Knee replacement at Spire Cheshire Hospital

At Spire Cheshire, we provide a high-quality orthopaedic (bone and muscle) service for our patients and are extremely proud to be rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for our private hospital care. Our dedicated team of surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists will deliver a treatment and aftercare plan that’s personal to your needs to help you get the most from your knee replacement operation.

We offer fast access to diagnostic tests and scans, so you don’t have to wait long to find out if treatment is right for you. We expect it to take three to four weeks from your initial appointment to having your knee replacement surgery.

At Spire Cheshire, we have wide experience of performing knee replacement surgery in our high-quality facilities. We also offer some of the latest surgical techniques, which may be beneficial to some patients. If your consultant thinks it’s right for you, they may perform a minimally invasive knee replacement. This usually means a faster recovery time and less scarring, while still achieving the same outcomes.

Your consultant may also use computer-assisted technology to create a 3D model of your knee joint to assist them during your operation.

We have clean, modern facilities, including two laminar-flow operating theatres with laminar flow. These theatres regulate air flow to reduce the risk of infection.

Getting here

Spire Cheshire Hospital is located just off junction 10 of the M56 on the A49 to Warrington. Public transport options are available. We also have free parking on-site for you and your visitors.

Your consultations

Your initial consultation will take place in one of our 15 accessible private rooms, so don’t worry if you have difficulty walking. During your consultations, we'll:

• Ask about your medical history
• Say whether you need an X-ray, and/or an MRI or CT scan so your consultant can examine your knee in more detail
• Tell you about the different types of artificial knee joints – also called a prosthesis – as well as surgical methods
• Explain about the different anaesthetic options, and help you choose the best one for you
• Give you a chance to ask any questions you have about your surgery

Once you and your consultant have decided to go ahead with knee surgery, your physiotherapist will explain your recovery plan.

On the day of your procedure, our ward staff will show you to your room and get you settled in. If you’ve come with a friend or family member, they’re welcome to wait in our reception area while you have your operation.

Your consultant and surgical team will prepare you for your operation.

Anaesthetic options

You’ll probably have a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be completely asleep. However, sometimes it’s preferable or necessary to have an epidural (spinal) anaesthetic, where you’re numb from the waist down. If so, your anaesthetist can give you sedatives to help you relax during the operation.

During your operation

Your consultant will make the necessary incisions and begin to remove worn or damaged areas of your knee joint. They’ll then fit your new knee and close your incisions.

The operation should take no more than a couple of hours. You’ll start your recovery at Spire Cheshire and your length of stay will be two to three days.

After knee surgery, you can begin your recovery in one of our 39 private rooms. All our rooms have:

• TV
• Armchair
• Locker and wardrobe
• Reading lights
• Internet access
• Adjustable table

Our nursing team will give you pain relief to help you deal with any pain from the surgery. Everyone experiences pain differently and they’ll make sure you’re comfortable and have everything you need.

Although everybody’s different and you should always follow your consultant’s advice, here’s a typical recovery timeline for knee replacement surgery: