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Total Knee Replacement in Birmingham

Total knee replacement relieves severe arthritis pain by removing damaged cartilage and replacing it with a precision-fitted implant. With over 5,000 arthroplasty procedures performed, specialist knee surgeon Mr Shakir Hussain provides expert conventional and robotic-assisted knee replacement for patients across Birmingham, Solihull, and the wider West Midlands.

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5,000+
Total procedures
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Doctify 4.98/5
Verified patient reviews
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Triple Certified
MAKO, ROSA and CORI robotic
Illustration of total knee replacement comparing a knee with severe arthritis to the metal and plastic implant

The Procedure

What Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

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.

Patient X-rays

Total Knee Replacement: Before and After images

Before Pre-operative knee x-ray showing tricompartmental osteoarthritis with joint space narrowing across all three compartments
After Post-operative knee x-ray after total knee replacement with well-positioned implant and restored joint surfaces

A case treated by Mr Hussain: severe tricompartmental knee osteoarthritis (left) restored with a total knee replacement (right), realigning the joint and resurfacing all three compartments. Individual results vary.

Treatment Options

Conventional or Robotic-Assisted 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Recovery After Total Knee Replacement: What to Expect

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.

Safety

Risks of Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine, and serious complications are uncommon. As with any major surgery there are risks, which Mr Hussain discusses fully with you before you decide to proceed:

  • Infection (uncommon; reduced by sterile technique, antibiotics, and careful preparation)
  • Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (reduced by early mobilisation and clot-prevention measures)
  • Bleeding, or injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels (rare)
  • Stiffness, or ongoing pain or swelling in a small number of patients
  • Wear or loosening of the implant over many years, which can eventually require revision surgery

These risks are kept low by careful patient selection, robotic-assisted accuracy, blood-conservation techniques, clot prevention, and Mr Hussain's enhanced recovery protocol. In the small proportion of cases where an implant eventually wears or loosens, knee revision surgery can renew the worn components.

Mr Hussain's Experience

Why Choose Mr Hussain for Total Knee Replacement in Birmingham?

Mr Shakir Hussain, consultant orthopaedic surgeon and total knee replacement specialist in Birmingham

Mr Shakir Hussain is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, holding FRCSEd (Tr & Orth) and one of the UK's highest-volume hip and knee arthroplasty practices. He was awarded the British Hip Society Travelling Fellowship at ENDO-Klinik Hamburg, a world-leading centre for joint replacement, and his results are tracked against National Joint Registry benchmarks; you can review his published total knee replacement outcomes in detail.

He has been recognised with the Doctify Outstanding Patient Experience Award for three consecutive years (2024, 2025, and 2026), reflecting consistently outstanding feedback from the patients he treats. Read what they say in his verified patient reviews, or learn more about Mr Hussain.

  • One of the UK's highest-volume knee and hip replacement surgeons
  • Robotic triple-certification (MAKO, ROSA, and CORI) for knee replacement
  • Outcomes benchmarked against the National Joint Registry
  • Three premium Birmingham locations: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Edgbaston, and Harborne
  • Doctify Outstanding Patient Experience Award, three years running
5,000+
Total procedures
4.98/5
Doctify rating from 512 reviews
33
Peer-reviewed publications
3x
Robotic certifications: MAKO, ROSA, CORI

Your Questions Answered

Total Knee Replacement: 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.
When can I drive after a total knee replacement?+
Most patients return to driving around 6 weeks after surgery, once they can control the pedals comfortably, are no longer taking strong pain medication, and could perform an emergency stop without hesitation. Recovery varies between individuals, so Mr Hussain confirms when it is safe for you at your follow-up. It is also worth checking that your insurer is happy for you to resume driving.
How long will I stay in hospital after knee replacement?+
Most patients stay one to three nights. Suitable patients can go home the same day through Mr Hussain's enhanced recovery and day-case pathway. Your length of stay depends on your general health, your home circumstances, and how quickly you mobilise with the physiotherapy team after surgery.
When can I return to work after total knee replacement?+
This depends on the nature of your job. Many patients in desk-based or sedentary roles return after about 4 to 6 weeks, while those in physically demanding jobs involving standing, lifting, or kneeling may need up to 3 months. Mr Hussain gives you guidance tailored to your occupation.
Will I be awake during the operation?+
Total knee replacement is most commonly performed under a spinal anaesthetic, which numbs you from the waist down, usually combined with sedation so you are relaxed and comfortable and remember nothing of the procedure. A general anaesthetic is also an option. Your anaesthetist discusses the safest choice for you before surgery.
Can I kneel after a total knee replacement?+
Yes. Kneeling will not damage your new knee, although it can feel uncomfortable or numb over the front of the joint, and many patients find a cushion helps. Most people are able to kneel from around 8 to 12 weeks, once the wound has fully healed and the swelling has settled.
What are the risks of total knee replacement?+
Total knee replacement is very safe, and serious complications are uncommon. Risks include infection, blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis, bleeding or injury to nearby nerves, stiffness or ongoing pain in a small number of patients, and wear or loosening of the implant over many years that can eventually require revision surgery. Mr Hussain reduces these risks through careful patient selection, robotic accuracy, clot prevention, and an enhanced recovery protocol.
Knee Replacement Guide

Explore more about knee replacement

Ready to Discuss Your Knee Replacement?

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

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Practice Locations, Birmingham & West Midlands
Woodlands Suite, Royal Orthopaedic Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP Harborne Hospital Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2TQ Priory Hospital Edgbaston Priory Road, Birmingham, B5 7UG