Knee Replacement Surgery in Birmingham | West Midlands
Living with worn, painful knee arthritis? Mr Shakir Hussain provides expert private knee replacement surgery in Birmingham and across the West Midlands, including total, partial, and robotic-assisted techniques. As one of the UK's leading hip and knee replacement surgeons, he tailors every procedure to relieve your pain and restore your mobility, with exceptional reported outcomes.
Medically reviewed by Mr Shakir Hussain, MBBS MRCS FRCSEd (Tr & Orth), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon · Last reviewed: July 2026 · Next review due: July 2029
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 packages start from £14,050.
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.
- 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.
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:
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 the causes of knee pain.
Reduced Mobility & Stiffness
Difficulty straightening or bending the knee fully, walking more than short distances, or performing everyday activities such as shopping or gardening.
Failed Conservative Treatment
Physiotherapy, weight management, activity modification, and steroid injections have been tried but are no longer providing meaningful relief.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For many patients with earlier-stage arthritis, these measures can ease symptoms and delay or even avoid the need for surgery:
- Activity modification and weight management: reducing high-impact loading and losing excess weight takes significant pressure off the knee joint and can noticeably reduce pain.
- Physiotherapy: a targeted exercise programme strengthens the muscles supporting the knee, improving stability and movement while reducing strain on the joint.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: oral anti-inflammatories and simple painkillers can control pain and swelling, used under guidance from your GP or consultant.
- Injections: corticosteroid injections can settle a painful, inflamed knee for weeks to months, and hyaluronic acid injections may help lubricate the joint in selected cases.
When these options no longer control your pain, or when X-rays show advanced bone-on-bone arthritis, knee replacement becomes the most reliable way to restore comfort and mobility. Mr Hussain will talk you through exactly where you are on that path at your consultation.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Option | Best suited for | Hospital stay | Return to walking | Implant lifespan | Robotic option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Knee Replacement | Arthritis in 2 or 3 compartments | 1 to 3 nights | Day 1 with frame | 15 to 25 years | Yes |
| Partial Knee Replacement | Single-compartment disease, intact ligaments | Same day or 1 night | Day 1 | 15 to 20 years | Yes |
| Patellofemoral Replacement | Isolated kneecap arthritis | 1 night | Day 1 | 10 to 15 years | Yes |
| Complex Total Knee Replacement | Deformity, bone loss, prior knee surgery | 2 to 4 nights | Day 1 to 2 | 12 to 20 years | Yes |
| Day-Case Knee Replacement | Fit, motivated patients with good home support | Home same day | Within hours | 15 to 25 years | Yes |
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.
Total Knee Replacement
The most common option. Replaces all three compartments when arthritis has spread across the whole knee.
Learn more →Partial Knee Replacement
Replaces only the damaged compartment. Preserves healthy bone and ligaments, with a faster recovery and more natural feel.
Learn more →Robotic Knee Replacement
An overview of all three robotic platforms Mr Hussain uses, with a comparison of MAKO, ROSA, and CORI.
Learn more →MAKO Knee Replacement
Stryker MAKO SmartRobotics: CT-based 3D planning with haptic arm guidance. The most widely researched robotic knee platform.
Learn more →ROSA Knee Replacement
Zimmer Biomet ROSA: intraoperative knee mapping with or without CT. Real-time ligament balancing throughout the procedure.
Learn more →CORI Knee Replacement
Smith & Nephew CORI: compact, CT-free handheld robotic system using intraoperative bone mapping. No pre-op imaging required.
Learn more →Complex Knee Replacement
For patients with severe deformity, bone loss, previous tibial osteotomy, or prior knee surgery requiring specialised implants.
Learn more →Day-Case Knee Replacement
Going home the same day as surgery. Mr Hussain offers this for carefully selected patients through an enhanced recovery programme.
Learn more →Knee Replacement for Younger Patients
Options for patients under 60. Partial knee and robotic surgery can offer better long-term outcomes for active, younger patients.
Learn more →Bilateral Knee Replacement
Replacing both knees, either at the same time or in staged operations. Options, risks, and who is suitable.
Learn more →Patellofemoral Replacement
Kneecap-only replacement for isolated patellofemoral arthritis. A targeted option preserving the tibial and femoral compartments.
Learn more →Complex Knee Replacement
Certain patients present with knee conditions that require a higher level of surgical expertise and planning. Mr Hussain has substantial experience managing complex primary knee replacements: cases involving significant deformity, challenging anatomy, or the legacy of previous surgery.
In these situations, standard implants and routine techniques may not suffice. Mr Hussain draws on advanced surgical planning, specialised implant systems, and intraoperative robotic guidance to achieve excellent outcomes even in the most demanding cases.
