Knee Treatment

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgery

Choosing to have knee replacement surgery is a significant and often emotional decision. Many people struggle with worsening pain, reduced mobility, and increasing impact on work, family life, and the activities they enjoy. When symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, injections, and other non-surgical treatments, it can be difficult to know when the time is right — or which type of surgery is best.

Knee Treatment

Knee Replacement Surgery

Choosing to have knee replacement surgery is a significant and often emotional decision.

Many people struggle with worsening pain, reduced mobility, and increasing impact on work, family life, and the activities they enjoy. When symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, injections, and other non-surgical treatments, it can be difficult to know when the time is right — or which type of surgery is best.

This is where expert, personalised guidance makes all the difference.

With my background as both a physiotherapist and a consultant orthopaedic knee surgeon working at Guy’s & St Thomas’ — one of the UK’s leading centres for complex and revision knee replacement — I help you understand all your options clearly and honestly. I take the time to review your symptoms, your X-rays, your goals, and the non-surgical treatments you've already tried, so we can decide together if surgery is appropriate and which approach will give you the best long-term outcome.

Knee replacement surgery can transform your quality of life, but the right operation — at the right time — is essential. I offer a full range of modern techniques including total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, revision (redo) surgery, as well as robotic and personalised alignment technologies. My combined surgical and rehabilitation experience ensures your treatment plan supports both the operation and your recovery, helping you return safely to the activities that matter most.

Treatment options

Total Knee Replacement
Partial Knee Replacement
Redo (Revision) Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee treatment

Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement (TKR) is recommended when arthritis affects most of the knee joint and non-surgical treatments no longer provide meaningful relief. For many patients, this stage is reached gradually — more stiffness, slower walking pace, pain at night, or difficulty with stairs. It can feel daunting to consider major surgery, especially when you’ve worked hard with physiotherapy or injections and still find your symptoms limiting.

My role is to guide you through this decision with clarity and confidence.

By combining my physiotherapy background with extensive surgical experience in a world-leading knee centre at Guy’s & St Thomas’, I help you understand:

  • Whether now is the right time for surgery

  • What improvements you can realistically expect

  • How modern techniques, including robotic assistance and personalised alignment, may benefit you

  • What the recovery and rehabilitation journey will look like

During a TKR, the worn surfaces of your joint are replaced with smooth, durable components designed to restore comfort and mobility. Most patients walk on the same day and regain independence steadily over the first 6–12 weeks. Long-term outcomes are excellent, with the majority experiencing dramatic reduction in pain and improved ability to stay active.

Your operation and recovery plan are personalised — from prehabilitation exercises to implant selection — ensuring you feel supported at every stage.

FAQs

Is knee replacement surgery the right option for me?

Knee replacement is usually considered when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility despite physiotherapy, injections, and lifestyle changes. During your consultation, I’ll review your symptoms, examine your knee, look at your scans, and help you understand all your options. My aim is to guide you toward the right decision at the right time — whether that is surgery or continued non-surgical management.

How do I know whether I need a total or partial knee replacement?

This depends on the pattern of arthritis, ligament stability, alignment, and how your symptoms affect you. A partial replacement may be appropriate if only one part of your knee is worn.

What results can I expect after knee replacement?

Most patients experience a major improvement in pain, walking ability, and day-to-day function. Kneeling and deep bending may still feel different, but activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, and gardening are typically much more comfortable. Outcomes depend on the right operation, good surgical technique, and structured physiotherapy afterwards — all of which we plan together.

How long does recovery take?

Many people walk the same day as their surgery. Initial improvement happens over the first 6–12 weeks, with ongoing gains in strength and confidence for up to a year.

What is the role of robotic or personalised knee replacement?

These technologies help refine implant positioning and alignment, potentially improving stability, movement, and long-term comfort. I use robotic systems and personalised alignment techniques as part of my practice at Sussex Premier Health and The Horder Centre, ensuring you benefit from the most modern approaches available.

Will physiotherapy still be needed after surgery?

Yes — rehabilitation is crucial. Your knee needs time, strengthening, and guidance to regain mobility and confidence.

Is knee replacement surgery the right option for me?

