this procedure doesn’t interfere with healthy cartilage or bone. Instead, the implant only replaces damaged parts of the knee.
Where it's available: Partial knee replacement surgery is available through Practice Plus Group. The procedure is also available on the NHS but waiting times are likely to be much longer.
Recovery time: The recovery period typically lasts around 3-6 weeks but may take longer.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
ACL knee reconstruction surgery is a procedure to remove a torn ligament from the knee. A tissue graft is then inserted. The surgery is performed via keyhole or minimally invasive surgery to reduce scarring and bruising.
Who it's for: This surgery is available to everyone but ACL injuries are most common in sportspeople. Basketball, football and tennis players are among those most at risk from an ACL injury due to the stop-start nature of their sport.
How it works: ACL reconstruction surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Once you’re under anaesthetic, your surgeon will perform most of the surgery using an arthroscope. The injured ACL tendon is reconstructed with tissue from elsewhere in your body. These are most often taken from either your hamstring or patella tendon.
How long it takes: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where it's available: ACL reconstruction is available through the NHS or private healthcare. The statutory waiting time on the NHS is currently 18 weeks.
Recovery time: Patients can expect to return to everyday activities around 6 weeks after the operation. This timeframe may vary from patient-to-patient.
Knee arthroscopy surgery is used to investigate knee problems. These can range from inflammation and injury to repairing damaged tissue or removing a Baker’s Cyst. An arthroscope – a telescope on a long, thin cord – is inserted through small cuts in the skin. Arthroscopies enable the patient to recover faster from surgery.
Who it's for: If you suffer from pain, stiffness, swelling or instability in your knee, an arthroscopy may be recommended. Knee injuries are usually age-related, due to sports or accidents (falling over, for example).
How it works: Knee arthroscopy (sometimes referred to as keyhole surgery) allows your surgeon to look inside your knee. They can then diagnose and treat with the required surgery.
How long it takes: Between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Where it's available: Knee arthroscopy is available privately and on the NHS. The current NHS waiting time is around 18 weeks. Private knee arthroscopy is available via Practice Plus Group. The waiting time for surgery is around two to four weeks.
Arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time: The recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery depends on your age and adherence to post-op knee exercises. An operated knee can take up to 2 years to fully heal.
This surgical procedure involves replacing a patient’s artificial knee joint with a new one.
Who it's for: Knee revision surgery is for people who have already had a knee replacement. It is usually necessary when their original implant has failed. Injury, wear and tear, loosening and infection are among the most common indications.
How it works: During surgery, the old implant is removed and replaced with specialised knee revision implants.
How long it takes: The surgery takes longer than a primary knee replacement procedure. Some surgeries can last for an hour, while other patients can be in theatre for a few hours.
Where it's available: Knee revision surgery is available both privately and with the NHS. The current NHS waiting time is around 18 weeks but can be longer depending on location. Private knee revision surgery is available via Practice Plus Group. The waiting time for surgery is around 2-4 weeks.
Recovery time: This depends on the complexity of the knee revision you received.
The meniscus cartilages stabilise and cushion the knee joint. Injury to the meniscus is a very common occurrence and can be sports or age-related.
Who it's for: Meniscus knee surgery is for patients that have suffered a torn meniscus cartilage that has resulted in pain and instability of the knee. When a knee is unstable, it may give way or lock in a bent position.
How it works: This arthroscopic procedure may require trimming or full repair. This decision is based on the type and location of the tear. The procedure aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and get you back enjoying everyday life.
How long it takes: Around 1 hour.
Where it's available: Meniscus knee surgery repair is available privately and on the NHS.
Recovery time: Typically a few weeks but this can vary from patient-to-patient.
In this surgical procedure, tight structures on the outer part of the kneecap are released. This eases knee pain caused by the kneecap being pulled away from its normal alignment.
Who it's for: Lateral release is an arthroscopic procedure that realigns the kneecap. This is most often due to kneecap (patella) tilt where the kneecap is ‘tilted’ towards the outside of the leg.
How it works: Lateral patella tilt is when the kneecap is not sitting properly in the groove at the bottom of the thigh bone (femoral groove) and is tilted towards the outside (lateral) of the knee. A lateral release procedure involves your surgeon cutting through the tissue pulling the kneecap out of position. This allows the patella to sit properly within its groove. The incision is then closed. You may be given special supports to stop the kneecap sliding out of position.
Where it's available: Lateral release surgery is available privately and on the NHS.
Patella resurfacing
A surgical procedure to replace the joint surface of the patella. It is usually performed as part of a total knee replacement but may be done in isolation if the joint surface damage is confined to the patella.
Who it's for: It’s important to note that patella resurfacing is not a common procedure. In the majority of cases it isn’t needed. It’s usually for patients that have isolated arthritis of the kneecap, or part of a total knee replacement procedure.
How it works: Patella resurfacing is a procedure in which the worn-out surface of the kneecap is repaired with a prosthesis. Sometimes, tissue around the kneecap is removed down to the level of the quadriceps and patella tendons.
Where it's available: Patella resurfacing surgery is available privately and on the NHS.
Knee injections for joint pain relief
Knee joint injections are a fast and easy method of easing joint pain and inflammation in the knee caused by arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Who it's for: Injections may be suitable for patients suffering from joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
How it works: Depending on the type of pain and the location, different injections may be recommended.. The effects typically last between 6 weeks to 6 months.
Where it's available: Therapeutic injections for pain relief are available privately and on the NHS. They are also available from Practice Plus Group in clinic or in theatre.
If you're experiencing knee pain, try our knee suitability quiz. It will give you an idea of whether you'd benefit from booking a consultation with one of our knee specialists.
