Treatment
Knee Replacement Surgery in Sydney
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What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing worn areas of the knee joint with prosthetic components to address pain and loss of function caused by arthritis or other joint conditions. The damaged cartilage and underlying bone are replaced to relieve pain, restore function and improve mobility.
Total knee replacement is most commonly recommended when arthritis affects the majority of the knee joint and symptoms can no longer be managed with non-surgical treatment.
Total knee replacement is most commonly recommended when arthritis affects the majority of the knee joint and symptoms can no longer be managed with non-surgical treatment.
Common Indications
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
Total
A total knee replacement is a prosthetic knee joint designed to replace the entire knee affected by arthritis.
Replaces the entire knee joint
Suitable for widespread arthritis
Most commonly performed procedure
All compartments are resurfaced
Excellent implant durability
Partial
A partial knee replacement is a prosthetic knee joint designed to replace only the affected part of the knee.
Replaces only the damaged compartment
Suitable for arthritis limited to one compartment
Appropriate for carefully selected patients
Healthy compartments are preserved
May provide a more natural-feeling knee and quicker recovery
Revision
A revision knee replacement is a procedure to replace an existing knee replacement that is no longer functioning properly, with the aim of relieving pain and restoring joint function, stability and movement.
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Dr Farey will recommend an approach based on your clinical assessment, medical history, X-rays and surgical risk profile.
How is knee replacement performed?
Knee replacement is performed through an incision at the front of the knee that provides complete access to the entire knee joint. Damaged cartilage and bone from the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap) will be replaced by the prosthetic knee implant, which is fixed to bone.
Robotic Surgery
Dr Farey uses robotic-assisted technology to help precisely position and balance the knee replacement according to your individual anatomy.
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How to prepare for knee replacement
Attend appointments with any additional specialists involved in your care.
Focus on low-impact exercises such as cycling and swimming.
Participate in prehabilitation with a physiotherapist to support your recovery after surgery.
Complete any required blood tests and investigations before your procedure.
Ensure your General Practitioner receives all relevant correspondence and recommendations.
Maintain your activity levels and fitness as much as possible before surgery.
Risks to consider
Knee replacement is a major surgical procedure, and there are many important risks that will be discussed in consultation, both prior to making a decision to proceed with surgery and as part of the informed consent process. If you have a specific concern that is important to you, please let us know about it.
Frequently asked questions
The metallic part of the knee replacement is made from cobalt chromium, a hard metal designed to resist scratching. The plastic bearing is made from a highly cross-linked polyethylene, which is designed to withstand millions of cycles of walking and wears at only fractions of a millimetre per year.
In general, over 90% of total knee replacements performed in Australia last more than 20 years. This is based on data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). If you are interested, I recommend browsing the Annual Report, available in the Publications section of the AOANJRR website (https://aoanjrr.sahmri.com/en-US/). The AOANJRR is viewed as the gold standard resource on implant survivorship internationally.
The average age is 68.5 years, but this can vary widely. For example, many patients with a history of knee injuries or trauma may be indicated for surgery at a much younger age in their 40’s or 50’s because of severe cartilage wear causing pain and dysfunction. On the other hand, many patients are able to manage their knee pain until their 80’s, and seek treatment at an older age. Age is less important than your symptoms and the impact on your life.
Recovery from a total knee replacement is hard work, requiring consistent participation in a structured rehabilitation program with a physiotherapist and multimodal pain management. Most patients are up and walking the same day as surgery.
In general, most patients are 80% recovered by 3 months, but it takes a full year to experience the maximum benefit from surgery. Upon full recovery, most patients have significantly less pain, have greater walking endurance and are able to more fully participate in the activities they enjoy.
In general, most patients are 80% recovered by 3 months, but it takes a full year to experience the maximum benefit from surgery. Upon full recovery, most patients have significantly less pain, have greater walking endurance and are able to more fully participate in the activities they enjoy.
Most patients begin walking on the day of surgery or the following day with the assistance of a physiotherapist. Some pain, swelling and stiffness are expected during the early stages of recovery and gradually improve over time. Rehabilitation and regular exercises are essential to restore strength, mobility and confidence in the knee. While many patients resume most daily activities within six to twelve weeks, improvement can continue for up to 12 months after surgery.