total knee replacement

Last edited 06/2020

A total knee replacement is usually indicated by pain, especially in the presence of deformity and instability.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the usual reasons for knee replacement.

The results of knee replacement surgery have improved greatly in recent years.

Procedures for primary elective knee replacement (1)

Partial and total knee replacement

• Offer a choice of partial or total knee replacement to people with isolated medial compartmental osteoarthritis
• Offer resurfacing of the patella to people having primary elective total knee replacement.

"..resurfacing is cost effective compared with no resurfacing over a 10-year time horizon because of reduced hospital readmissions" (1)

Reference:

• NICE (June 2020). Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder