Knee Replacement at Toronto General Hospital

Knee Replacement is an orthopedic surgical procedure used to replace damaged portions of the knee joint with artificial components. It may be considered for patients with severe arthritis, advanced joint degeneration, certain injuries or other conditions causing persistent pain, stiffness and difficulty with movement.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost varies according to the severity of knee damage, type of replacement procedure, implant requirements, diagnostic investigations, anesthesia, hospital stay, rehabilitation and individual medical needs. A personalized cost estimate can be provided after specialist assessment.

Complete Description

What Is Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure designed to replace damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components.

The knee is a major weight-bearing joint and plays an important role in walking, standing and everyday movement. Severe joint damage can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

Knee replacement may be considered when symptoms significantly affect daily activities and other appropriate treatment options have not provided sufficient improvement.

Who May Need Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement may be considered for patients experiencing:

• Severe knee arthritis

• Advanced joint degeneration

• Persistent knee pain

• Significant stiffness

• Reduced mobility

• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs

• Joint damage following injury

• Severe cartilage deterioration

• Other conditions causing substantial knee damage

The decision to undergo surgery is based on individual orthopedic assessment.

Knee Replacement Assessment

Before surgery, the orthopedic specialist evaluates the knee joint and the patient's general health.

Assessment may include:

• Medical history

• Physical examination

• Evaluation of knee movement

• Assessment of pain and mobility

• X-rays

• MRI or CT imaging when required

• Blood tests

• Review of previous treatments

• Assessment of surgical fitness

The findings help determine whether knee replacement is appropriate and which treatment approach may be suitable.

Knee Arthritis and Joint Degeneration

Arthritis can progressively damage the cartilage and other structures within the knee.

Patients may develop pain during walking, stiffness after periods of inactivity, swelling and difficulty performing everyday activities. When joint damage becomes advanced, knee replacement may be considered.

Knee Replacement for Injury-Related Damage

Severe injuries can sometimes result in lasting damage to the knee joint.

In selected cases, replacement surgery may be considered when previous injury has resulted in significant joint deterioration, persistent pain or substantial functional limitations.

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components.

The procedure is planned according to the patient's knee anatomy, extent of joint damage and overall clinical requirements.

Partial Knee Replacement

For selected patients whose damage is limited to a specific part of the knee, partial knee replacement may be considered.

Suitability depends on the location of the damage, ligament condition, knee alignment and other individual factors.

Pre-Surgical Planning

Careful preparation is performed before knee replacement.

The orthopedic team reviews imaging, medical history, medications and existing health conditions. Patients may also receive instructions regarding physical activity, medications, nutrition and preparation for postoperative rehabilitation.

Knee Implant Selection

The type and design of knee implant are selected according to the patient's anatomy, joint condition, bone structure and surgical requirements.

The orthopedic team determines the appropriate implant components as part of the individualized surgical plan.

Knee Replacement Surgery

During knee replacement surgery, damaged areas of the joint are removed and replaced with artificial components.

The exact surgical approach depends on the extent of damage and the patient's anatomy. Appropriate anesthesia is used and the patient is monitored throughout the procedure and recovery period.

Recovery After Knee Replacement

Recovery varies depending on the surgical procedure, patient's health and rehabilitation progress.

Postoperative care may include:

• Pain management

• Wound care

• Early movement

• Walking assistance

• Physical therapy

• Knee mobility exercises

• Strengthening exercises

• Monitoring for complications

• Follow-up appointments

The rehabilitation program is individualized according to recovery.

Physical Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement

Physical therapy plays an important role in helping patients regain knee movement and strength.

Rehabilitation may include exercises to improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the knee and gradually restore functional mobility.

Patients are encouraged to follow the rehabilitation instructions provided by their healthcare team.

Returning to Normal Activities

The timing for returning to normal activities varies between patients.

Walking, driving, work, exercise and other activities are resumed according to individual recovery and medical guidance.

Potential Risks and Complications

Knee replacement is a major surgical procedure and may involve potential risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, stiffness, implant-related problems, nerve or blood vessel injury and other procedure-specific complications.

Individual risks depend on the patient's health and surgical circumstances. The orthopedic team discusses potential risks and benefits before surgery.

Second Opinion for Knee Replacement

Patients who have been advised to undergo knee replacement may seek a specialist second opinion.

Previous imaging, medical reports and treatment history can be reviewed to assess the severity of knee damage and determine whether replacement surgery is appropriate.

International Patient Knee Replacement

International patients may seek specialist assessment for knee replacement subject to applicable medical review, eligibility and appointment requirements.

Patients may be asked to provide:

• Medical history

• Orthopedic reports

• Knee X-rays and other imaging

• Previous treatment records

• Laboratory test results

• Previous surgical records

• Current medication information

• Referral documentation when required

Complete medical documentation can help specialists understand the patient's condition and plan the appropriate evaluation.

Benefits of Knee Replacement

Potential benefits of knee replacement may include:

• Reduction of pain caused by severe knee joint damage

• Improved knee function

• Improved mobility

• Improved walking ability

• Greater ability to perform daily activities

• Individualized surgical planning

• Structured postoperative rehabilitation

• Long-term orthopedic follow-up

Outcomes vary according to individual health, joint condition and recovery.

Why Choose Toronto General Hospital?

Toronto General Hospital is a major academic healthcare centre within a specialized healthcare network, providing access to multidisciplinary medical expertise and advanced diagnostic and treatment services.

Patients requiring complex orthopedic evaluation can receive individualized assessment based on their symptoms, imaging findings, medical history and overall health.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

Potential costs may include:

• Orthopedic consultation

• Preoperative assessment

• Knee imaging

• Laboratory testing

• Knee replacement surgery

• Implant components

• Anesthesia

• Hospitalization

• Medications

• Physical rehabilitation

• Postoperative follow-up

A personalized cost estimate can be requested following specialist assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is knee replacement recommended?

Knee replacement may be considered when severe joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility and other appropriate treatment options have not provided sufficient improvement.

2. What conditions can lead to knee replacement?

Advanced arthritis, severe joint degeneration, certain injuries and other conditions causing substantial knee damage may lead to consideration of replacement surgery.

3. What is the difference between total and partial knee replacement?

Total knee replacement addresses more extensive damage across the knee joint, while partial replacement may be considered when damage is limited to a specific section of the joint.

4. Will I need physical therapy after knee replacement?

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Physical therapy may help improve knee movement, muscle strength and functional mobility.

5. Can international patients request knee replacement at Toronto General Hospital?

International patients may be considered for specialist assessment and treatment subject to applicable eligibility, medical review and appointment requirements.

Product Details

Product Name: Knee Replacement

Hospital: Toronto General Hospital

Brand: Toronto General Hospital

Country: Canada

Specialty: Orthopaedics & Arthritis

Service Type: Knee Replacement

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Subject to applicable eligibility and appointment requirements

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada