A clinically accurate, independent guide to total knee replacement, partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement, and robotic knee surgery. Written for patients weighing their options — including why so many now choose surgery abroad rather than waiting.
Anatomy & Cause
Knee replacement surgery — technically called knee arthroplasty — replaces damaged surfaces of the knee joint with precision-engineered implants. Understanding what is being replaced helps patients make more confident decisions about their surgery.
The main weight-bearing hinge between femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). Protective cartilage lines both surfaces. When this wears away — typically through osteoarthritis — bone grinds on bone, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and deformity. This compartment is resurfaced in total knee replacement surgery.
The joint between the kneecap (patella) and the front of the femur. Isolated damage here causes pain going up stairs or rising from a chair. It can be treated alone (patellofemoral replacement) or resurfaced as part of a full knee replacement operation.
The tibiofemoral joint has a medial (inner) and lateral (outer) compartment. Osteoarthritis most often affects the medial side first — which is why unicompartmental (partial) knee surgery can be sufficient when disease is confined to one compartment.
Modern knee implants use cobalt-chrome or titanium alloy femoral components, a high-density polyethylene tibial insert, and optional patellar resurfacing. A well-fitted implant reproduces natural knee motion and typically lasts 20–25 years in active patients.
The most common cause: Osteoarthritis of the knee
Over 90% of knee replacement operations are performed for osteoarthritis — gradual cartilage wear causing bone-on-bone contact. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis (following injury), and avascular necrosis. In every case, surgery aims to eliminate pain and restore normal knee function.
Procedure Options
There is no single "knee replacement operation." The correct procedure depends on how much of the knee joint is damaged, your age, weight, activity level, and bone quality. Here is how each type works and who it suits.
All three compartments of the knee joint are resurfaced simultaneously. Total knee replacement surgery is the most performed orthopaedic procedure globally — indicated when osteoarthritis affects the entire knee, not just one side.
Only the damaged compartment — medial, lateral, or patellofemoral — is replaced. Cruciate ligaments are preserved, giving a more natural knee feel. Partial knee replacement surgery typically allows faster recovery than total knee replacement.
The surgeon uses a robotic arm system (Stryker MAKO or Zimmer Rosa) to achieve sub-millimetre implant positioning. Robotic knee replacement surgery is used for both total and partial procedures, improving alignment accuracy and reducing soft-tissue disruption.
Both knees replaced — either simultaneously under one anaesthetic, or staged 6–12 weeks apart. Bilateral knee replacement surgery at a single centre abroad reduces total recovery time vs. two separate trips — and significantly reduces overall cost.
Replaces a previous knee implant that has loosened, worn, or become infected. More complex than primary surgery — requires specialist experience and often custom-length stems. Specialist revision surgeons manage all major revision classifications.
Only the patellofemoral joint (kneecap track) is resurfaced — preserving the tibio-femoral compartments. Indicated for isolated kneecap arthritis with intact cartilage in the rest of the joint. Faster recovery and highly effective in correctly selected patients.
Unicompartmental Surgery
Partial knee replacement — also called unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR), half knee surgery, or hemi knee replacement — is increasingly the preferred option when arthritis is limited to one side of the knee joint. Here is how the procedure works, who it suits, and how recovery compares to total knee replacement surgery.
The surgeon makes a smaller incision than in total knee replacement. Only the damaged compartment's cartilage and bone surfaces are removed — the rest of the knee is untouched. A metal femoral component and a plastic (polyethylene) tibial component are fitted. The knee is then tested for range of motion and stability before closure.
All partial knee replacement variants are available at YourMedcare partner hospitals in Bursa and İzmir. Eligibility is confirmed after MRI/X-ray review.
Recovering from partial knee replacement: what to expect
Recovery from unicompartmental knee replacement is faster than total knee replacement surgery in most patients. Most are walking unaided within 2–3 weeks, driving by week 4–6, and returning to low-impact sports within 3–4 months. The knee often feels more "natural" than after a full replacement because the cruciate ligaments and other intact structures are preserved. Full recovery for most partial knee replacement patients is 6–9 months.
