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Private Knee Replacement Surgery in Birmingham | West Midlands

Stop living with severe knee arthritis pain. Mr Shakir Hussain provides world-class private knee replacement surgery in Birmingham and across the West Midlands, with rapid access and no long waiting lists, advanced robotic precision, and exceptional reported outcomes.

Golfer playing a round after total knee replacement surgery in Birmingham with Mr Shakir Hussain
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Fixed self-pay packages from £14,050 · Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality and Cigna accepted

Medically reviewed by Mr Shakir Hussain, MBBS MRCS FRCSEd (Tr & Orth), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon  ·  Last reviewed: July 2026  ·  Next review due: July 2029

In Short

Knee replacement surgery replaces the worn surfaces of an arthritic knee joint with artificial components to relieve pain and restore movement. Mr Shakir Hussain performs total, partial, robotic-assisted, bilateral and complex knee replacement privately in Birmingham at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston and Harborne Hospital. The operation takes 1 to 2 hours, most patients are walking the same day, and all-inclusive self-pay packages start from £14,050. Insured patients are equally welcome: Mr Hussain is recognised by all major insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality and Cigna.

Hospital Stay
1–3 days, day-case possible
Operation Time
1–2 hours
Anaesthetic
Spinal or general
Self-Pay Package
From £14,050
Insurance
All major insurers

Where Does Mr Hussain See Patients?

Mr Hussain sees private patients at three Birmingham hospitals: the Woodlands Suite at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston (Circle Health Group), and Harborne Hospital (HCA Healthcare). The surgeon and the standard of care are the same at each; choose whichever location suits you best.

Woodlands SuiteRoyal Orthopaedic HospitalBristol Road South, Birmingham B31 2AP Priory HospitalEdgbaston, Circle HealthPriory Road, Birmingham B5 7UG Harborne HospitalHCA HealthcareMindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2TQ
Understanding the Procedure

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged or worn surfaces of the knee joint with precision-engineered artificial components. The knee is formed by three bones: the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). When the cartilage covering these surfaces wears away, it causes bone-on-bone contact, resulting in significant pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.

Depending on how much of the knee is affected, Mr Hussain, a consultant knee surgeon in Birmingham, may recommend a total knee replacement (replacing all three compartments) or a partial knee replacement (replacing only the damaged compartment). In selected cases, he offers complex total knee replacement for patients with more demanding anatomy or prior surgery.

Knee replacement is one of the most successful and widely performed operations in orthopaedic surgery. Modern implants are designed to restore natural movement and last 15–25 years, helping patients return to everyday activities, hobbies, and a life free from chronic pain.

The Knee Joint
  • Femur: the thighbone forming the top of the knee
  • Tibia: the shinbone forming the base of the joint
  • Patella: the kneecap, gliding over the front of the knee
  • Articular cartilage: smooth coating allowing pain-free movement
  • Menisci: shock-absorbing cushions between femur and tibia
  • Ligaments: stabilising structures holding the joint together

When arthritis damages these structures, knee replacement restores the joint with artificial components that replicate smooth, natural movement.

Is It Right for You?

When to Consider Knee Replacement

Knee replacement is usually recommended after non-surgical treatments have failed to provide adequate relief. You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:

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Persistent Knee Pain

Pain during walking, climbing stairs, or at rest that is not adequately controlled by painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, or injections. Learn more about knee pain treatment in Birmingham.

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Reduced Mobility & Stiffness

Difficulty straightening or bending the knee fully, walking more than short distances, or performing everyday activities such as shopping or gardening.

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Failed Conservative Treatment

Physiotherapy, weight management, activity modification, and steroid injections have been tried but are no longer providing meaningful relief.

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X-ray Evidence of Arthritis

Imaging shows significant damage: loss of cartilage space, bone-on-bone contact, osteophyte formation, or deformity of the knee joint. Read about knee arthritis treatment in Birmingham.

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Impact on Quality of Life

Knee pain is preventing you from sleeping well, enjoying hobbies, exercising, working, or spending time with the people who matter most to you.

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Other Knee Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis following an old knee injury, avascular necrosis, patellofemoral (kneecap) arthritis, cartilage damage, or other conditions causing significant joint damage.

