Knee Replacement Surgery in Melbourne: Your Complete Guide to the Procedure, Recovery and Gap-Free Care

If persistent knee pain is limiting your ability to walk, climb stairs or enjoy everyday life, knee replacement surgery may be the solution that helps you move freely again. It is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in Australia — according to the Australian Orthopaedic Association’s National Joint Replacement Registry, more than 60,000 knee replacements are carried out across the country each year, with the vast majority of patients reporting significant reductions in pain and improvements in mobility.

At Adeney Private Hospital in Kew, Melbourne, we offer knee replacement surgery with zero out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medibank and Bupa members. As Australia’s first and only no-gap private hospital, we believe that access to high-quality surgical care should never come with unexpected bills.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from understanding whether you’re a candidate and getting a referral, to what happens on the day, what your recovery will look like, and how our gap-free model works.

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a procedure where the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with an artificial implant. The implant is designed to replicate the smooth, natural movement of a healthy knee, relieving pain and restoring function.

The knee is a hinge joint formed where the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (kneecap) meet. During a total knee replacement, the surgeon resurfaces the ends of the femur and tibia with metal components and places a high-density polyethylene insert between them to act as the new cartilage. The underside of the patella may also be resurfaced depending on the extent of damage. Modern implants are designed to last 15 to 20 years or more in the majority of patients.

In some cases, only one part of the knee joint is affected. A partial knee replacement — also called a unicompartmental knee replacement — resurfaces only the damaged compartment, preserving the healthy portions of the joint. Your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option based on your diagnosis, activity level and anatomy.

Who Is a Candidate for Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is generally considered when non-surgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief. Your GP or specialist may recommend surgery if you are experiencing:

• Persistent knee pain that interferes with walking, climbing stairs or rising from a chair
• Stiffness in the knee that limits your range of motion
• Pain that continues at rest or during the night, affecting your sleep
• Reduced quality of life due to limited mobility, including difficulty with work, exercise or daily activities
• Inadequate relief from conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections

The most common reason for knee replacement is osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage gradually wears away over time. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis following a knee injury and avascular necrosis.

A common question is whether someone is too young or too old for knee replacement. The decision is based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on quality of life, rather than age alone. Knee replacements are performed on patients ranging from their 40s through to their 90s. Your surgeon will assess your individual circumstances, overall health and activity goals to determine whether surgery is the right option for you.

How to Get a Referral for Knee Replacement Surgery

In Australia, you’ll need a referral from your GP to see an orthopaedic surgeon. If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain that isn’t responding to conservative treatment, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms. Your GP can then provide a referral to an orthopaedic specialist who performs knee replacement surgery.

If you’d like to be treated at Adeney Private Hospital, ask your GP to refer you to one of our orthopaedic surgeons. You can view our full list of specialists on our Our Doctors page.

Once you have a referral, the surgeon’s rooms will arrange a consultation to assess your knee, review any imaging and discuss your treatment options.

Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Good preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful outcome. At Adeney Private Hospital, our team works with you well before your surgery date to ensure you are fully informed and physically ready.

Pre-Admission Assessment

Before your procedure, you’ll attend a pre-admission appointment where our nursing team will review your medical history, current medications and any pre-existing conditions. Blood tests, imaging and other investigations may be arranged. You will also meet with your anaesthetist, who will explain your anaesthesia options and answer any questions.

At Adeney Private Hospital, we understand that preparing for joint replacement surgery can feel overwhelming. That’s why our dedicated Orthopaedic Pre-Admission Clinic is designed to support you every step of the way—well before you arrive for your procedure.

Whether you are undergoing a knee, hip, or shoulder replacement, our experienced multidisciplinary team will ensure you feel informed, prepared, and confident about your upcoming surgery and recovery journey. This service is available free of charge to all Adeney Private Orthopaedic joint replacement patients.

Prehabilitation: Building Strength Before Surgery

Research consistently shows that patients who build strength and fitness before surgery recover faster and achieve better long-term outcomes. Your surgeon or physiotherapist may recommend:

• Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles
• Gentle range-of-motion work to maintain flexibility in the joint
• Low-impact cardiovascular exercise such as swimming or cycling to build overall fitness
• Weight management if recommended by your surgeon, as reducing excess load on the knee can improve surgical outcomes

Preparing Your Home

Setting your home up before surgery can make your recovery much smoother. Consider placing frequently used items at waist height, removing loose rugs and tripping hazards, installing grab rails in the bathroom, preparing meals in advance, and arranging transport for the first few weeks after you return home.

For more detail on how to prepare, see our blog post: Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery: What You Need to Know.

What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, depending on what your anaesthetist recommends. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.

During surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision over the knee, remove the damaged bone and cartilage surfaces, and carefully position the new prosthetic components. The implants are fixed to the bone either with bone cement or using a cementless surface that encourages bone to grow into the implant over time. Your surgeon will discuss which fixation method is most appropriate for your situation.

