Knee replacement surgery in Sheffield

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure to treat knee pain and stiffness and restore mobility in the joint. It is a major operation, which is generally recommended to people with severe pack or lack of mobility, who find their life is significantly affected by problems with their knee.

At Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, our specialist Surgeons have a wealth of experience performing knee replacement surgery with great success.

How long does a knee replacement last?

More than 80% of total knee replacements last for 25 years.

Knee replacements have been performed since the 1970s. The implants and surgical techniques have developed significantly since then, but the general objective behind the procedure remains the same.

In England and Wales, there are approximately 160,000 total hip and knee replacement procedures performed each year. This large volume reflects positive surgery outcomes, which can last for over two decades.

According to The National Institute for Health Research, more than 80% of total knee replacements can last for 25 years, showing just how long people can benefit from the surgery.

If you’re struggling with joint pain, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the UK suffer the often-devastating effects of joint pain. Joint pain can be widespread, affecting your entire body, or it can be localised, affecting specific joints. 

Knee pain is a very common joint complaint, which can significantly impact your quality of life, making simple exercise and everyday tasks feel like a monumental challenge.  It is most often caused by the following conditions:

• Knee bursitis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• A dislocated kneecap 
• A fractured or broken kneecap

At Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, we have a network of dedicated Orthopaedic Consultants committed to treating – and often eliminating – your knee pain. We help people living in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and further afield get fast access to treatment with a Consultant of their choice. 

There are several non-surgical treatment options for knee pain,  including medication and physiotherapy. However, if you are unhappy with the outcome of these treatments, you might require knee replacement surgery to eliminate your knee pain. Knee replacement surgery is a successful, long-lasting form of treatment for knee pain. 

At Thornbury Hospital, you can usually see a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon for your first consultation within 48 hours of getting in touch, whether you book online or call us . 

It is normal to feel apprehensive about your initial consultation, but there’s no need to worry. You’re in safe hands with our multidisciplinary teams of Consultants, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, caring reception staff and more. We are here to answer any questions you might have and ensure you understand the process of your private healthcare journey from start to finish. 

At your initial consultation, your Consultant will ask about your general health and examine your medical history to determine whether you have any existing medical conditions, as well as if you take any treatment for knee pain (and whether this has been successful). They will want to know more about the nature of your knee pain, including when it began and how it impacts your daily life.  

In order to assess your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis of your knee pain, your Consultant will gently carry out a physical examination of your joint(s), and request an X-ray (if needed). Your X-ray will be performed by one of our Radiographers. 

After your Consultant has determined the cause of your knee pain, they will share more information about knee replacement surgery and whether it might be the right treatment option for you. They will also discuss other potential treatment choices for your knee pain to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of your options.  

The timeframe between your initial consultation and undergoing treatment will depend on various factors, including whether you have been diagnosed with a knee pain condition before you come to Thornbury Hospital. After your consultation, our team will let you know if you need to do anything to prepare for your surgery or offer other recommended treatment options. 

At Thornbury Hospital, you will experience tailored, consultant-led treatment supported by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including specialist Nurses, Physiotherapists and Pain Management Consultants. 

You don’t have to live in pain. We’re here to help you get better – faster. 

All knee replacement surgeries are typically performed either under general anaesthetic (where you’re put to sleep for the whole operation), or with a spinal anaesthetic or an epidural (two types of injection into your back to numb your lower body). 

If you are awake for the operation, you will probably be given a sedative too.

Total knee replacement surgery

During total knee replacement surgery, your Consultant will make an incision down the front of your knee to expose the inside of the joint. Your kneecap will then be removed and held by a retractor (an instrument used to separate the edge of surgical incisions) so that they can access your knee joint, which is usually hidden behind your knee cap.

Your Consultant will then remove the damaged ends of your thigh and shin bone and measure these precisely in order to fit your prosthetic replacement. A trial joint will be placed inside your knee to test that the joint is functioning properly beforehand. After these adjustments are complete, the ends of your bone will be cleaned and your new prosthesis will be fitted. 

Your thigh bone and shin bone will typically be replaced with a metal prosthesis, but this material can vary depending on which option your Consultant determines is best. The back of your kneecap may also be replaced (known as kneecap replacement), depending on your reason for having surgery. 

Your wound will then closed with either stitches or clips, and a dressing will be applied to keep it clean and safe.  

Partial knee replacement surgery

During partial knee replacement surgery, your Consultant will remove and replace only part of your knee. The incision made in your knee will normally be smaller than the one required for a total knee replacement.