See full recovery timeline by procedure type ↓Side-by-Side
The most common question patients ask is whether they need a full or half knee replacement. The answer depends on how many compartments are affected — which your surgeon determines from X-rays and MRI, not from symptoms alone.
| Factor | Total Knee Replacement (TKR) | Partial Knee Replacement (UKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | Full / complete / whole knee replacement | Half knee / unicompartmental / hemi knee |
| Tissue removed | All three compartments resurfaced | One compartment only |
| Cruciate ligaments | Removed (not preserved) | Preserved — more natural feel |
| Best for | Arthritis in all knee compartments | Arthritis in one compartment only |
| Hospital stay | 2–3 nights | 1–2 nights (sometimes day case) |
| Walking unaided | 4–6 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Return to driving | 6–8 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Full recovery | 9–12 months | 6–9 months |
| Implant lifespan | 20–25+ years | 15–20+ years |
| Post-op "feel" | More mechanical initially | More natural — ligaments intact |
| Typical abroad price | From £4,900 all-inclusive | From £4,900 all-inclusive |
⚕️ The decision is always clinical — made after imaging.
No procedure type is pre-decided before your assessment. Every YourMedcare patient receives a pre-operative MRI or X-ray review and a face-to-face consultation with a senior orthopaedic surgeon. If you are only suitable for a total replacement when you hoped for partial, your surgeon will explain exactly why.
Cause & Condition
Arthritis is the underlying cause in over 90% of knee replacement operations. But not all knee arthritis requires surgery immediately — and the type of arthritis affects which procedure is most appropriate. Here is how different forms of arthritis present and when knee replacement surgery becomes the recommended path.
The most common reason for arthritis knee replacement surgery. Cartilage gradually wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and joint narrowing visible on X-ray. Knee replacement for osteoarthritis is considered when conservative treatments — physiotherapy, weight loss, injections — no longer provide adequate relief, typically after 6–12 months of trying.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes the joint lining (synovium) to become inflamed, destroying cartilage and bone over time. Knee replacement surgery for rheumatoid arthritis follows the same principles as osteoarthritis surgery, but often requires pre-operative rheumatology review and medication management. Results are typically very good — surgery reduces pain significantly even in advanced RA.
Develops after fractures, ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL), or meniscus damage that alters the joint mechanics. Can affect younger, more active patients. Osteoarthritis knee surgery following trauma follows the same pathway as primary OA replacement — with careful pre-operative planning to account for any previous hardware or structural changes.
Non-surgical options tried first
Before recommending knee replacement surgery for arthritis, surgeons typically expect patients to have tried: weight management, physiotherapy and strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) injections. Knee replacement becomes the next step when these fail to maintain acceptable quality of life.
How arthritis severity is assessed
The Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale (0–4) is used to classify osteoarthritis severity on X-ray. Grade 3 (moderate) or Grade 4 (severe) — showing significant joint space narrowing and bone changes — is the typical threshold at which knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis is recommended. MRI provides additional detail on cartilage, ligaments, and menisci before surgical planning.
Patient Selection
Knee replacement is not the first step — and it is not right for every patient. These are the criteria orthopaedic surgeons use to determine whether knee surgery is appropriate, and what factors require careful individual assessment.
NHS wait vs. surgery abroad
NHS waiting lists for knee replacement surgery in England currently exceed 18 months in many trusts. Private knee surgery abroad gives you the same procedure — often with newer robotic systems and identical implant brands — with no waiting, at 60–70% below UK private clinic prices. A dedicated coordinator handles all pre-operative assessment, imaging, and UK GP liaison.
Your Journey
From your first enquiry to completing your 12-month follow-up, here is exactly what the knee replacement surgery process looks like — from consultation through to recovery at home.
