Combat your knee pain with our effective orthopaedic treatment options at The Duchy Hospital
In addition to your meniscus and the bones that form your joint, there are four important ligaments that attach your femur to your tibia. These include your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which helps control the forward movement of your tibia (shin bone) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) that regulates the backward movement of your shin bone. The medial (inner) collateral ligament and lateral (outer) collateral ligament on the sides of your knee provide stability.
If these structures become damaged, you could require knee surgery.
Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent form of arthritis in the UK. It occurs when your cartilage (the tissue cushioning your joint) thins, causing your bones to rub together. This can lead to persistent pain and stiffness. If you are suffering from severe osteoarthritis, your Orthopaedic surgeon at The Duchy Hospital could recommend total knee replacement surgery to replace the damaged surfaces of your bones.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This form of arthritis is an autoimmune condition where your body attacks the layer of cells that line your joints, also known as your synovium. As a result, your synovium becomes inflamed which, in turn, gives off chemicals that damage the tissue surrounding your joint such as your ligaments.
An injury: A knee injury following an accident or fall can create a tear in your ligaments or menisci. The torn section of your meniscus can be removed during an arthroscopic knee surgery or stitched back into its position through meniscus repair surgery. Alternatively, knee ligament surgery could be performed to reconstruct a torn ligament.
Dislocation: Similarly, an injury could lead to dislocation where your femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) become separated or a dislocated patella (kneecap). This occurs when your patella (kneecap) is removed from the groove that it glides across in your femur.
Knock knees or bow-leggedness: Knock knees, medically referred to as genus valgum, is a condition where your feet do not touch when your knees are together. While bow-leggedness (genus varum) is a condition where your legs curve outwards. Your bow-leggedness or knock knee surgery will involve realigning your bones into their correct position.
Severe pain: If your knee is causing you severe pain and swelling and has not been relieved by steroid injections, pain relief medication or physiotherapy, you could be advised to have surgery.
Limited mobility: Your knee condition can affect your mobility by making it difficult to perform daily activities such as getting dressed, cooking, or showering and bathing. If you are experiencing reduced or worsening mobility, a knee operation could help you regain movement.
Disturbed sleep: Knee pain can lead to poor or disturbed sleep by triggering pain when you roll over or sleep on your affected side. Your pain could also cause you to wake up from your sleep. If your sleep is continuously disrupted by joint pain, this can lead to a heightened sensitivity to pain.
A poor quality of life: Your condition can impact your quality of life by affecting your mental health, preventing you from working or causing you to refrain from social or family activities. If your Orthopaedic Consultant believes your condition is impacting your quality of life, they will suggest having surgery.
At The Duchy Hospital, we offer many types of knee surgery to relieve your symptoms. But the type of surgery that you have will depend on your diagnosis and the condition of your knee.
After a diagnosis has been established, your Consultant will work with a team of medical specialists to build a customised treatment plan. This will consist of steroid injections to relieve pain or swelling, medication to help you manage your pain or physiotherapy sessions to promote movement.
If these treatment options do not improve your condition, surgery can be considered. Your Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate will explain what this will involve, including how to prepare for your operation and the risks and benefits that are associated with your treatment.
Prior to your operation at The Duchy Hospital, you will need to attend a preoperative assessment. This will consist of a health screening with one of our dedicated nurses. As part of this health screening, you will be asked about your current medication and measurements of your height, weight, pulse and blood pressure will be taken.
As well as ensuring that you are fit to have surgery, your preoperative assessment is an additional opportunity for you to voice any questions or concerns about your treatment. If you are happy to go ahead with your operation, you will be asked to sign a patient consent form.
There are two types of knee replacement surgeries that are performed at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate: a partial knee replacement operation or total knee replacement surgery.
During your total knee replacement surgery at The Duchy Hospital, your Surgeon will create incision around your knee to access your patella (kneecap). Your patella is then shifted to provide access to your joint.
The damaged surfaces of your tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone) are removed and replaced with artificial parts or a prosthesis. Your prosthesis could be made of metal, plastic, ceramic or a mixture of these materials. In addition to replacing the ends of your femur and tibia, your Orthopaedic Surgeon will insert a plastic spacer between your new artificial surfaces to help prevent friction.
However, in a partial knee replacement surgery, only the damaged or worn-out surface of your knee is removed and replaced with a prosthesis.
Your arthroscopy or keyhole surgery for a knee meniscus tear could include a partial or total meniscectomy. This is when your torn meniscus (cartilage) is partially or completely removed. A keyhole operation can also be used to repair a torn ligament. Your knee ligament surgery will involve removing your ligament and reconstructing this with a tendon that is taken from your patella (kneecap), hamstring or sourced from a donor. Your knee arthroscopy could take around 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
After your operation at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate, your wound(s) will be closed with stitches and a dressing will be wrapped across this area.
