Knee Replacement Surgery

Types of knee replacement surgery

1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR):

• In this procedure, the entire knee joint is replaced. The damaged portions of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and sometimes the patella (kneecap) are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic.

2. Partial Knee Replacement (PKR):

• Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced. This may be an option for individuals with arthritis or damage limited to one part of the knee (usually either the inner side, outer side, or the kneecap area). Partial or unicompartmental knee replacement is an excellent option for appropriate patients.

Dr Collins operates at multiple hospitals throughout Melbourne, he can discuss your preferences in person during your consultation.

What are the risks and complications of knee replacement surgery?

• Infection: Though rare, infections can occur after surgery.

• Blood Clots: Blood clots, especially in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), can form after surgery.

• Implant Problems: The prosthetic components may wear out over time or become loose, this may require revision surgery.

• Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Although rare, nerves or blood vessels around the knee can be damaged during surgery.

• Stiffness or Limited Range of Motion: In some cases, the knee may become stiff and limit movement, requiring further treatment or therapy.

• Dissatisfaction or ongoing pain: Previous studies quote a 10-20% rate of dissatisfaction with total knee replacement surgery. Thankfully with appropriate indications, patient selection, expectation setting and modern technologies and techniques, satisfaction rates have improved.

  • Patients younger than 55 have the least satisfaction after knee replacement, higher expectations and demands is a big element of this.

• Numbness and difficulty kneeling: the incision for knee replacement surgery can damage the small nerves around the front of your knee causing numbness on the outside/lateral aspect of your scar. Some patients report difficulty kneeling, however this can be worked on with exercises to desensitise and use of padding to assist.

Prevention and prehabilitation is best – the fitter and stronger you are prior to your surgery, the safe and quicker your recovery will be. 

Recovery following a knee replacement is a particular area of interest to Dr Collins, and he endeavours to utilise the lastest technologies and techniques to optimise your recovery journey.

Your knee will be painful, don’t over do it. Recovery is a journey, and it will fluctuate. You will have a few pain flares/spikes over the first 1-2 weeks at least.

Regular multi-modal pain relief, regular icing/cryotherapy, elevation and gentle exercises are key.

Dr Collins aims to manage your swelling, pain and recovery together. You will be provided with comprehensive information about your recovery, swelling management, pain management and rehabilitation. Dr Collins aims for a fast and safe recovery for you.

Results from the Australian National Joint Replacement Registry show the total knee replacement Dr Collins uses has a 95% chance of survival from revision after 15 years. Modern knee replacements should last greater than 20 years, individual factors such as age, activity level and weight can impact this.  

Generally knee replacement surgery takes between 1-2 hours. 

The femoral (thigh-bone) and tibial (leg/shin bone) components are made of a cobalt-chromium alloy and titanium alloy, between the two metal components is a very strong medical grade plastic (polyethylene).

4-6 weeks following your surgery. You need to be close to your pre-surgery mobility/function level, and feel safe and confident in your ability to drive. You need to be off strong pain relief, have a good range of motion of your knee and mobilising/walking well without gait aides.