Total knee replacement is an operation for people with significant knee arthritis when pain and stiffness are affecting everyday life. For the right person, at the right time, it can make a real difference. The important question is not simply whether you have arthritis, but whether knee replacement surgery is the right treatment for you.
I offer specialist assessment and knee replacement surgery for private, insured and self-funding patients in Reading, Berkshire and London.
The knee joint is lined with smooth cartilage. When this wears away, most commonly because of osteoarthritis, the knee can become painful, stiff and swollen.
A total knee replacement removes the damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with metal and plastic components, creating a new smooth bearing surface.
Knee replacement is usually considered when arthritis is significantly affecting walking, sleep, work, exercise or everyday activities and other treatments are no longer providing enough relief.
X-rays and examination are important, but I do not recommend knee replacement based on an X-ray alone. How your knee is affecting your life matters just as much.
Read more: Knee arthritis →
Yes. Having knee arthritis does not automatically mean having an operation.
Depending on your knee, options may include physiotherapy, activity changes, weight management, pain relief and injections.
If arthritis is limited to one part of the knee, a partial knee replacement may sometimes be more appropriate.
Working out whether you need surgery at all, and which treatment best suits your knee, is the main purpose of our first consultation.
Read more: Partial knee replacement →
Yes. Robotic-assisted knee replacement technology is available to me at Circle Reading Hospital and can be useful in selected cases.
However, I do not routinely use a robot for every knee replacement. My priority is to perform the operation accurately, reliably and in the way I believe is best suited to your individual knee. For most patients, my preferred approach is a well-established conventional knee replacement technique.
Robotic surgery is an additional tool rather than a different knee replacement, and the surgeon still plans and performs the operation. If I think robotic assistance offers a particular advantage in your case, I will discuss it with you.
If you are specifically interested in robotic knee replacement surgery, I am very happy to talk through the potential advantages and limitations at your consultation.
No two knees are the same, and neither are the people attached to them.
I take time to understand what your knee is stopping you from doing and what you want to get back to, whether that is walking the dog, playing golf, travelling or simply getting a good night’s sleep.
If knee replacement surgery is right for you, I will explain the operation, recovery, expected benefits and potential risks carefully in clinic. You will then receive detailed written information to read at home before making a final decision.
A consultation does not commit you to having an operation.
Your first appointment involves talking through your symptoms and goals, examining your knee and reviewing your X-rays or other imaging.
If surgery looks like the right option, we will discuss the next steps and your individual treatment pathway.
There is no pressure to make a decision on the day.
Read more: Patient journey →
I record my joint replacements with the National Joint Registry (NJR) and ask patients to complete patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) before and after surgery.
These allow me to monitor the results of my knee replacement surgery and, importantly, how patients themselves feel their knee has improved.
Read more: Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) →
I offer private knee consultations in Reading, Henley, Windsor and London and treat both insured and self-funding patients.
If you are considering paying for your own knee assessment or treatment, you can contact Debbie, my secretary, directly. She can help with appointments, costs and the practicalities of arranging your consultation.
Read more: Fees →
There is no fixed age. The decision depends on your symptoms, general health, X-rays and what other treatments you have tried. We will discuss whether it is the right time for you.
Usually not. For knee arthritis, weight-bearing X-rays are often more useful than an MRI. If further imaging is needed, I can arrange it after your consultation.
Robotic technology can be helpful in selected cases, but I do not believe every knee replacement needs to be performed with a robot. It is a tool available to the surgeon rather than a replacement for surgical judgement and experience.
I can offer robotic-assisted knee replacement where I believe it is appropriate, and I am happy to discuss it if it is something you are particularly interested in.
I prefer to replace them separately. If both knees need surgery, I usually operate around three to four months apart, allowing you to recover properly from the first before proceeding with the second.
If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a GP referral or authorisation.
If you are self-funding, you can contact Debbie directly to arrange a consultation.
If knee pain is starting to limit your everyday life, the first step is a consultation to understand what is happening and talk through your options.
You do not need to have decided that you want surgery before coming to see me.
NEV DAVIES
FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Written and reviewed by Mr Nev Davies FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon and specialist knee surgeon. Last reviewed: September 2026.
This page provides general information about total knee replacement and cannot take account of your individual circumstances. It should not be treated as personal medical advice.