Knee replacement is usually considered when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility despite physiotherapy, injections, and lifestyle changes. During your consultation, I’ll review your symptoms, examine your knee, look at your scans, and help you understand all your options. My aim is to guide you toward the right decision at the right time — whether that is surgery or continued non-surgical management.

How do I know whether I need a total or partial knee replacement?

This depends on the pattern of arthritis, ligament stability, alignment, and how your symptoms affect you. A partial replacement may be appropriate if only one part of your knee is worn.

What results can I expect after knee replacement?

Most patients experience a major improvement in pain, walking ability, and day-to-day function. Kneeling and deep bending may still feel different, but activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, and gardening are typically much more comfortable. Outcomes depend on the right operation, good surgical technique, and structured physiotherapy afterwards — all of which we plan together.

How long does recovery take?

Many people walk the same day as their surgery. Initial improvement happens over the first 6–12 weeks, with ongoing gains in strength and confidence for up to a year.

What is the role of robotic or personalised knee replacement?

These technologies help refine implant positioning and alignment, potentially improving stability, movement, and long-term comfort. I use robotic systems and personalised alignment techniques as part of my practice at Sussex Premier Health and The Horder Centre, ensuring you benefit from the most modern approaches available.

Will physiotherapy still be needed after surgery?

Yes — rehabilitation is crucial. Your knee needs time, strengthening, and guidance to regain mobility and confidence.

FAQs

Is knee replacement surgery the right option for me?

Knee replacement is usually considered when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility despite physiotherapy, injections, and lifestyle changes. During your consultation, I’ll review your symptoms, examine your knee, look at your scans, and help you understand all your options. My aim is to guide you toward the right decision at the right time — whether that is surgery or continued non-surgical management.

How do I know whether I need a total or partial knee replacement?

This depends on the pattern of arthritis, ligament stability, alignment, and how your symptoms affect you. A partial replacement may be appropriate if only one part of your knee is worn.

What results can I expect after knee replacement?

Most patients experience a major improvement in pain, walking ability, and day-to-day function. Kneeling and deep bending may still feel different, but activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, and gardening are typically much more comfortable. Outcomes depend on the right operation, good surgical technique, and structured physiotherapy afterwards — all of which we plan together.

How long does recovery take?

Many people walk the same day as their surgery. Initial improvement happens over the first 6–12 weeks, with ongoing gains in strength and confidence for up to a year.

What is the role of robotic or personalised knee replacement?

These technologies help refine implant positioning and alignment, potentially improving stability, movement, and long-term comfort. I use robotic systems and personalised alignment techniques as part of my practice at Sussex Premier Health and The Horder Centre, ensuring you benefit from the most modern approaches available.

Will physiotherapy still be needed after surgery?

Yes — rehabilitation is crucial. Your knee needs time, strengthening, and guidance to regain mobility and confidence.

Is knee replacement surgery the right option for me?

Knee replacement is usually considered when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility despite physiotherapy, injections, and lifestyle changes. During your consultation, I’ll review your symptoms, examine your knee, look at your scans, and help you understand all your options. My aim is to guide you toward the right decision at the right time — whether that is surgery or continued non-surgical management.

How do I know whether I need a total or partial knee replacement?

This depends on the pattern of arthritis, ligament stability, alignment, and how your symptoms affect you. A partial replacement may be appropriate if only one part of your knee is worn.

What results can I expect after knee replacement?

Most patients experience a major improvement in pain, walking ability, and day-to-day function. Kneeling and deep bending may still feel different, but activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, and gardening are typically much more comfortable. Outcomes depend on the right operation, good surgical technique, and structured physiotherapy afterwards — all of which we plan together.

How long does recovery take?

Many people walk the same day as their surgery. Initial improvement happens over the first 6–12 weeks, with ongoing gains in strength and confidence for up to a year.

What is the role of robotic or personalised knee replacement?

These technologies help refine implant positioning and alignment, potentially improving stability, movement, and long-term comfort. I use robotic systems and personalised alignment techniques as part of my practice at Sussex Premier Health and The Horder Centre, ensuring you benefit from the most modern approaches available.

Will physiotherapy still be needed after surgery?

