Whether you need a partial or total knee replacement, find the right surgeon that fits your needs below, serving Canadians in major cities like Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec.
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A knee replacement isn't for everyone, but can become necessary. If measures such as physical therapy and injections no longer manage pain and stiffness in your knee, or you're worried about further damage, then it might be time to schedule an initial consultation with a surgeon.
Knee replacement surgery costs vary quite a bit. Depending on the surgeon, location, and type of surgery, you can expect to pay somewhere between $8,000 to $13,000 for partial replacement, and $20,000 for total replacement $28,000 per knee.
Costs vary so much because of location, surgeon experience, facility type, complexity, and included services (some clinics offer all-inclusive, while others charge separately for anesthesia, followup care, etc.).
You also need to take into account the cost of travel and accommodation when travelling out of province.
No, you do not need a referral for private knee replacement in Canada. You can book a consultation directly with a surgeon, and they will review your condition, symptoms, and any previous treatments or diagnostics.
At 4-6 weeks, you can expect ~50% improvement.
At 12 weeks, you can expect ~80% improvement.
At 1 year, you can expect full improvement, or close thereto.
Recovery varies patient to patient. For a full breakdown, see "What can I expect from the knee replacement surgery recovery process?"
Your surgeon will provide you with guidance on how to prepare, but you can expect some pre-surgery exercises to help with stiffness, muscle weakness, and range of motion issues.
Home prep: We recommend taking the time to rearrange your home to prepare for the first few months after surgery. Ensure everything you need is within easy reach and remove anything that presents a tripping hazard (chords, sliding rugs, loose items). You might also consider installing safety equipment like a shower chair and safety bars in your bathroom.
Support: Try to arrange for someone to stay with you for the first few days after surgery, and someone close by who can reach you in the event of an emergency for the first several weeks/months after surgery.
Work: Knee replacement recovery is difficult. If possible, you will likely need to request time off work to recover.
Post-surgery practice: You might consider 'practicing' daily activities with substantially limited range of motion, such as getting in and out of the car, getting in and out of bed, putting on and taking off shoes, etc.
Partial knee replacement only replaces the damaged part of the knee (just one of the medial, lateral, or patellofemoral compartment). It is less invasive and leaves more natural bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact.
Partial replacement is suitable for patients with arthritis or damage confined to just one part of the knee—which applies to a fraction of knee replacement candidates.
Total knee replacement is more common, and involves replacing all three knee compartments. It's a more extensive procedure and removes more bone, cartilage, and ligaments. The recovery process is longer and feels less natural after the surgery.
Your surgeon will advise you which surgery makes sense for you.
The recovery process varies patient to patient. Your recovery might look quite different, so please seek further guidance from your surgeon. In general here is what you can expect:
Week 1:
Weeks 2-4:
Weeks 5-12:
Weeks 13-52:
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