What Is Knee Replacement surgery?
A Knee Replacement is an operation for resurfacing a knee damaged by arthritis.
Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the kneecap and the ends of the bones in the knee joint.
Self Pay Surgery Costs for Knee Replacement in Australia
Knee Replacement Surgery wait time in public hospitals in Australia
Public Wait time can be up to
The Public health system in Australia has a waiting period for Orthopaedic Surgeries - 90% of Patients waited this length of time for this procedure in the 2019/2020 calendar year.
Knee Replacement Surgery video
Should I have a Knee Replacement?
To help you decide, you might want to ask your surgeon questions such as:
- What are the alternatives to surgery?
- What are the possible complications and how likely are they?
- What can I expect during the recovery period?
- How much improvement can I realistically expect after surgery?
- Would a new knee last all my life?
Reasons to get a Knee Replacement
The most common reason for a knee replacement is osteoarthritis. Knee replacements are usually considered as a last option to treat persistent severe knee pain or disability after other options have been tried or considered. For a person with arthritis, these other options may include:
- non-impact exercise
- losing weight
- physiotherapy
- medicines
Most people who have a knee replacement are over 60 years of age. If you have the operation when you’re under 50, you may need another knee replacement in later life.
What is involved in Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacements may be total or partial.
In a total knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage (the tissue at the ends of bones that cushions the joints) and bone from the surface of the knee joint.
These are replaced with an artificial surface of metal and plastic.
In a partial knee replacement, the surgeon replaces only the affected part of the knee joint and leaves the healthy parts alone.
A knee replacement is also called a knee arthroplasty.
How long will I stay in hospital?
Most people will leave hospital 1-4 days after a knee replacement.
What is my recovery time?
How quickly you get back to normal depends on many factors, including your age and general health and fitness.
You will probably need a cane, crutches or walking frame in the first few weeks and an exercise and physiotherapy program to help your recover.
Most people’s strength and flexibility slowly recovers over about 12 months. Following the advice of a physiotherapist and doing rehabilitation exercises as instructed makes the recovery quicker.
Do you qualify for This Self Pay Procedure?
You are suitable for this surgery if:
- You are over 16 years of age
- You are not pregnant
- You do not require complex rehabilitation or have a chronic disease that would require immediate post-operative care in an intensive care unit
- You do not have sickle cell anaemia, renal failure or have had a cardiac arrest or cardiac intervention (e.g. insertions of stents) in the last six months
Payment Plans
If you’re looking for ways to pay for your surgery, there are options available with Self Pay Surgery. From using your own superannuation, to getting finance from one of our Pay Later payment providers, check our Payment Plans page for the details.
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