The damaged ends of one component of your knee will be removed and measured to fit your prosthetic replacement.  

This will typically be replaced with a metal prosthesis, but again the material will vary depending on which option your Consultant determines is best. Partial knee replacement surgery is generally a simpler and less invasive surgery with a faster recovery time. 

For some people who have damage to only one part of their knee joint, partial knee replacement surgery will be the best option. For others, a total knee replacement operation will still be the best choice for them.

Knee replacement surgery (total or partial) typically takes one to two hours to complete. 

Every person’s recovery journey following knee replacement looks different. The length of time depends on factors such as: 

• How active you were before having knee replacement surgery 
• Your usual everyday activities 
• The nature of your job (i.e. whether you have an active job or a desk job) 
• Your age 
• Your general health and fitness 

A total knee replacement recovery timeline will look slightly different to a partial knee replacement recovery timeline. You can discuss this with your Consultant to ensure you understand how best to manage your recovery. They will also direct you to a Physiotherapist, who will work with you throughout your recovery period to build a tailored exercise plan to aid your movement and muscle strength after surgery. 

You can usually leave hospital two days following surgery. Please remember to arrange for a friend or family member to collect you from hospital, as you will not be able to drive home. You can usually drive again around six weeks after surgery. 

How much walking after knee replacement is advised?

Walking after knee replacement surgery is recommended, but please be gentle with yourself as you recover. You don’t need to walk extreme distances or walk quickly to reap the benefits of walking. Most people can return to their normal activities (including driving) within six weeks of having surgery. You should avoid exercises that are too strenuous as you heal.  

Preparing your home for a safe recovery 

Before surgery, remember to: 

Eliminate tripping hazards at home: Remember to remove any tripping hazards before your surgery, so that you do not trip when you return home with initially limited mobility. 

Ensure you have enough food and resources at home: In the weeks after surgery, your mobility might be limited as you regain function. We recommend you or a member of your support network stocks your house with food and resources before surgery. Alternatively, you could order your shopping to your home, or ask a member of your support network to shop for you in the initial weeks after your surgery. 

At Thornbury Hospital, your Consultant and healthcare team will ensure you understand everything you need to know about your recovery journey, including travel arrangements, what to bring to the hospital, any pre-operative testing required, and how to recovery safely at home after surgery. 

Physiotherapy following knee replacement surgery 

Your Physiotherapist will build a tailored specialist exercise plan to help strengthen your knee muscles and improve your range of motion. You will work with your Physiotherapist to learn these exercises, which you can continue at home using specialist equipment, if needed. 

Complications can occur during any surgery.

Potential complication during any surgical procedure include:

• Pain
• Infection in the surgical wound
• Excessive bleeding
• Scarring
• Blood clotting
• Chest infection
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Specific complications that can occur during knee replacement surgery include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Damage to your nerves
• Damage to blood vessels
• Infection in your knee

Please speak with your Consultant if you are concerned about these complications. They will be able to share more information about them and put your mind at ease.

The typical cost of knee replacement surgery in the UK will differ depending on where you receive treatment and the type of knee replacement surgery you have. 

At Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, the cost of total knee replacement surgery ranges from £14,200 to £17,028.* 

The cost of partial knee replacement starts from £13,825.*

The final price of your knee replacement will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests. Paying for surgery with us is an easy process that allows you to spread the cost of your surgery over a period of time that suits you. Read more about our easy payment options here.  

*The prices that are shown above are an estimate for self-pay customers. The final cost of your treatment will always be confirmed in writing after your consultation. Further terms and conditions apply.

At Thornbury Hospital, we offer our services to people living in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and further afield. When you choose to go private with us, you can benefit from: 

• The ability to choose the hospital most convenient for you 
• Expert care from a compassionate team
• Stringent checks and processes to ensure your safety at all times
• Free, easy-to-access parking around the clock 
• Catering services to suit your dietary requirements
• En-suite hospital rooms with Wi-Fi and a TV
• Sophisticated onsite diagnostic equipment, including MRI and CT scanning
• A physiotherapy suite to facilitate your fast recovery 
• Exceptional ratings, with 99.9% of patients likely to recommend us to friends and family  

Booking your first consultation to discuss knee replacement surgery with us is a simple process.

You can begin your journey to better mobility and reduced knee pain by calling us or by booking a consultation with an Orthopaedic Surgeon online.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in January 2022. Next review due January 2025.