Knee replacement has now overtaken hip replacement as the most commonly performed joint replacement in the UK, with nearly 80000 procedures performed in England and Wales in 2011. The damaged knee is completely replaced with an artificial joint, which usually improves pain and mobility. The knee cap may also be replaced if necessary. Most knee replacements will last a lifetime but occasionally they can wear out or loosen, particularly in young or active patients. This may require revision surgery to replace the old components. Revision surgery may be considerably more complicated than primary surgery so the decision to undergo knee replacement should be carefully considered. There are many sources of information currently available on knee replacement but we recommend the sites listed in the Useful Links section of the website. The “Useful Links” section also contains the “Enhanced Recovery Program after knee replacement” booklet that is currently used at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust. This provides detailed information about what patients can expect during and after their admission for knee replacement. Knee replacement in the private sector is very similar, although small details may vary from hospital to hospital. An interactive online decision aid to guide patients considering knee replacement can be found here , and for an animated video of a knee replacement follow this link.
X-rays showing front (left image) and side (right image) views of a total knee replacement.

X-rays showing front (left image) and side (right image) views of a revision total knee replacement. The metal objects running down the front of the knee are surgical staples. Revision surgery may require extensive reconstruction and complex implants (compare to the images of a total knee replacement).