Yes — rehabilitation is crucial. Your knee needs time, strengthening, and guidance to regain mobility and confidence.

Knee treatment

Partial Knee Replacement

A partial knee replacement (PKR) may be suitable if arthritis affects only one part of your knee. For the right patient, this can feel like a more natural knee-preserving option and often leads to a quicker recovery.

The decision between partial and total replacement is not always straightforward, and this is another area where specialist assessment matters.
During your consultation, I carefully evaluate:

  • The pattern of arthritis

  • Ligament stability

  • Knee alignment

  • Whether your symptoms are truly isolated to one compartment

  • Your lifestyle goals and expectations

Thanks to my combined rehabilitation and surgical background, I also discuss how each option will affect long-term function and strength — not just the operation itself.

A partial knee replacement can offer:

  • Faster recovery and return to daily activities

  • More natural knee movement

  • Lower risk of anaesthetic and medical complications associated with surgery

  • Excellent longevity when well-selected

FAQs

Is a partial knee replacement better than a total?

Not better — just different. When used in the right patient, a partial replacement can feel more natural and allow quicker recovery. However, careful patient selection is essential to identify suitable candidates. I will help you understand whether this applies to you.

What is the recovery like after a partial replacement?

Recovery is typically faster than with a total replacement. Many patients regain confidence and mobility within a few weeks, though physiotherapy support remains important.

Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total in the future?

Yes. If arthritis develops elsewhere in the knee later in life, a partial replacement can be revised to a total. However, careful patient selection is required to minimise this risk.

Is a partial knee replacement better than a total?

Not better — just different. When used in the right patient, a partial replacement can feel more natural and allow quicker recovery. However, careful patient selection is essential to identify suitable candidates. I will help you understand whether this applies to you.

What is the recovery like after a partial replacement?

Recovery is typically faster than with a total replacement. Many patients regain confidence and mobility within a few weeks, though physiotherapy support remains important.

Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total in the future?

Yes. If arthritis develops elsewhere in the knee later in life, a partial replacement can be revised to a total. However, careful patient selection is required to minimise this risk.

FAQs

Is a partial knee replacement better than a total?

Not better — just different. When used in the right patient, a partial replacement can feel more natural and allow quicker recovery. However, careful patient selection is essential to identify suitable candidates. I will help you understand whether this applies to you.

What is the recovery like after a partial replacement?

Recovery is typically faster than with a total replacement. Many patients regain confidence and mobility within a few weeks, though physiotherapy support remains important.

Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total in the future?

Yes. If arthritis develops elsewhere in the knee later in life, a partial replacement can be revised to a total. However, careful patient selection is required to minimise this risk.

Is a partial knee replacement better than a total?

Not better — just different. When used in the right patient, a partial replacement can feel more natural and allow quicker recovery. However, careful patient selection is essential to identify suitable candidates. I will help you understand whether this applies to you.

What is the recovery like after a partial replacement?

Recovery is typically faster than with a total replacement. Many patients regain confidence and mobility within a few weeks, though physiotherapy support remains important.

Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total in the future?

Yes. If arthritis develops elsewhere in the knee later in life, a partial replacement can be revised to a total. However, careful patient selection is required to minimise this risk.

Knee treatment

Redo (Revision) Knee Replacement Surgery

Some patients develop ongoing pain, stiffness, instability, or loosening after a previous knee replacement. Others may face infection, wear of the components, or changes in bone quality over time. These situations can be worrying and often require highly specialist assessment.

Revision knee replacement surgery is a key part of my practice at Guy’s & St Thomas’, where I am involved in the regional network for complex and salvage knee arthroplasty. This experience allows me to investigate the underlying cause of problems and offer clear, evidence-based options — whether surgical or non-surgical.

During a revision knee replacement, I may need to:

  • Remove loose or worn components

  • Rebuild weakened or missing bone

  • Improve stability and alignment

  • Address infection in a staged approach

  • Restore function using specialised implants

Revision surgery is technically demanding and must be carefully planned with detailed imaging, multidisciplinary support, and meticulous surgical technique.

My previous physiotherapy experience is especially valuable here — helping you understand the expected recovery, functional goals, and rehabilitation strategies after a more complex procedure.