Before You Decide

Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

Surgery is usually considered only after non-surgical options have been tried. Mr Hussain will always explore whether these could help relieve your knee pain first. Unsure where you stand? Read the seven signs you are ready for a knee replacement for an honest self-check.

Surgical Options

Types of Knee Replacement

Mr Hussain offers the full range of knee replacement procedures, selecting the most appropriate option based on your anatomy, the extent of arthritis, your age, activity level, and lifestyle goals.

Most Common

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (TKR) replaces all three compartments of the knee (the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral surfaces) with metal and plastic implants. It is the most commonly performed type and is recommended when arthritis affects the entire knee joint.

  • Suitable for widespread knee arthritis affecting multiple compartments
  • Excellent long-term pain relief and restored function
  • Modern implants designed to last 15–25 years
  • Available as day-case or short-stay procedure
  • Robotic-assisted surgery available for greater precision
Total knee replacement in detail →
Targeted Surgery

Partial Knee Replacement

Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR), this procedure replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee, most commonly the medial (inner) side. It preserves healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments, resulting in a more natural feeling knee and faster recovery.

  • Smaller incision and less tissue disruption
  • Quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay
  • More natural knee movement and feel
  • Requires intact ligaments and single-compartment disease
  • Suitable for younger, more active patients
Partial knee replacement in detail →
Advanced Cases

Complex Total Knee Replacement

Some patients require more complex knee replacement surgery due to significant deformity, severe bone loss, previous knee surgery, or unusual anatomy. Mr Hussain has specialist expertise in these challenging cases and uses advanced implants and surgical planning to achieve excellent outcomes.

  • Severe varus or valgus (bow-legged or knock-kneed) deformity
  • Significant bone loss requiring augments or stems
  • Previous high tibial osteotomy or prior knee surgery
  • Post-traumatic arthritis with altered anatomy
  • Customised implant planning and surgical technique
Complex knee replacement in detail →
Advanced Technology

Robotic Knee Replacement in Birmingham

Mr Hussain is certified in all three leading robotic surgery platforms for knee replacement: MAKO (Stryker), ROSA (Zimmer Biomet), and CORI (Smith & Nephew). Very few surgeons in the UK hold all three certifications. Where robotic assistance is appropriate, it gives Mr Hussain real-time anatomical data and haptic guidance to position the implant with greater accuracy than conventional instrumentation alone.

Stryker
MAKO SmartRobotics
MAKO Knee Replacement
CT-based 3D planning before surgery. The robotic arm uses haptic boundaries to prevent any cutting outside the pre-planned zone. Suitable for partial and total knee replacement. The most widely published robotic knee platform in clinical literature.
MAKO knee replacement in detail →
Zimmer Biomet
ROSA Knee System
ROSA Knee Replacement
Works with or without a pre-operative CT scan. ROSA maps the knee intraoperatively using optical tracking, building a real-time model of the patient's anatomy and ligament balance. Highly adaptable to each patient's unique kinematics.
ROSA knee replacement in detail →
Smith & Nephew
CORI Surgical System
CORI Knee Replacement
A compact, CT-free handheld robotic system. CORI uses intraoperative bone mapping with no pre-operative imaging required. Delivers consistent, accurate bone preparation using a robotically-controlled handheld burr rather than a robotic arm.
CORI knee replacement in detail →
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Greater implant accuracy

Robotic assistance delivers implant positioning within narrower tolerances than manual technique, reducing the risk of malalignment that causes early wear or stiffness.

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Patient-specific planning

Each procedure is planned around the individual patient's anatomy, not population averages. This matters most for unusual anatomy, deformity, or prior surgery.

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Soft tissue preservation

Robotic boundaries protect healthy ligaments and bone during preparation, reducing blood loss and tissue disruption and supporting faster recovery in suitable patients.

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Surgeon expertise remains primary

Robotics amplifies what a skilled surgeon can achieve. Mr Hussain's 5,000+ joint replacement procedures and three platform certifications are what make the technology effective in practice.

Not every patient needs robotic surgery. Mr Hussain will advise at consultation whether robotic assistance is likely to offer a meaningful benefit. Where it is indicated, he will recommend the most appropriate platform for your anatomy and procedure type.
Compare all three robotic platforms →
Side by Side

Comparing Knee Replacement Options

The right procedure depends on which compartments are affected, your age, activity level, and anatomy. Mr Hussain will recommend the most appropriate option at your consultation.