According to an NHS survey,1 75% of patients said they felt a lot better following their knee op. 15% reported feeling a little better, while just 5% said they felt worse. If you have any doubts or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your orthopaedic surgeon.
Risks and complications of knee surgery
As with any major operation, knee surgery carries risks. For example, there can be side effects of confusion and sickness from the anaesthesia. On occasion, there can also be complications after the operation involving blood supply. A very small number of patients have developed blood clots in their legs or lungs.
Other complications can include infection, ligament damage and dislocation. In a very small number of cases, nerve damage may be a factor. This often leads to pain in the shin bone.
How knee surgery works - what to expect
Once you know you require knee surgery, you’ll need to decide whether you want to pay for your treatment or use the NHS. If you choose to pay for yourself with Practice Plus Group, the next step is a private knee consultation.
Preparing for knee surgery
You’ll meet your dedicated orthopaedic knee surgeon and anaesthetist for a pre-assessment appointment. This may include x-rays and MRI scans of the affected knee. This is your opportunity to ask questions about your knee surgery and prepare yourself for the procedure, so fire away. Once the clinician has assessed you, you’ll be given a date for surgery.
During the procedure
You’ll be given either a general or spinal anaesthesia. This will be discussed with you by your anaesthetist. During the surgery itself, the worn ends of the bones in your knee joint are removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts.
Knee surgery recovery time and aftercare
At Practice Plus Group, we follow the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP). This is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps people speed up their recovery following major surgery. The ERP champions the many advantages of day surgery knee replacement. With this support, you will be mobile enough to go home either on the day of surgery or soon after.
The cost of private knee surgery depends on a number of factors. These include the location of the hospital, the type of surgery, and the chosen healthcare provider. As a ballpark figure, you can expect to pay anything from £5,000-15,000 for your knee surgery.
The cost of knee surgery at Practice Plus Group
For knee replacement private surgery costs with Practice Plus Group, you can expect to pay £12,449, plus £95 for the initial consultation. This is more affordable than our nearest competitors.
Healthcare provider
Consultation fee
Price of knee replacement surgery
Total cost
Practice Plus Group
£95
£12,449
£12,544
Nuffield Health
from £220
£16,820
£17,040
Spire Health
unknown
£16,021
from £16,021
What's included?
Our costs for private knee surgery include:
high-quality care
pre operative nurse review
prescriptions, dressings and equipment
anaesthetic
any overnight stay required
physiotherapy, pathology and histology needed whilst admitted
There are pros and cons to both of these options, so it's really down to the personal circumstances of the patient. For example, if they have the means to cover the operation, the patient will benefit from shorter waiting times than if they were to choose the NHS route.
Ways to pay
There are 3 ways to access knee surgery at Practice Plus Group:
At Practice Plus Group, you can choose an experienced consultant to support you throughout your time with us, ensuring you receive first-class, high quality care.
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
This article was completed with the help of Mr Nurul Ahad, Medical Director and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Practice Plus Group. Mr Ahad graduated from Barts and the London School of Medicine before being appointed Trauma Consultant at Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals in 2010. His expertise has led to several publications and international presentations.
With over 15 years of experience in orthopaedic surgery, he has a proven track record of delivering an excellent quality of service.
Over the last few years Practice Plus Group has grown its Marketing Team to include art workers, campaign and social media managers, content editors, and digital analysts. Together, they provide a responsive and comprehensive service, ensuring all content is on-brand and in-line with relevant medical guidelines.
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Total knee replacement is the most common type of knee surgery. The two main causes are injury and arthritis. With the UK’s ageing population, the number of total knee replacements is expected to increase.
How can you get a knee replacement privately?
Knee replacement surgery is available at most (if not all) private healthcare providers. To enquire about knee surgery with Practice Plus Group, please book an appointment.
No. The operation itself isn’t painful as you’ll be under anaesthetic. Some pain and discomfort is likely in the hours and days after the operation. However this is usually managed with prescribed pain relief and exercise.
How do I prepare for knee surgery?
If you have a date for your knee 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.
How do I find private knee surgery near me?
The internet is a great resource here. It allows you to shop around and weigh up the pros and cons of different healthcare providers. We have 13 hospitals and treatment centres across the UK to choose from, so you can get treated close to home.
Knee surgery Q&A with Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mariusz Korycki
This was my 2nd time as an inpatient at Barlborough for knee replacement surgery and in my opinion you couldn’t have this surgery at a better place. It is truly outstanding.
by Joy Lesley Wright
Knee surgery, Plymouth – leading an active life once again
Thanks for performing total knee replacement on me. Due to your excellent skills I am improving daily and leading an active life once again!
by Chris Roberts
Knee replacement, Emersons Green – excellent care throughout
I had a uni-knee replacement operation on 20th February and six weeks later I am very pleased with it. I had excellent care throughout my stay and everything matched or exceeded my expectations. Although paying for it myself was daunting I am glad I had the op and the certainty of a set fee made it less worrying. I would recommend Practice Plus at Emersons Green to anyone else who can afford not to wait for an NHS operation.
by Amanda May, Google
Knee surgery, Emersons Green – friendly and highly professional
October 2020 I had total knee replacement, NHS referral. My experience was excellent…everyone was caring, listening and very professional.
by Anonymous
Fantastic care
I would recommend Practice Plus Group and would use them again if I need to. So, so grateful to all of them.
by Fran Taylor
Portsmouth – professional and kind
To all the medical team who looked after me. Thank you all so much for our professionalism and kindness. I thought the care you gave me was faultless and you made a stressful day almost enjoyable. Many thanks again, what a team!
