Private knee replacement Edinburgh

An artificial knee joint is used to replace the damaged joint.

At Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, our highly skilled orthopaedic (bone and muscle) team offer some of the latest knee replacement techniques. You will also receive expert aftercare, so you can get the most out of your treatment.

A knee replacement is a routine operation to remove and replace worn or damaged parts of your knee with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis), reducing pain and improving mobility.

Sometimes also called

  • Patellofemoral replacement
  • Partial knee replacement (PKR)
  • Revision knee replacement
  • Total knee replacement (TKR)
  • Unicompartmental knee replacement

The procedure(s) listed above are examples only and may not be available at all Spire hospitals.


At a glance

  • Typical hospital stay
    2–3 days

  • Procedure duration
    1–2 hours

  • Type of anaesthetic
    General, spinal or epidural

  • Available to self-pay?
    Yes

  • Covered by health insurance?
    Yes

Why Spire?

  • You can usually see a consultant within a few days of enquiry
  • Internationally and nationally renowned consultants
  • Clear, inclusive pricing

By Wallace Health I Medically reviewed by Adrian Roberts.
Page last reviewed: October 2018 I Next review due: October 2023

Knee replacement surgery: what to expect at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals

Spire Edinburgh Hospitals share a team of dedicated consultants. They’ll tailor a treatment and care plan to meet your needs and help you get the most from your operation.

We offer fast access to any tests you may need, so you can receive treatment without waiting.

How to book

To book a consultation, complete the enquiry form or call 0131 334 0363.

Choose Spire Edinburgh Hospitals Murrayfield and Shawfair Park if you live in Edinburgh or a nearby area like Lothian or Fife.

How much does Knee replacement cost at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals Murrayfield and Shawfair Park

It’s a common operation to have done privately, and our inclusive prices and access to payment plans make it easy and more affordable, even if you don’t have medical insurance.

Knee replacement
Initial consultation £150
Treatment price £16,097
Aftercare Included
From price From £16,247
Monthly treatment price

(Loan applicable to the treatment cost and excludes the initial consultation)

£373
Representative example
Loan amount £14,847
Deposit £1,250
Loan period 48 months
Representative APR 9.9%
Total amount repayable £17,904

The price shown is the ‘from price’ (ie the minimum cost of the procedure). Please note that for some procedures the actual price you are quoted may vary significantly and can increase depending on your choice of Consultant (who is an independent practitioner and not an employee of Spire). The fees charged by Consultants and Anaesthetists are set independently and are outside the control of Spire. The price may also vary depending on the type of anaesthetic, implant or drug used, and your medical history.

Spire Edinburgh Hospitals Murrayfield and Shawfair Park can provide you with a single, fixed price for your procedure so there are no surprises. Please read Spire Healthcare's terms and conditions for full details of what’s included and excluded in your fixed price when paying for yourself. Finance options are available through our partner Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd, 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD.

Procedures offered for knee replacement at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals

At Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, we have vast 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 3D models of your knee which are created using computer-assisted technology. These help guide your consultant when fitting your new knee.

We also use MAKO Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery for partial knee replacement. The robotic arm enables a high degree of accuracy and precision when placing implants

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Preparing for knee replacement at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals

Getting here

Spire Murrayfield Hospital is around 20 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh Airport or 10 minutes from Edinburgh Haymarket train station. Spire Shawfair Park Hospital is located to the south-east of Edinburgh city centre. Both Edinburgh hospitals are easy to access by public transport, with free on-site parking available for you and your visitors.

Your consultations

Your initial consultation will take place in one of our consultation rooms. During your consultation, your consultant will:

  • Ask about your medical history
  • Assess whether you need an X-ray, and/or an MRI or CT scan so your consultant can examine your knee in more detail
  • Discuss 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 consultant will explain the next steps.

Full knee replacement surgery

Watch how a knee replacement surgery takes place

Knee replacement: your procedure

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 lounge while you have your operation.

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

Anaesthetic options

On the day of treatment, you’ll probably have a general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be completely asleep, but your consultant may recommend an epidural (spinal anaesthetic), making you numb from the waist down.

Visit our knee replacement page for more information about the procedure.

During your operation

Knee replacement surgery should take around two hours. Your surgeon will make incisions, replace damaged parts of your knee with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis), then close your incisions. You’ll start your recovery at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals for two to three days.

Q & A

Winston Kim, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Talking about knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery: your recovery

After surgery, you’ll begin recovery in one of our private bedrooms. Your room will include homely features to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Our nursing team will provide medications to help manage discomfort, and your physiotherapist will give you an exercise plan to boost your recovery. 

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

Day 1

Stand using a walking aid

2–3 days

Leave hospital

1 week

Walk with a walking aid

4–6 weeks

May be able to drive

6 weeks

Walk without crutches

3 months–1 year

No more pain and swelling

2 years

Full recovery

  • Day 1


    Stand using a walking aid

  • 2–3 days


    Leave hospital

  • 1 week


    Walk with a walking aid

  • 4–6 weeks


    May be able to drive

  • 6 weeks


    Walk without crutches

  • 3 months–1 year


    No more pain and swelling

  • 2 years


    Full recovery

Areas served

At Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, we serve all of Edinburgh, as well as nearby Lothian and Fife.

Choose your private knee replacement consultant to arrange your first appointment in one of our modern facilities.

You can learn more about the knee replacement procedure on our main knee replacement page.

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.

How to get to us

Spire Murrayfield is an approximate 20 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport or 10 minutes from Haymarket train station. Regular buses serve the area well. Spire Shawfair Park is located to the south east of the city centre close to the City Bypass and the Royal Infirmary at 10 Easter Shawfair, Edinburgh, EH22 1FE.

Find us on Google maps

Spire Edinburgh Hospitals Murrayfield and Shawfair Park,

Spire Murrayfield Hospital
122 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 6UD

Get in touch

37028
True
treatment

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