Personalised surgical options aiming to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.
The knee is one of the largest and most heavily used joints in the body. Every day, it absorbs significant forces while walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and performing routine activities. Because of this, it is one of the joints most commonly affected by arthritis.
The knee is generally divided into three compartments, all of which can be affected by arthritis. As the condition progresses, the smooth articular cartilage that normally cushions the joint gradually wears away. This can result in pain, stiffness, inflammation, and difficulty moving the joint comfortably.
Many people first notice symptoms like knee pain during activity, stiffness after periods of rest, or swelling around the joint. Others describe grinding, clicking, catching sensations, or a feeling that the knee may give way.
For some people, symptoms remain mild and manageable. For others, osteoarthritis can significantly affect mobility, independence, sleep quality, and participation in work, recreation, and everyday activities. When conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate relief, knee replacement surgery may be recommended to reduce pain, improve function, and restore quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis; in fact, it’s often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. It’s a degenerative condition characterised by the gradual breakdown of cartilage within a joint.
Cartilage is the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows joints to move freely and comfortably. As cartilage becomes thinner or disappears altogether, the bones begin to rub against one another, leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced function.
In addition to cartilage loss, osteoarthritis may cause:
While ageing is a significant risk factor, osteoarthritis is not simply an inevitable part of getting older. Past knee injuries, genetics, lifestyle factors, and certain medical conditions may all contribute to its development.
For patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery may be an option for addressing pain and functioning.
Depending on the location and severity of arthritis, treatment may involve either a partial knee replacement or a total knee replacement.
During knee replacement surgery, damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with specialised implants designed to recreate the smooth movement of a healthy knee joint.
The primary goals of surgery are to:
Experienced knee surgeon, Dr Hagop Kiyork, offers robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery where appropriate. Robotic technology may assist with surgical planning and implant positioning, helping to achieve a personalised approach for each patient.
The decision to proceed with surgery is made only after careful assessment and discussion regarding the expected benefits, recovery process, risks, and alternatives.
Osteoarthritis is generally a progressive condition, although the rate of progression varies considerably between individuals. Early treatment and appropriate management may help reduce symptoms and maintain function.
Appropriate exercise is often beneficial and is commonly recommended as part of treatment. A physiotherapist may help develop a program suited to your condition and fitness level.
Not necessarily; many people with knee osteoarthritis successfully manage their symptoms without surgery. This may include activity modification, pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy and exercise, weight management. Knee replacement is typically reserved for patients with significant symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment.
Surgery may be considered when pain and stiffness begin to significantly impact your daily activities, sleep, independence, or overall quality of life despite appropriate non-surgical management.
Recovery varies among individuals, but most patients undergo rehabilitation and physiotherapy following surgery in an effort to regain movement, strength, and function.
Dr Hagop Kiyork is an Australian-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in hip and knee conditions, including osteoarthritis and joint replacement surgery.
Every patient receives an individualised assessment. Treatment is based on your symptoms, goals, imaging findings, and overall health, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Where surgery is appropriate, Dr Kiyork offers contemporary techniques, including robotic-assisted knee replacement, with a focus on precision, function, and recovery.
When knee osteoarthritis progresses to the point that pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility significantly affect your quality of life, surgical treatment may become an appropriate option.
A thorough assessment aims to determine whether you’re a candidate for partial or total knee replacement, and whether the expected benefits of surgery outweigh the risks in your particular situation.
Dr Hagop Kiyork provides a comprehensive evaluation, clear discussion of treatment options, and guidance through every stage of the decision-making process.
