Considering knee Surgery
Knee surgery is the surgical procedure to relieve pain and restore knee movement and function. If Dr Boyle recommends knee surgery, he will explain what’s involved in the surgery and recovery process. In addition, you will receive the Australian Orthopaedic Association Surgical Replacement of the Knee Joint: A Guide for Patients to take home and read through carefully.
Typical questions people ask about knee surgery
- What are the benefits and risks of knee surgery?
- What costs will I personally incur (for surgery, hospital stay and rehabilitation)?
- What do I need to do to prepare for surgery?
- How long will I be in hospital?
- What are my rehabilitation options?
Knee surgery procedures
Total knee replacement This procedure relieves chronic pain and restores mobility. It involves removing all or part of the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components. Knee replacements last 10-15 years or more.
Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement This procedure removes part of the knee – inner, outer or kneecap – and replaces it with an artificial component. Partial knee replacements last 10 years or more.
Knee revision This procedure replaces worn out components of an earlier knee or partial knee replacement.
Arthroscopy This procedure uses an arthroscope (a type of endoscope) to assess, and sometimes repair, damage to the knee joint.
Limb reconstruction This major surgical procedure includes surgery to the knee joints where required.