After your operation is over, you will be taken to a recovery ward at The Duchy Hospital where a nurse will offer you refreshments and pain relief to lessen any post-operative pain. During your recovery at our hospital in Harrogate, you will be seen by a Physiotherapist. Before you go home, you will be shown how to perform any specialist physiotherapy exercises and could be provided with crutches and pain relief medication to support your recovery. If non-dissolvable stitches were used to close your incisions, your Consultant will arrange a follow up appointment to remove these.
Bruising and swelling: This should lessen and resolve with time.
Pain: You will be given pain relief medication to help relieve any post-operative pain during the course of your recovery.
Infection: Your Surgeon could prescribe antibiotics or perform further surgery to treat an infection.
Blood clots: After your operation at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate, you will be given compression stockings to wear on your legs, physiotherapy exercises to do and medication to prevent blood clots.
Please see our treatment price page for private knee surgery cost.
The cost of your treatment at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate can be paid for through your private medical insurance. Alternatively, you can pay without insurance through out flexible payment options. For more information about our payment plans and how to apply, please click here.
The injury happened during the second half of the last game of pre-season. Katie was on the ball, turning to play it back to the keeper, when her studs caught in the ground. In that split second, her knee gave way. At first, she didn’t realise how serious it was. She stayed on the floor for a while, unsure what had happened. There wasn’t an immediate sense of panic, just discomfort and confusion. It wasn’t until much later, after surgery, that the full extent of the damage became clear.
ACL injuries in football can be significant, and Katie’s experience was no different. What seemed like a minor incident turned out to be a significant setback, one that would require months of hard work and patience.
Before surgery, Katie found the instability in her knee difficult to manage. Going from being highly active, including training, playing matches, coaching, to not knowing what she could safely do was frustrating. Her knee felt unstable, and even simple tasks, such as carrying things, and being unable to drive became challenging. She had to rely on others for support, which was a big adjustment for someone used to independence.
Katie discussed her options with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Duffy. She could try physiotherapy first and see how her knee responded or go straight for ACL reconstruction. Given the demands of women’s football and the rotational movements involved, surgery was the most reliable way to return to play at her previous level.
“In women’s football, ACL injuries are quite common,” Katie explains. “To get back in the best shape possible, reconstruction was the right choice.” Within a few weeks, she underwent surgery. The surgical team helped her feel comfortable, explaining the procedure clearly and easing any nerves. “The anaesthetist chatted to me about his time at the University of Leeds, which helped me relax before the surgery.”
Katie wasn’t overly nervous about the operation itself. She had spent time reading about the procedure and asking questions, so she felt prepared. What concerned her more was the rehabilitation that would follow. “I knew the hardest part would be the months after surgery,” she says. “But I trusted the team and the plan.”
Katie’s recovery followed a structured, research-based plan developed with physiotherapist Liam Chapman. The early weeks were slow and focused on regaining basic movement. Three weeks post-op, Katie was back in the gym doing small exercises. That moment was a turning point which gave her confidence that progress was possible.
From there, the milestones came gradually but steadily:
Each stage was carefully planned, with regular assessments to ensure her knee could handle the next level of activity. The programme included strength work in the gym, running drills, and pitch-based exercises to rebuild confidence and performance.
Katie credits her recovery to the support of her physio and the wider team. Liam provided guidance and reassurance throughout, adapting sessions when needed and listening during difficult moments. “There were times when I felt frustrated or fed up,” Katie admits. “Liam never took it personally. He understood and helped me through it.”
Staying connected with her teammates also made a big difference. Katie didn’t disappear during her rehab; she remained involved with the club, which helped her feel part of the team even when she couldn’t play.
Katie encourages anyone facing ACL surgery to ask questions and understand the process. While it’s normal to feel nervous, preparation and commitment make a big difference. “Recovery takes time and effort,” she says. “But with the right support, it’s possible to return stronger than before.”
Katie is proud of her persistence through a challenging year. There were days when motivation was low, but she kept going. She hit every milestone and did it with determination. “I’ve grown a lot as a person and as an athlete,” she says. “It’s been hard, but also really positive.”
Katie is quick to acknowledge the people who helped her along the way. “Just a big thank you,” she says. “I couldn’t have done this without the support I’ve had, from Liam, Mr Duffy and from everyone who supported her over her recovery period. I’m really grateful.”
Katie’s story is a reminder of how the right support, mindset, and effort can turn a setback into a strong return. Her journey shows that with planning, teamwork, and resilience, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest challenges.
In addition to our vast clinical experience and diverse portfolio of Consultants across different specialties, there are several advantages to having treatment at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate. These include:
Start your treatment at The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate by booking your appointment online or phoning one of our Patient Liaison Officers on 01423 567136. Our friendly team can provide more information about our treatment options and payment plans.
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