Post-Operative Care
Recovering from knee replacement surgery — whether total or partial — follows a predictable pattern. Understanding what is normal at each stage, including common issues like knee replacement pain and night-time discomfort, helps patients stay on track without unnecessary anxiety.
| Timeframe | Total Knee Replacement (TKR) | Partial Knee Replacement (UKR) | Focus / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Walking with frame same day or next | Walking with frame or stick | Foot pumps, breathing exercises, swelling control |
| Day 3–7 | Stairs with support; wound check | Stairs with support | Flexion exercises, DVT prevention, wound care |
| Week 2–3 | Walk indoors without support possible | Often walking unaided indoors | Gentle daily walking; no prolonged standing yet |
| Week 3–4 | Short outdoor walks; knee still swollen | Recovering well — many back to light daily activity | UKR patients typically ahead of TKR at this point |
| Week 6–8 | Return to driving (right knee); desk work | Return to driving; light work usually possible | Build walking distance; begin progressive strengthening |
| Months 2–3 | Pain at night common — improves gradually; most resolve by 3 months | Night pain usually less severe; improving steadily | Night pain is normal post-TKR; ice, elevation, and position help |
| Months 3–6 | Return to low-impact activities | Return to most activities; low-impact sports possible | Swimming, cycling, walking — all encouraged. Avoid high-impact sport |
| Months 6–12 | Most daily activities resume; ongoing strengthening | Full recovery for most patients | Golf, hiking, cycling generally permitted by this stage |
| 12 months+ | Full recovery expected for the majority | Full recovery | Annual orthopaedic review recommended |
Knee replacement pain at night — is it normal?
Yes. Aching or throbbing knee replacement pain at night is common in the first 2–3 months after total knee replacement surgery. The knee joint is undergoing significant healing, and lying flat can increase awareness of discomfort. Elevating the leg slightly, using ice packs for 15 minutes before sleep, and ensuring adequate analgesia (as prescribed) usually manage this well. If pain suddenly worsens, becomes hot, or is accompanied by fever — contact YourMedcare immediately as this may indicate infection, which requires prompt treatment.
Flying home after knee replacement surgery
Most patients are fit to fly 7–10 days after total knee replacement, and 5–7 days after partial knee surgery. You will be prescribed low-molecular-weight heparin injections and compression stockings for DVT prevention during travel. An aisle seat and getting up to walk every 45–60 minutes is recommended. Your YourMedcare team provides a fitness-to-fly letter, GP handover pack, and discharge medication supply before you leave Turkey.
Minor Knee Procedures
Not every knee problem requires a replacement. Arthroscopic knee surgery (keyhole surgery) and microfracture procedures address specific issues — torn meniscus, loose bodies, cartilage damage — that may delay or eliminate the need for knee replacement. Understanding the difference helps you ask the right questions at consultation.
Arthroscopic knee surgery (arthro knee surgery / "knee scope") uses a tiny camera inserted through small incisions to diagnose and treat knee problems. It is a day-case or overnight procedure under general or spinal anaesthesia, with a much faster recovery than open surgery or knee replacement.
Microfracture is a cartilage repair technique performed arthroscopically. Tiny holes are drilled into exposed bone to stimulate bleeding and new fibrocartilage growth. It is used for focal (small-area) cartilage defects — not widespread osteoarthritis — typically in younger, more active patients who are not yet candidates for knee replacement surgery.
Arthroscopy vs Knee Replacement: which do I need?
If your X-ray shows significant joint space narrowing and bone changes (Grade 3–4 OA), arthroscopic surgery is unlikely to provide lasting benefit — and knee replacement surgery is usually the more effective route. If imaging shows a specific mechanical problem (torn meniscus, loose body, focal cartilage defect) with relatively preserved joint space, arthroscopy or microfracture may be appropriate first. Your YourMedcare surgeon will review your imaging and give you an honest recommendation at the free consultation.
Informed Decision-Making
Knee replacement surgery is among the most evidence-supported orthopaedic procedures in medicine. Serious complications are uncommon — but all surgery carries risk, and patients deserve accurate information before deciding.
How YourMedcare minimises surgical risk
All procedures at our partner hospitals follow standardised antibiotic prophylaxis, laminar-flow theatre protocols, and mandatory pre-operative health optimisation. Surgeons perform a minimum 500 primary knee replacements before joining our panel. Post-operative physiotherapy and DVT prevention are included in every package — not optional extras.
Common Questions
Clinically reviewed answers to the questions patients ask most often about knee replacement surgery, recovery, and treatment options.
Free Expert Opinion — No Obligation
Describe your knee problem below. A specialist orthopaedic surgeon will review your case and send a written opinion within 48 hours — free, with no obligation to proceed.