Complex cases he routinely manages include:
- Severe varus or valgus knee deformity
- Significant bone loss requiring augments, stems, or cones
- Patients with previous tibial osteotomy or prior knee surgery
- Post-traumatic arthritis with altered bony anatomy
- Patellofemoral arthritis and complex soft-tissue balancing
- Stiff knees requiring additional release procedures
The planning process, constrained and hinged implant options, recovery timeline, and case x-rays are covered in full in the guide to complex knee replacement in Birmingham.
Surgical Case Gallery
Total knee replacement
Severe osteoarthritis of the knee with restricted movement and pain. Treated by Mr Hussain with a total knee replacement, restoring the joint surfaces, alignment, and function.
Partial medial knee replacement
Isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. Treated by Mr Hussain with a partial knee replacement, preserving the unaffected lateral compartment and cruciate ligaments for a more natural-feeling knee.
Robotic partial knee replacement with MAKO
Medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. Treated by Mr Hussain with a partial knee replacement using the MAKO robotic platform, preserving the unaffected compartments and ligaments for a more natural-feeling knee.
Robotic partial medial knee replacement with MAKO
Isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. Treated by Mr Hussain with a partial knee replacement performed using the MAKO robotic platform, preserving the unaffected lateral compartment and cruciate ligaments while gaining the precision of robotic-assisted bone preparation and implant alignment.
Robotic total knee replacement with CORI
Patient with severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Treated by Mr Hussain with a total knee replacement performed using the CORI robotic platform for precise implant positioning and alignment.
Robotic total knee replacement with MAKO
Patient with severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Treated by Mr Hussain with a total knee replacement performed using the MAKO robotic platform for accurate implant alignment and personalised bone preparation.
Bilateral knee replacement for varus deformity
Moderate varus deformity (bowed legs) of both knees. Treated by Mr Hussain with bilateral knee replacements performed six months apart using robotic surgery, with good correction of alignment.
Bilateral knee replacement for severe varus deformity
Severe varus deformity (bowed legs) of both knees. Treated by Mr Hussain with staged bilateral knee replacements eight months apart, with good correction of leg alignment.
Complex knee replacement
Severe destructive osteoarthritis with very limited range of motion in the knee. Patient had very limited mobility indoors and used an electric scooter outdoors. Careful surgical planning for complex reconstruction using standard implants.
Complex knee replacement for severe deformity
Severe knee deformity with osteoarthritis. Treated by Mr Hussain with a complex knee replacement, with careful surgical planning to correct the alignment and restore function.
Verified Patient Reviews
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.
Consultation
Detailed assessment of your knee, X-rays reviewed, and all options explained clearly
Pre-Op Planning
Blood tests, medical optimisation, implant templating, and robotic surgical planning if indicated
Surgery
Precision knee replacement performed under spinal or general anaesthetic, typically 1–2 hours
Recovery Ward
Physiotherapy begins on the day of surgery. Walking with a frame typically starts within hours
Discharge & Rehab
Home the same day (day-case) or after 1–3 nights. Personalised physiotherapy programme begins
Follow-Up & Return
Outpatient review at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year. Return to activities guided by Mr Hussain
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.
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.
Wound Healing
Stitches or clips are removed. Walking with a frame or crutches improves steadily. Light activities around the home resume.
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.
Resuming Activities
Returning to swimming, cycling, and leisure activities. Significant pain reduction achieved. Full strength and confidence in the knee continues to build.
Near Full Recovery
Most patients have returned to their normal routine, including social activities and longer walks. The knee feels more natural and settled.
Full Recovery
Ongoing improvements in strength and flexibility continue. Many patients return to low-impact sports such as golf, cycling, and walking.
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.
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.
National Joint Registry data show that the large majority of knee replacements are still functioning well more than 15 years after surgery. How long your own implant lasts depends on several factors:
- Your weight and activity level: higher loading over many years gradually increases wear on the bearing surfaces.
- Implant alignment and balance: a precisely positioned, well-balanced implant wears more evenly and tends to last longer, which is where the accuracy of robotic-assisted surgery can help.
- Implant design and materials: modern bearing surfaces are more wear-resistant than earlier generations.
If a knee replacement does eventually wear out or loosen, it can usually be exchanged with revision knee replacement surgery. Mr Hussain plans every primary procedure with long-term durability in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
References and further reading
- NHS. Knee replacement. nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement
- National Joint Registry (NJR). Annual reports and implant performance data. njrcentre.org.uk
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder, NG157. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng157
- 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.