Total Knee Replacement in Birmingham

Total knee replacement removes damaged bone and cartilage from all three compartments of the knee and replaces them with a metal and plastic implant. Mr Shakir Hussain has performed 5,000+ arthroplasty procedures and offers both conventional and robotic-assisted total knee replacement in Birmingham.

🏆
5,000+
Total procedures
Doctify 4.98/5
Verified patient reviews
🤖
Triple Certified
MAKO, ROSA and CORI robotic

The Procedure

What Is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty or TKA, is a surgical procedure that replaces the worn surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components. The procedure addresses all three compartments of the knee: the medial (inner), lateral (outer), and patellofemoral (front) compartments.

It is the most established treatment for end-stage knee arthritis. Over 100,000 total knee replacements are performed in the UK each year, and the National Joint Registry (NJR) reports 15-year implant survival rates above 90 percent.

Who is total knee replacement for?

Total knee replacement is recommended for patients with severe knee arthritis or other joint-destroying conditions affecting most of the knee. The main indications are:

  • Osteoarthritis affecting two or more knee compartments
  • Rheumatoid arthritis with significant joint destruction
  • Post-traumatic arthritis following fracture or ligament injury
  • Severe knee deformity (varus or valgus) that cannot be corrected by other means
  • Persistent severe pain and functional loss despite non-surgical treatment

What does the procedure involve?

The operation is performed under spinal anaesthetic in most cases. An incision is made over the front of the knee. The damaged surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are removed with precise cuts. Metal components are fixed to these surfaces, and a plastic spacer is locked between them. The back of the kneecap (patella) may also be resurfaced depending on its condition. The whole operation takes about 90 minutes.

Treatment Options

Conventional or Robotic Total Knee Replacement?

Mr Hussain offers both conventional total knee replacement and robotic-assisted total knee replacement. The right choice depends on your anatomy, bone quality, deformity, and personal preferences discussed at consultation.

🔧

Conventional Technique

Uses mechanical alignment guides and the surgeon's direct measurements. Well-established with an excellent long-term track record. Suitable for most patients.

🤖

Robotic-Assisted (MAKO)

CT-based 3D planning with haptic robotic arm guidance for precise bone cuts. Particularly valuable in knees with significant deformity or complex anatomy. Mr Hussain holds full MAKO certification.

🤖

Imageless Robotic (ROSA / CORI)

ROSA and CORI systems use optical or accelerometer tracking without a pre-operative CT scan. Fast setup and high precision. Available at all three of Mr Hussain's practice sites.

For a detailed comparison of robotic platforms, see Robotic Knee Replacement, MAKO Knee Replacement, ROSA Knee Replacement, and CORI Knee Replacement.

Recovery

What Is Recovery Like After Total Knee Replacement?

Most patients begin walking with a physiotherapist on the day of surgery. The expected recovery milestones are:

  • Day 1 after surgery: walking with a frame or crutches, starting physiotherapy
  • Days 2 to 3: most patients go home with a walking aid and an exercise programme
  • Week 2 to 4: wound healed, increasing walking distance, stairs with a rail
  • Week 6: most patients stop using a walking aid, driving assessment at this point
  • 3 months: most patients return to sedentary and light activity work
  • 6 to 12 months: maximum function achieved, low-impact sports and recreation

Physiotherapy is central to recovery. Mr Hussain's team provides a structured exercise programme beginning on day 1 and continuing through outpatient appointments at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months.

Mr Hussain's Experience

Why Choose Mr Hussain for Your Knee Replacement?

Mr Hussain's outcomes speak for themselves. He brings subspecialty-level arthroplasty experience, robotic triple-certification, and a patient-first approach to every case.

5,000+
Total procedures
4.98
Doctify verified rating
33
Peer-reviewed publications
3x
Robotic certifications: MAKO, ROSA, CORI

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does total knee replacement last?+
NJR data shows that over 93 percent of total knee replacements survive 15 years. Modern implant designs and improved surgical technique mean many patients can expect 20 or more years of function. Implant longevity is best protected by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activities after surgery.
What is the difference between total and partial knee replacement?+
Total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments of the knee. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement resurfaces only the affected compartment, typically the medial (inner) side. Partial replacement preserves more of the native knee and often gives a more natural feeling, but it is only suitable when arthritis is limited to one compartment. Mr Hussain offers both procedures.
How painful is total knee replacement recovery?+
Pain is well-controlled with a multi-modal analgesia protocol starting before surgery. Most patients describe significant improvement in their chronic arthritis pain within the first few weeks, though the surgical wound causes its own discomfort for several weeks. By 6 to 12 weeks, most patients feel their overall pain level is dramatically better than before the operation.
Will I need a blood transfusion?+
Transfusion is uncommon in primary total knee replacement at Mr Hussain's practice. Blood conservation techniques including tranexamic acid are used routinely to minimise blood loss. Your pre-operative blood count will be checked and optimised before surgery if any anaemia is identified.
How much does total knee replacement cost in Birmingham?+
Fees for total knee replacement at Mr Hussain's practice are set out on the Fees page. The cost varies depending on the implant used and hospital choice. Most major insurers cover primary total knee replacement when medically indicated. Self-pay packages are also available. Contact Wendy Richards, Mr Hussain's secretary, for a personalised quote.

Ready to Discuss Your Knee Replacement?

Book a private consultation with Mr Hussain at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston, or Harborne Hospital.