Educational orthopaedic information Not a substitute for personal medical advice
Knee Surgery Centre
Understand your knee. Understand your options.

A clearer guide to knee surgery

Explore knee anatomy, common knee conditions and modern surgical treatments — from arthroscopy and sports knee reconstruction to alignment surgery, partial replacement and robotic knee replacement.

Explore procedures Learn knee anatomy
Femur Patella Tibia ACL / PCL Menisci
Important: This website provides general educational information only. Diagnosis, surgical suitability, expected outcomes and recovery depend on your individual examination, imaging, medical history and treatment goals.

1. Knee Anatomy

The knee is a major weight-bearing joint. Bones, cartilage, menisci, ligaments, muscles and tendons work together to allow movement while maintaining stability.

Femur Patella Tibia ACL / PCL Menisci

Bones

Femur, tibia and patella form the major bony structure of the knee.

Cartilage

Articular cartilage covers the joint surfaces and helps them glide smoothly.

Menisci

Two C-shaped structures help distribute load and absorb shock.

Ligaments

The ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL contribute to knee stability.

Patella

The kneecap forms part of the knee's extensor mechanism.

Muscles & Tendons

Quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles help control movement.

2. Common Knee Conditions

Many knee problems can initially be treated without surgery. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, imaging, activity level and individual goals.

Osteoarthritis

Progressive cartilage loss that can cause pain, stiffness and loss of function.

Meniscal Tears

Traumatic or degenerative meniscal tears may cause pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms.

ACL Injury

ACL injury can cause instability, especially during pivoting, cutting or sporting activity.

Patellar Instability

The kneecap may repeatedly sublux or dislocate due to soft-tissue or anatomical factors.

Knee Malalignment

Bow-leg or knock-knee alignment can overload one part of the knee.

Cartilage Injury

Focal cartilage damage may follow injury or occur alongside degenerative disease.

3. Common Knee Surgeries

Knee surgery may aim to preserve tissue, restore stability, improve alignment or replace damaged joint surfaces.

Arthroscopy

Keyhole surgery using a camera and small instruments.

Ligament Reconstruction

Replaces a damaged stabilising ligament using a graft.

Meniscal Repair

Repairs suitable meniscal tears to preserve tissue.

Patellar Stabilisation

Surgery designed to improve kneecap stability.

Osteotomy

Realigns the leg to redistribute load through the knee.

Knee Replacement

Resurfaces damaged joint surfaces with artificial components.

Detailed Surgery Guide

4. Knee Arthroscopy

Keyhole surgery Camera assisted Often day case

Knee arthroscopy uses a small camera inserted through a small incision to allow the surgeon to examine the inside of the knee.

Additional small incisions can be used for specialised instruments if treatment is required.

May Treat Selected meniscal tears, loose bodies and some cartilage problems.
Anaesthesia General or regional anaesthesia may be used.
Recovery Depends on the exact procedure performed.
Key Point Arthroscopy is a surgical technique rather than one single operation.

5. ACL Reconstruction

Sports injury Ligament graft Structured rehabilitation

ACL reconstruction replaces the torn anterior cruciate ligament with a graft.

Surgery may be considered when instability continues, particularly in patients wishing to return to pivoting sports or high-demand activity.

Joint assessment. Arthroscopy is used to assess the knee and associated injuries.
Graft preparation. A tendon graft is prepared to function as the new ACL.
Bone tunnels. Tunnels are created in the femur and tibia.
Graft fixation. The graft is passed into position and secured.

6. Meniscal Repair

Tissue preservation Arthroscopic Selected tears

Suitable meniscal tears can be repaired using sutures or specialised fixation devices.

The objective is to preserve as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible.

Goal Preserve functioning meniscal tissue.
Selection Depends on tear pattern, location and tissue quality.
Rehabilitation Some repairs require temporary restrictions on weight-bearing or flexion.
Alternative Some non-repairable tears may require other treatment.

7. Sports Knee Surgery

Return to sport Ligament Meniscus Cartilage

Sports knee surgery is a broad term covering procedures used to treat injuries that affect athletic performance.

Procedures may include ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, multi-ligament reconstruction and selected cartilage surgery.

Return to sport also depends on rehabilitation, strength, movement control, confidence and functional testing.

8. Kneecap / Patella Ligament Instability Surgery

Patellar instability MPFL reconstruction Alignment assessment

Recurrent kneecap dislocation may be treated using medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, commonly known as MPFL reconstruction.

Some patients may also require correction of underlying bony anatomy or alignment.

Goal Improve patellar stability and reduce recurrent dislocation.
Soft Tissue MPFL reconstruction may use a tendon graft.
Bony Surgery May be needed if alignment contributes significantly.
Assessment Examination and imaging guide surgical planning.

9. Knee Alignment Surgery

Osteotomy Realignment Joint preserving

Knee alignment surgery, also called osteotomy, changes the alignment of the femur or tibia.

The aim is to shift load away from an overloaded or arthritic part of the knee toward healthier joint surfaces.

Alignment planning. Standing imaging is used to analyse the mechanical axis.
Bone correction. A controlled bone cut changes the angle of the limb.
Fixation. Plates and screws commonly hold the corrected position while the bone heals.

10. Total Knee Replacement

Advanced arthritis Joint resurfacing Metal and plastic implants

Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, replaces damaged joint surfaces using artificial components.

Prepare the joint surfaces. Damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone are removed.
Position the implants. Metal components recreate the femoral and tibial surfaces.
Insert the spacer. A polyethylene insert forms the new gliding surface.
Check the knee. Alignment, stability and movement are assessed before closure.

11. Partial Knee Replacement

Unicompartmental arthritis Bone preserving Smaller resurfacing

Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the affected compartment of the knee rather than replacing all joint surfaces.

Potential Advantage Preserves more native bone and knee structures.
Patient Selection Arthritis must be appropriately localised.
Recovery Recovery can be faster than total replacement for some patients.
Limitations Widespread arthritis may make total replacement more appropriate.

12. Robotic Knee Replacement

Computer assisted Surgical planning Surgeon controlled

Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses a computer-guided surgical system to help plan and perform bone preparation and implant positioning.

The robot does not independently perform the operation. The surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure.

Applications May be used for total or partial knee replacement.
Planning Some systems use scans while others create mapping during surgery.
Purpose Assist the surgeon with planned implant positioning and bone preparation.
Important Suitability depends on the patient, surgeon and surgical system.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation varies significantly depending on the procedure. A meniscal repair, ACL reconstruction, osteotomy and knee replacement each have different restrictions and milestones.

Early Phase

Pain and swelling control, wound care, safe mobility and prescribed exercises.

Restore Movement

Progress knee motion and walking according to the surgical protocol.

Rebuild Strength

Develop quadriceps, hamstring, hip and calf strength.

Return to Function

Return to work, hobbies and sport according to healing and functional milestones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether I need knee surgery?

Surgery is considered according to the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, examination findings, imaging, functional goals and response to non-operative treatment.

Is arthroscopy the same as knee replacement?

No. Arthroscopy is keyhole surgery using a small camera. Knee replacement resurfaces damaged joint surfaces using implants.

How long does recovery take?

There is no single recovery timeline. Recovery varies significantly between procedures and patients.

Does a robot perform robotic knee replacement?

No. Robotic systems assist the surgeon. The surgeon remains in control of the procedure.

Preparing for a Knee Surgery Consultation?

Bring a list of your symptoms, previous treatments, medications, activity goals and questions. Ask your surgeon what problem the operation is designed to solve, what alternatives are available, the expected recovery and the procedure-specific risks.