Knee

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 
• Meniscal (cartilage) tears 
• Ligament injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
• Patellofemoral pain or instability (problems with kneecap)
• Knee fractures and other trauma injuries
• Inflammatory or degenerative knee conditions

Arthroscopic (keyhole) Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to examine and treat problems inside the knee joint. It may be used to:

• Repair or remove torn cartilage (meniscus)
• Treat cartilage damage
• Address certain ligament injuries
• Remove inflamed tissue or loose fragments within the joint

This type of surgery is usually performed as a minimally invasive procedure and often allows for faster recovery.

Ligament and Soft Tissue Surgery

Some patients require surgery to repair or reconstruct structures that stabilise the knee like ligaments, tendons or cartilage to restore knee stability and function. These procedures may include:

• ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction – replacing the torn ligament with a graft
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction
• Cartilage repair or restoration procedures
• Knee meniscus repair surgery – stitches torn knee cartilage back together to restore, rather than remove, the tissue

Osteotomy Surgery

In some patients with arthritis affecting only one part of the knee, an osteotomy may be recommended. Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that realigns the knee, shifting weight away from damaged, arthritic cartilage to healthier, unaffected cartilage. 
It can delay the need for knee replacement by reducing pain and improving function, particularly in younger or more active patients.

Partial Knee Replacement (unicompartmental knee replacement)

If arthritis affects only one section of the knee joint, a partial knee replacement may be recommended. This procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee rather than the entire joint. 
Compared with total knee replacement, it can offer faster recovery, better range of motion and more natural knee movement. 

Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement involves replacing the damaged bone and cartilage in all three compartments of the knee joint with an artificial implant.
This procedure is usually recommended when arthritis affect multiple areas of the knee and other treatments have not relieved symptoms. It aims to reduce pain, improve mobility and allow patients to return to everyday activities. 

Revision knee surgery 

Revision surgery may be required if a previous knee replacement becomes worn, loose, infected, or painful. This procedure replaces some or all parts of the existing implant.

• Exercise and rehabilitation plans focused on range of motion and strength 
• Pain management and anti-inflammatory techniques 
• Joint injections 

See your GP or healthcare professional if you have:  

• Persistent knee pain  
• Reduced movement or strength  
• Symptoms that affect your quality of life  
• Pain after an injury that does not improve 

Your GP will refer you to your local Musculoskeletal (MSK) community service first. The MSK team will assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, refer you to our service for a surgical treatment.

Before your knee surgery, our team will talk you through how to best prepare for surgery.  
This will include: 

• Strengthening exercises to do before and after surgery build muscle around the knee to help with recovery 
• Weight loss, if appropriate, to lessen stress on the joint 
• Stopping Smoking, for better healing 
• Healthy diet and limiting alcohol intake 

It’s important to do these things while you wait for knee surgery, as it significantly lowers the risks of complications and injections as well as the speed of your recovery time.   

For more information on how to get physically and mentally ready for surgery here.  

Pre-operative (Pre-Op) Assessment Clinic 

You will attend a Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic which will assess your fitness ahead of your surgery. 

Depending upon your individual fitness and the type of surgery you are having, you may go through various assessment stages. Part of your pre-op assessment may take place over the phone. 
 
Once you have had a pre-op assessment, it will then be decided whether you are well enough for surgery and whether it is the best treatment for you. The clearing process will happen after you leave from your pre-op appointment, so please wait to hear from our Orthopaedic admin team to arrange a date for your procedure. Our Orthopaedic admin team will call you once you have been cleared for surgery. 

Find out more about your pre-operative assessment here. 

Preparing for recovering at home  

We also encourage preparing your home ahead of surgery. 

You may want to think about: 

• Asking for help 
  If you can, arrange for a friend or relative to be available to help you after you come home from the hospital for a week or two, as needed.  
• Sorting transport 
  Arrange for someone (either a friend or relative) to take you to and from the hospital. You will normally be unable to drive for at least 6 weeks after your operation.  
• Stocking up 
  Buy food that is easy to prepare, such as frozen ready meals, cans and basic foods, such as rice and pasta, or prepare your own dishes to freeze and reheat during your recovery. 

For more information on how to prepare for your surgery there is a short video to watch here.  

Pre-Operative Knee Education Session (Hip and Knee School) 

Some patients, who are having a knee replacement, will be invited to the hospital for our Pre-Operative Knee Education Session. During this session a team of our nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will talk you through what to expect before, during and after your Knee operation. They will also help you to prepare for your operation and what to do to support your post-operation recovery.  

For more information read our leaflet on getting ready for your knee replacement surgery here.  

All knee replacements we perform are recorded in the National Joint Registry (NJR). This is a national database that monitors joint replacement surgery to improve patient safety and care. 

How does the NJR support patients? 

• Provides evidence to help patients learn about different implants. 
• Helps surgeons choose the best-performing artificial joints. 
• Improves safety by monitoring implant performance and taking action when needed. 
• Gives feedback to hospitals and manufacturers to improve services. 

Your consent matters 

• Taking part is voluntary, but more than 9 out of 10 patients agree to join. 
• With your consent, NJR records details of your operation (such as implant type, surgical technique, and side of the body) along with your name, date of birth, NHS number, and contact details. 
• This information is kept confidential and used only to improve patient safety and care. 

You can read the NJR privacy notice at: www.njrcentre.org.uk/About-the-NJR/Privacy-Notice-GDPR 
 
Want to know more? 

Visit the NJR website: www.njrcentre.org.uk  

Click here to access relevant patient leaflets.