Restoring Mobility in Adelaide

Knee Replacement Surgery

When advanced knee pain severely limits your ability to walk, climb stairs, work, or sleep comfortably, a knee replacement can be a highly effective path to regaining your independence and quality of life. Led by Dr Matthew Liptak, an experienced Adelaide orthopaedic surgeon and member of the Australian Knee Society (AKS), Adelaide Knee Clinic provides comprehensive care for patients requiring structural joint reconstruction.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is a structural procedure designed to resurface a knee joint that has been severely damaged, most commonly by advanced osteoarthritis.

Instead of replacing the entire joint anatomically, the procedure involves carefully removing the worn, damaged cartilage and bone ends from the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). These damaged surfaces are then replaced with precision-engineered metal components and a highly durable medical plastic spacer, creating a smooth, low-friction surface that mimics natural joint movement.

When is a Knee Replacement Needed?

A knee replacement is typically considered a definitive treatment option when non-operative strategies such as physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, weight management, and medical pain relief, no longer provide acceptable relief from structural joint wear.

Common indications include:

Severe, Chronic Pain

Pain that persists even while resting or trying to sleep at night.

Significant Physical Limitation

Difficulty performing basic daily tasks, such as putting on shoes, walking short distances, or getting out of a chair.

Structural Deformity

Visual changes in the knee joint, such as becoming significantly bow-legged or knock-kneed due to uneven cartilage wear.

Widespread Joint Degeneration

Advanced cartilage loss confirmed via standard standing X-rays.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Depending on the extent and location of the cartilage damage within your joint, Dr Liptak will discuss which surgical approach best fits your anatomy:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

The most common approach, where all three compartments of the knee joint (inner, outer, and under the kneecap) are resurfaced. This is ideal for widespread, advanced osteoarthritis and restores global joint alignment

Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement

If the cartilage degradation is strictly confined to just one compartment of the knee (typically the inner side) and your ligaments remain stable, a partial knee replacement may be suitable. This preserves the healthy parts of your knee, often resulting in a quicker initial recovery and a more natural-feeling joint.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

At Adelaide Knee Clinic, we view surgery and rehabilitation as an inseparable partnership.

Dr Matthew Liptak firmly believes that the surgery is only part of the job the rest depends entirely on a committed, structured recovery. Achieving your mobility and long-term joint health goals requires an equal commitment to both phases.

Access Our Post-Operative Recovery Resources

Your rehabilitation pathway is a progressive, criteria-driven journey:

Early Mobilisation: You will be encouraged to stand and begin bearing weight under physiotherapeutic guidance very shortly after surgery to promote blood circulation and joint flexibility.
Targeted Physical Therapy: A structured exercise programme is essential to gradually restore your knee's range of motion, rebuild quadriceps strength, and correct your walking posture.
Long-Term Conditioning: Re-establishing full confidence in your joint takes time, patience, and consistent movement milestones over several months.

Understanding Surgical Risks and Considerations

Every major surgical procedure carries inherent risks, and it is important to evaluate them objectively before proceeding. Potential complications associated with ACL reconstruction, while uncommon, can include localised infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), delayed wound healing, joint stiffness or loss of motion, graft failure or re-tear, kneecap pain, and temporary numbness around the incisions. Dr Liptak will thoroughly review these risks during your pre-operative appointment to ensure you can make a fully informed treatment choice.