Total knee replacement
Used when arthritis affects several compartments or when a partial replacement would not adequately address the problem.
Knee Replacement
Private Knee Replacement
Consultant-led assessment for partial or total knee replacement, with robotic-assisted planning available for selected patients.
Partial or totalChoice based on arthritis pattern, symptoms and individual anatomy
Quick Answer
When is knee replacement considered?
Knee replacement may be appropriate when osteoarthritis causes substantial pain and loss of function and non-surgical treatment is no longer effective or suitable.
Assessment considers
- where the arthritis is located
- severity and impact of symptoms
- alignment, stability and range of movement
- general health and surgical risk
- partial versus total replacement where appropriate
- your expectations and priorities
Procedure Options
Partial or total knee replacement?
The right operation depends on the pattern of arthritis and condition of the rest of the knee.
Partial knee replacement
May be considered when arthritis is isolated to one compartment and the rest of the knee is suitable. NICE recommends offering a choice of partial or total replacement for isolated medial-compartment osteoarthritis.
What can knee replacement achieve?
The aim is to reduce pain from the arthritic joint and improve function. Most patients improve, but a replacement knee does not feel exactly like a natural knee and no operation can guarantee complete pain relief.
What are the main risks?
Important risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, instability, fracture, nerve or blood-vessel injury, wound problems, implant wear or loosening and the possible need for further surgery. Risks vary between individuals and are discussed during consent.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement
MAKO robotic-assisted knee replacement uses CT-based planning and a surgeon-controlled robotic arm to support execution of the planned bone preparation and implant position.
Robotics can improve the precision and reproducibility of implant positioning. However, the 2026 UK RACER-Knee randomised trial did not find a clinically meaningful patient-reported benefit at 12 months compared with conventional total knee replacement, and costs were higher. This is why the technology is presented as a planning and precision tool rather than a guarantee of a better outcome.
Read the full evidence-based robotic knee replacement guide →
Recovery after knee replacement
Walking and rehabilitation begin soon after surgery when safe. Recovery continues for months, and the pace varies between individuals. Swelling and stiffness are common during the early recovery period.
Read about enhanced recovery →
Same-day discharge is available for selected patients who meet appropriate clinical and discharge criteria.
Evidence & Further Reading
Current evidence used for this page
The page combines established NICE/NHS guidance with current UK robotic-surgery evidence.
NICE NG157 — Primary joint replacement
Shared decision-making and partial versus total knee replacement.
View NICE guidance →NHS — Knee replacement
Procedure, recovery and complications.
View NHS information →RACER-Knee — Lancet 2026
UK randomised trial comparing MAKO robotic-arm-assisted and conventional total knee replacement.
View PubMed record →Common Questions
Knee replacement FAQs
Should I have a partial or total knee replacement?
That depends on where the arthritis is located, ligament function, alignment and other clinical factors. Both options can be discussed when the knee is suitable.
Is robotic knee replacement better?
Robotics improves precision of executing the surgical plan, but current evidence does not support promising a better patient-reported outcome for every patient.
How long will my knee remain swollen?
Swelling commonly persists for weeks and can take months to settle fully. Recovery is individual and is monitored alongside movement, pain and function.
