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.
Total procedures
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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.
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Discuss Your Knee Replacement?
Book a private consultation with Mr Hussain at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston, or Harborne Hospital.