All Options Explained

Explore Every Knee Replacement Option

Mr Hussain offers the full range of knee replacement procedures and technologies. Each option has a dedicated page covering who it is for, how it works, and what to expect.

Specialist Expertise

Knee Replacement Results: Before and After X-Rays

The x-rays below are real patients treated by Mr Hussain in Birmingham: total, partial, robotic-assisted (MAKO and CORI), bilateral and complex knee replacements, each shown before and after surgery.

Some knees need more than a standard operation. Severe deformity, bone loss or previous knee surgery calls for specialised implants and advanced planning, covered in full in the dedicated guide.

Complex knee replacement in detail →

Surgical Case Gallery

Case 1 of 10
What Patients Say

Verified Patient Reviews

Read All Reviews on Doctify →
Mr Shakir Hussain, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, reviewing a knee X-ray before knee replacement surgery in Birmingham
Your Experience

Your Patient Journey

From your first consultation through to full recovery, Mr Hussain and his team provide personalised support at every stage of your knee replacement journey.

Patient receiving physiotherapy on her knee during recovery after knee replacement surgery in Birmingham with Mr Shakir Hussain
What to Expect

Recovery Milestones

Every patient recovers at their own pace. The timeline below gives a general guide; your individual progress will be discussed and monitored at every stage.

Day 1

Up and Walking

Physiotherapy begins on the day of surgery. Most patients stand and take their first steps with support within hours of leaving theatre.

2 Weeks

Wound Healing

Stitches or clips are removed. Walking with a frame or crutches improves steadily. Light activities around the home resume.

6 Weeks

Increasing Independence

Most patients are walking without aids, can drive again (if right knee, once cleared), and return to desk-based work. Range of motion continues to improve.

3 Months

Resuming Activities

Returning to swimming, cycling, and leisure activities. Significant pain reduction achieved. Full strength and confidence in the knee continues to build.

6 Months

Near Full Recovery

Most patients have returned to their normal routine, including social activities and longer walks. The knee feels more natural and settled.

12 Months

Full Recovery

Ongoing improvements in strength and flexibility continue. Many patients return to low-impact sports such as golf, cycling, and walking.

The Questions Everyone Asks

Life After Your Knee Replacement

Driving, work, travel and everything else patients want to know before they commit. Tap a row to read more.

Pain

How much pain should I expect, and for how long?

The first week is the most uncomfortable. Most patients need no pain relief at all by three months.
Days 0 to 7The most uncomfortable phase, controlled by the multi-modal pain protocol started before surgery.
Weeks 1 to 2Discomfort settling steadily and prescribed pain relief still helping. Sleep is often the last thing to improve.
Weeks 3 to 6Most patients manage on simple painkillers, and the old arthritis pain is already noticeably gone.
Weeks 6 to 12Occasional soreness after a long walk or a physiotherapy session, rather than constant pain.
3 months onMost patients need no pain relief at all.

These are typical patterns rather than promises. Recovery varies between individuals, and Mr Hussain reviews your own progress at each follow-up appointment.

Driving

When can I drive again after a knee replacement?

Around 6 weeks for a right knee, and earlier for a left knee if you drive an automatic.

Most patients return to driving at around six weeks after a right knee replacement, and earlier after a left knee replacement if you drive an automatic. You need to be able to control the pedals comfortably, be off strong pain medication, and be able to perform an emergency stop without hesitating. It is also worth checking that your insurer is happy for you to resume driving.

Work

When can I go back to work?

Desk-based roles from about 4 to 6 weeks. Physically demanding jobs up to 3 months.

Desk-based and sedentary roles are usually possible from about four to six weeks. Jobs that involve prolonged standing, lifting or kneeling may need up to three months. A phased or part-time return is often easier than going straight back to full duties, and Mr Hussain gives guidance tailored to your occupation.

Kneeling

Will I be able to kneel again?

Yes. Kneeling will not damage a knee replacement, and most people manage it from 8 to 12 weeks.

