Private Orthopaedic Surgery Options for Canadians
Total Knee Replacement
Private Total Knee Replacement in Canada
Total knee replacement is one of the most successful and commonly performed procedures in orthopaedic surgery for patients with advanced knee arthritis. The goal is to relieve pain, improve function, and help patients return to the activities that matter most to them.
At Ortho South, total knee replacement is offered for carefully selected patients who have significant arthritis that is affecting their quality of life. Our focus is on providing a thorough assessment, clear education, and a personalized treatment plan to determine whether knee replacement is truly the right option for your situation.
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When Is Total Knee Replacement Considered?
Total knee replacement is most commonly performed for advanced osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients often experience:
- Pain with walking, standing, or climbing stairs
- Difficulty exercising or participating in recreational activities
- Stiffness and loss of motion
- Swelling or recurrent inflammation
- Difficulty sleeping due to knee pain
- Progressive limitations in work, travel, or daily activities
Surgery is generally considered when non-surgical treatments are no longer providing sufficient relief. These treatments may include physiotherapy, activity modification, weight management, medications, injections, bracing, or other conservative measures.
Not every painful knee requires a knee replacement. Some patients have symptoms related to meniscus tears, ligament injuries, inflammatory arthritis, or arthritis that has not yet progressed to the point where replacement is appropriate. A proper assessment is essential before making surgical decisions.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement involves resurfacing the damaged portions of the knee joint with metal and medical-grade plastic components. The goal is to remove the worn arthritic surfaces while restoring alignment, stability, and smooth joint movement.
Despite the name, the entire knee is not removed. Instead, only the damaged joint surfaces are replaced.
Modern knee replacement implants are designed to allow patients to return to many of the activities they enjoy, including walking, cycling, golf, swimming, travel, and other low-impact recreational pursuits.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
At our Calgary location, total knee replacement may be performed using the ROSA® robotic knee system. Please note that Dr. costa is currently the only Ortho South surgeon offering robotic assisted total knee replacement.
ROSA is a robotic-assisted platform that provides additional information during surgery regarding knee alignment, implant positioning, and soft tissue balance. The technology helps the surgeon make highly individualized adjustments throughout the procedure.
Importantly, the robot does not perform the surgery. The operation is performed entirely by the surgeon, with the robotic system serving as an advanced planning and measurement tool.
Robotic assistance may offer advantages in selected patients by improving the precision and consistency of implant positioning. Research continues to evaluate whether these technical improvements translate into measurable long-term differences in patient outcomes, recovery, implant longevity, and satisfaction.
Excellent results can be achieved with both conventional and robotic-assisted techniques. Whether robotic assistance is appropriate for your situation can be discussed during consultation.
Partial Knee Replacement VS Total Knee Replacement
Some patients have arthritis confined to only one portion of the knee and may be candidates for partial knee replacement. However, many patients have arthritis affecting multiple compartments of the knee, making total knee replacement the more appropriate option. Patients often ask whether a partial knee replacement would be preferable because it may feel more natural and can sometimes offer a quicker recovery. While this can be true for carefully selected patients, partial knee replacement is not suitable for everyone. The decision depends on several factors, including:
- X-ray findings
- Pattern and severity of arthritis
- Knee alignment
- Ligament function
- Activity level
- Overall symptoms and goals
A detailed assessment is required to determine which procedure, if any, is most appropriate.
Recovery After Total Knee Replacement
Recovery from knee replacement is a gradual process that requires time, patience, and commitment. Most patients begin walking shortly after surgery, but swelling, stiffness, and discomfort are expected during the early stages of recovery. The first several weeks typically focus on:
- Pain control
- Swelling management
- Wound healing
- Restoring knee motion
- Returning to normal daily activities
Physiotherapy is often used to help patients regain flexibility, strength, and confidence with movement. Most patients experience significant improvements within the first few months, although the knee may continue to improve for up to a year following surgery.
Risks and Considerations
Like any major surgical procedure, total knee replacement carries potential risks. These may include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Stiffness
- Persistent pain
- Implant loosening or wear over time
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Need for future revision surgery
Fortunately, serious complications are uncommon, and total knee replacement remains one of the most reliable procedures available for treating advanced knee arthritis.
A detailed discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected outcomes is an important part of the consultation process.
Private Surgery Considerations
Private total knee replacement may provide more timely access to consultation and surgery for appropriate patients. The overall cost of surgery can vary depending on:
- Surgical facility location
- Implant requirements
- Length of stay
- Medical complexity
- Additional services required before or after surgery
A consultation is necessary before any treatment recommendations or pricing estimates can be provided. In some cases, patients seeking a knee replacement discover that another treatment option may be more appropriate. In other situations, surgery may be recommended but the specific procedure required differs from what was originally anticipated.
Is Total Knee Replacement Right for You?
Total knee replacement can dramatically improve quality of life for patients with advanced arthritis, but it remains major surgery and should be considered carefully.
The best candidates are typically patients whose pain and functional limitations have reached the point where they are significantly affecting daily life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
At Ortho South, we take the time to review your symptoms, examine your knee, assess your imaging, discuss available treatment options, and help determine whether total knee replacement is the right next step.
Book a Consultation
If knee pain is limiting your mobility, activity level, or quality of life, a consultation can help clarify your diagnosis and discuss your treatment options. No referral is required.
Our team is available to help patients throughout Canada explore whether private orthopaedic care may be appropriate for their situation.
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Questions About Our Services?
Contact our team to learn more about consultations, surgical procedures, locations, pricing, or appointment availability.