Even if you are unsure whether your symptoms require revision surgery, an expert review can provide reassurance, diagnosis, and a clear plan.

FAQs

Why might my knee replacement be failing?

Reasons include: • Wear or loosening of components • Infection • Instability • Stiffness or limited movement • Pain not improving after the initial surgery • Fracture or bone loss around the implant A detailed assessment — often including blood tests, specialised imaging, and examination — is essential to find the cause.

Is revision knee replacement more complex than the first operation?

Yes. Revision surgery requires specialised implants, careful planning, and experience managing bone loss, soft-tissue imbalance, and previous surgical changes. As part of the regional complex arthroplasty network, I regularly perform these procedures.

What is recovery like after revision surgery?

Recovery can take longer than a primary knee replacement, but outcomes can still be excellent when the underlying issue is properly addressed. My rehabilitation-focused approach helps set realistic expectations and provides the support you need throughout your recovery.

Should I get a second opinion before revision surgery?

Many patients do — and it can be extremely helpful. If your knee replacement does not feel right, or if you’re unsure about the diagnosis you’ve been given, I offer clear, honest assessments so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why might my knee replacement be failing?

Reasons include: • Wear or loosening of components • Infection • Instability • Stiffness or limited movement • Pain not improving after the initial surgery • Fracture or bone loss around the implant A detailed assessment — often including blood tests, specialised imaging, and examination — is essential to find the cause.

Is revision knee replacement more complex than the first operation?

Yes. Revision surgery requires specialised implants, careful planning, and experience managing bone loss, soft-tissue imbalance, and previous surgical changes. As part of the regional complex arthroplasty network, I regularly perform these procedures.

What is recovery like after revision surgery?

Recovery can take longer than a primary knee replacement, but outcomes can still be excellent when the underlying issue is properly addressed. My rehabilitation-focused approach helps set realistic expectations and provides the support you need throughout your recovery.

Should I get a second opinion before revision surgery?

Many patients do — and it can be extremely helpful. If your knee replacement does not feel right, or if you’re unsure about the diagnosis you’ve been given, I offer clear, honest assessments so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

FAQs

Why might my knee replacement be failing?

Reasons include: • Wear or loosening of components • Infection • Instability • Stiffness or limited movement • Pain not improving after the initial surgery • Fracture or bone loss around the implant A detailed assessment — often including blood tests, specialised imaging, and examination — is essential to find the cause.

Is revision knee replacement more complex than the first operation?

Yes. Revision surgery requires specialised implants, careful planning, and experience managing bone loss, soft-tissue imbalance, and previous surgical changes. As part of the regional complex arthroplasty network, I regularly perform these procedures.

What is recovery like after revision surgery?

Recovery can take longer than a primary knee replacement, but outcomes can still be excellent when the underlying issue is properly addressed. My rehabilitation-focused approach helps set realistic expectations and provides the support you need throughout your recovery.

Should I get a second opinion before revision surgery?

Many patients do — and it can be extremely helpful. If your knee replacement does not feel right, or if you’re unsure about the diagnosis you’ve been given, I offer clear, honest assessments so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why might my knee replacement be failing?

Reasons include: • Wear or loosening of components • Infection • Instability • Stiffness or limited movement • Pain not improving after the initial surgery • Fracture or bone loss around the implant A detailed assessment — often including blood tests, specialised imaging, and examination — is essential to find the cause.

Is revision knee replacement more complex than the first operation?

Yes. Revision surgery requires specialised implants, careful planning, and experience managing bone loss, soft-tissue imbalance, and previous surgical changes. As part of the regional complex arthroplasty network, I regularly perform these procedures.

What is recovery like after revision surgery?

Recovery can take longer than a primary knee replacement, but outcomes can still be excellent when the underlying issue is properly addressed. My rehabilitation-focused approach helps set realistic expectations and provides the support you need throughout your recovery.

Should I get a second opinion before revision surgery?

Many patients do — and it can be extremely helpful. If your knee replacement does not feel right, or if you’re unsure about the diagnosis you’ve been given, I offer clear, honest assessments so you can make informed decisions with confidence.