Kneeling will not damage your new knee. It can feel uncomfortable or numb over the front of the joint, which is normal and is caused by the skin nerves crossing the incision, and many patients find a cushion helps. Most people are able to kneel from around eight to twelve weeks, once the wound has fully healed and the swelling has settled. Some never find it entirely comfortable, and that is worth knowing before surgery rather than after.

Travel

When can I fly again?

Long-haul from around 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on your recovery and risk factors.

Long-haul flights are usually avoided for at least four weeks after surgery, and in some patients for up to three months, depending on individual recovery, mobility and clot risk factors. If you have a trip planned before your operation, avoid long-haul travel within four weeks of your surgery date as well. Our guide to travelling before and after joint replacement sets out the reasoning and the in-flight precautions in full.

Sport

What activities can I go back to?

Swimming and cycling by around 3 months, golf at around 6 months.

Low-impact exercise such as swimming and cycling is usually possible by around three months, and activities like golf typically resume at around six months. Higher-impact sport is reviewed individually, weighing what you want to do against long-term wear on the implant. Mr Hussain gives you a personalised timeline at your follow-up appointments.

Patient Story

The Knee That Had to Work, Helen's Story

Helen with Mr Shakir Hussain after her complex total knee replacement at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham
Complex Total Knee Replacement

“His confidence became the foundation for my own”

Helen has walked on one leg since she was five, when childhood cancer took her right leg. For more than forty years her left knee did the work of two. When a fracture failed to heal and left her with twenty-five years of pain and instability, the decision facing her was unlike almost any other knee replacement: there was no second leg to take the weight if it went wrong.

Knowing he had complete confidence in his work allowed me to begin believing in my knee again. His confidence became the foundation for my own.

Helen

Complex total knee replacement, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham

Mr Hussain performed a total knee replacement with patella repair in December 2025. Helen was standing unaided on the new knee within a day, the threshold she had to cross before her prosthetic leg could be fitted at all. Six months on she walks with a single crutch and is relearning to walk beside her grandson, Leo.

Hers was a complex knee replacement in the fullest sense, and it shows what careful planning can achieve when the margin for error is gone. Her story has been covered by the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and by Coventry Live, and you can read it in full among our patient stories.

Read Helen's story in Coventry Live →
See the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital's post on Facebook →

The Honest Conversation

What Are the Risks and Complications of Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is one of the safest and most reliable operations in modern surgery, and serious complications are uncommon. Understanding the risks matters, though, and Mr Hussain discusses each one openly at your consultation, together with what is done to prevent it.

  • Infection: approximately 1 in 100. Reduced by antibiotics at surgery, strict theatre protocols, and the specialist infection control of a dedicated orthopaedic centre.
  • Blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism): reduced by blood-thinning medication, early walking, and compression stockings.
  • Stiffness: a small number of knees heal with more scar tissue than expected. Early physiotherapy keeps this risk low, and a manipulation under anaesthetic can restore movement if needed.
  • Nerve or blood vessel injury: rare.
  • Long-term loosening or wear: modern implants wear slowly; more than 95% of knee replacements are still functioning at 10 years.

In the unlikely event that a complication does need further surgery, Mr Hussain is a revision specialist who performs knee revision surgery in Birmingham, so your care stays in expert hands from start to finish.

Transparent Pricing

How Much Does Knee Replacement Cost in Birmingham?

Private knee replacement with Mr Shakir Hussain starts from £14,050 as a fixed, all-inclusive package, so you know exactly where you stand before you book.

This guide price covers the surgeon's fee, the anaesthetist's fee, the implant, your hospital stay, and post-operative physiotherapy. Your initial consultation and any scans are charged separately. The final figure depends on the type of implant and the complexity of your knee, and it is always confirmed in writing before you commit to surgery.

Most major insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, and Cigna, cover knee replacement when it is medically indicated, subject to pre-authorisation. Self-pay patients are welcome, and flexible finance is available to spread the cost. For a full breakdown of what is included, see our guide to knee replacement cost in Birmingham.

Implant Longevity

How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?

Most total knee replacements last 15 to 25 years, and many last longer. Partial knee replacements typically last 10 to 15 years, though modern designs continue to improve on this.

