Knee Replacement Surgery: Is It Right for You?

Knee replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore function when arthritis significantly affects your quality of life. Arthritis may present with joint pain, reduced function, deformity, or instability. This video explains when surgery may be appropriate and how to prepare. Initial management of arthritis typically focuses on conservative approaches before considering surgery. These may include modifying your exercise routine; ensuring adequate pain relief; working towards a healthy weight; and engaging in physiotherapy. These measures can often provide meaningful improvement in symptoms and daily function. Additional options may also help manage your symptoms. Knee braces can provide support and stability. Steroid, or lubricant injections may offer temporary relief. A TENS device, which uses gentle electrical pulses to reduce pain signals - or simple ice packs can also be beneficial for some patients. If these conservative measures do not provide adequate improvement in your symptoms and quality of life, knee replacement surgery may be worth considering. This decision is always made together. Arthritis is usually visible on an X-ray - which shows narrowing of the joint space where cartilage has worn away. Occasionally - further investigation with an MRI or CT scan may be needed to assess ligament condition or bone quality. These images help determine whether surgery is appropriate and which approach would suit you best. Before surgery, you will attend a pre-assessment appointment. This typically involves blood tests, a urine test, and skin swabs. Depending on your health, you may also need a chest X-ray, an ECG to check your heart rhythm - or lung function tests. You will meet the anaesthetist before your operation, to discuss the anaesthetic options available to you. These may include general anaesthetic; spinal or epidural anaesthesia; and additional nerve blocks for pain control. I also infiltrate local anaesthetic pain cocktail from the bone to the skin for additional pain control. Pain management is a priority, and your current needs will be assessed and optimised. An occupational therapist will recommend equipment to assist your recovery at home. This may include raised toilet seats, long-handled aids for dressing, a bath seat, and chair raises. Please check with your insurance company to ensure these items are covered by your policy if applicable. Any signs of infection, such as a skin rash, tooth abscess, or chest infection, must be treated before surgery. Patients taking aspirin or anticoagulants may need to stop these before your operation. The timing depends on the specific medication, and you will receive individual advice from the clinical team. Stopping smoking is strongly recommended, as smoking significantly increases complication risk. The longer you can stop before surgery, the greater the benefit. Strengthening your muscles before your operation is also fundamental to achieving good outcomes, as this improves your rehabilitation potential and the range of movement you can achieve. A physiotherapist will discuss post-operative mobility and provide walking aids before your surgery. For personalised advice about whether knee replacement is right for you, please contact my secretary Maya Rahman.