At Adeney Private Hospital, our state-of-the-art operating theatres are purpose-built and equipped with the latest surgical and robotic technology to support our orthopaedic surgeons in delivering precise, high-quality outcomes.

Understanding the Risks

Knee replacement is a well-established and highly successful procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are risks that your surgeon will discuss with you in detail. Common risks include:

• Infection: A small risk of infection at the surgical site or around the new joint. Antibiotics are given before and after surgery to minimise this risk.
• Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur after surgery. Blood-thinning medication and early mobilisation are used to significantly reduce this risk.
• Stiffness: Some patients experience ongoing stiffness in the new knee, particularly if rehabilitation is not maintained. Regular physiotherapy is essential to prevent this.
• Implant wear or loosening: Over many years, the implant components may loosen or wear, and revision surgery may be required in a small number of cases.

Serious complications are uncommon, and the overall success rate of knee replacement surgery in Australia is very high. Being well-prepared, following your surgeon’s advice and attending all follow-up appointments will help ensure the best possible outcome.

Recovery After Knee Replacement: A Realistic Timeline

Recovery looks different for everyone. Here is a realistic guide to what most patients experience at each stage.

In Hospital (1–3 Days)

Most patients are encouraged to stand and take their first steps with the help of a physiotherapist within hours of surgery. You’ll be guided through gentle exercises to promote circulation and begin rebuilding strength. At Adeney Private Hospital, many knee replacement patients are able to go home after one to three nights, supported by our Continuum of Care nursing team who provide follow-up calls and support after discharge.

The First 2–6 Weeks

During the initial recovery period, you will likely use a walking frame or crutches, gradually transitioning to a walking stick as your strength and confidence improve. Physiotherapy will play a central role, helping you regain range of motion and rebuild the muscle support your new knee needs. Most patients can manage light activities and short walks within a few weeks. Your physiotherapist will guide you on specific movement precautions to protect your new joint during this period.

6 Weeks to 3 Months

By the six-week mark, most patients notice meaningful improvement in pain and mobility. Many are walking without aids and returning to more of their normal routine. Your surgeon will review your progress at regular follow-up appointments to confirm everything is healing as expected. Most patients can resume driving around six to eight weeks after surgery, depending on which knee was operated on and your surgeon’s assessment.

3 to 12 Months

Full recovery typically takes between three and twelve months. Swimming, cycling, golf and gentle recreational activities are all well within reach for most patients. Many people report feeling the full benefit of their new knee around the six-month mark, with continued improvement beyond that.

For more on what your post-surgery experience will look like, read our guide: What to Expect After Surgery at Adeney Private Hospital: Recovery, Care & Support.

Knee Replacement Costs in Australia: Understanding Your Options

Cost is a major concern for many patients considering knee replacement surgery. In Australia, the total cost of a knee replacement in a private hospital can exceed $25,000 when you factor in surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, prosthetics, hospital charges, imaging and pathology. Even with private health insurance, many patients still face significant out-of-pocket expenses.

In the public system, knee replacement is available at no cost, but waiting times are often considerable. The average wait for a knee replacement in the public system is over four months, and in most cases it can stretch well beyond that.

At Adeney Private Hospital, eligible Medibank and Bupa members can access knee replacement surgery with zero out-of-pocket costs for surgeon’s fees, theatre fees, anaesthetist fees, imaging, pathology and prescribed PBS pharmaceuticals. Your standard health fund excess still applies as it would at any private hospital, but there are no surprise bills beyond that. This means you get the advantages of private healthcare — shorter waiting times, your choice of specialist surgeon and a modern, purpose-built facility — without the financial stress that typically comes with private hospital treatment.

Why Choose Adeney Private Hospital for Knee Replacement Surgery?

Adeney Private Hospital was purpose-built in 2024 as a modern specialist surgical facility, welcoming patients from across Metro Melbourne and regional Victoria. Here’s what sets us apart for orthopaedic patients:

• No-gap care: Eligible Medibank and Bupa members pay nothing beyond their standard fund excess for knee replacement surgery. No surprise bills, no hidden fees.
• Experienced orthopaedic surgeons: Our team of highly qualified specialists brings decades of combined experience in knee and hip replacement surgery.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Purpose-built with four modern operating theatres, on-site radiology by I-MED and pathology by Melbourne Pathology.
• Continuum of Care: Our dedicated nursing team provides follow-up support after discharge, ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home recovery.
• Convenient Kew location: Located on Cotham Road with on-site parking and easy access for patients across Metro Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Hawthorn, Camberwell, Balwyn, Box Hill, Richmond, Doncaster and surrounding areas.

For many patients, the combination of specialist-led private care, exceptional care, individualised healthcare and clearer cost expectations is the main reason to consider Adeney.