Key Takeaways

Knee Replacement at a Glance

  • Knee replacement replaces the worn surfaces of an arthritic knee: a total replacement resurfaces all three compartments, a partial replacement only the damaged one.
  • Mr Hussain is certified on all three leading robotic platforms (MAKO, ROSA, and CORI) and recommends robotic assistance only where it offers a real benefit.
  • Most patients walk the same day, go home within 1 to 3 nights (day-case is possible for selected patients), and drive at around 6 weeks.
  • Modern total knee replacements typically last 15 to 25 years; if one eventually wears out it can usually be exchanged with revision surgery.
  • All-inclusive packages from £14,050; all major private medical insurers accepted.
Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a total or partial knee replacement? +
This depends on how many compartments of the knee are affected by arthritis. A partial replacement is suitable if arthritis is confined to one compartment and your ligaments are intact; it preserves more bone and tissue, and typically offers a faster recovery. A total replacement is indicated when two or three compartments are affected. Mr Hussain will review your X-rays and examine your knee at consultation to recommend the most appropriate procedure for you.
What are the benefits of robotic-assisted knee replacement? +
Robotic assistance gives Mr Hussain real-time data about your unique knee anatomy, allowing him to position the implant with a higher degree of accuracy than traditional techniques alone. Benefits may include a more natural-feeling knee, better alignment and balance, preservation of healthy surrounding tissue, and potentially better long-term implant survival. However, the most important factor in any operation remains the experience and judgement of the surgeon; robotics is a tool to support, not replace, that expertise.
How long will I be in hospital after knee replacement? +
Selected patients are suitable for day-case knee replacement, returning home the same day. Most patients who stay in hospital do so for one to three nights. The length of stay depends on your medical history, home circumstances, distance from the hospital, and how quickly you mobilise after surgery. Mr Hussain uses enhanced recovery protocols to support early discharge for all suitable patients.
Will I be awake during knee replacement surgery? +
Most knee replacements are performed under spinal anaesthesia, which numbs the lower half of the body while you remain comfortable and relaxed; many patients choose to have light sedation alongside this. General anaesthesia is also available. Your anaesthetist will discuss the options with you before surgery and recommend the approach best suited to your health and preferences.
When can I drive, return to work, and exercise after knee replacement? +
Driving is typically possible at around 6 weeks after a right knee replacement (earlier for the left, if you drive an automatic). Return to desk-based work often happens within 4–6 weeks; physical work may take up to 3 months. Low-impact exercise such as swimming and cycling is usually possible by 3 months, while activities like golf can typically resume around 6 months. Mr Hussain will give you a personalised timeline at your follow-up appointments.
Is knee replacement covered by private health insurance? +
Most major private health insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, and others, cover knee replacement surgery when medically indicated. You will need to obtain pre-authorisation from your insurer before your procedure. Wendy Richards, Mr Hussain's secretary, is experienced in supporting patients through the insurance process and can advise you at the time of booking. Self-pay patients are welcome too; see our full guide to knee replacement cost in Birmingham for transparent package pricing.
What are the risks of knee replacement surgery? +
Knee replacement is a safe and well-established procedure, but like all surgery it carries some risks. These include infection, blood clots (DVT), nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness, and the possibility of further surgery in the future. Mr Hussain will discuss all relevant risks in detail at your consultation and explain the steps taken to minimise them, including the use of blood-thinning medication, compression stockings, and early mobilisation.
Explore More

Related Information

Clinical Sources

References and further reading

  1. NHS. Knee replacement. nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement
  2. National Joint Registry (NJR). Annual reports and implant performance data. njrcentre.org.uk
  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder, NG157. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng157
  4. Evans JT, Walker RW, Evans JP, Blom AW, Sayers A, Whitehouse MR. How long does a knee replacement last? The Lancet, 2019. thelancet.com

Medically reviewed by Mr Shakir Hussain, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. Last reviewed: July 2026. Next review due: July 2029.

Ready to Discuss Your Knee Replacement?

Take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Book a consultation with Mr Hussain to discuss your options in confidence.

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Practice Locations, Birmingham
Woodlands Suite Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Bristol Road South, B31 2AP Harborne Hospital HCA Healthcare Mindelsohn Way, B15 2TQ Priory Hospital Edgbaston, Circle Health Priory Road, B5 7UG