Knee Preservation

Knee pain can be different for everyone. What you’ve felt and how it’s affected your life can vary from the way someone else experiences it. No matter where you are right now, the experts at Cleveland Clinic London are here to help. We work to find long-term relief from your pain. Our team will guide you through every step in your journey — beginning with an expert evaluation.

What happens during your evaluation

It’s important to think of your evaluation as an investigation, of sorts. Our experts will gather information from you to begin piecing together the right treatment plan. When you first see us:

• You can expect many questions. We want to hear your story, so our specialists will talk with you about how each of your symptoms is affecting your life. And they’ll ask you to describe the pain you’ve felt.
• We’ll assess the strength and mobility of your knee.
• We’ll capture imagery of your knee. By doing X-rays or an MRI, we can get a better idea of the condition of your knee from the inside.

And if it turns out that surgery is a better option for you than knee preservation, we’ll answer all of your questions and get you on the right path. We can then perform the necessary presurgical testing, including blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG).

Our team offers a broad range of knee preservation services, including medical therapies and advanced surgical procedures. For many people, there isn’t just one treatment. Instead, a combination of treatments is often the better fit. We’ll partner with you to determine which ones may be most effective.

Injections

Injections help deliver substances that promote healing directly to your knee joint.

Consultants typically use real-time imaging to guide the needle to precisely the right spot. We apply a numbing solution to your skin before the injection, making you as comfortable as possible.

Types of injections we offer include:

• Hyaluronic acid, a slippery substance that your body naturally produces
• nSTRIDE^® autologous protein solution (APS), a substance made from your own blood to slow cartilage deterioration
• Platelet-rich plasma, the part of your blood that aids in clotting
• Steroids, manufactured drugs that resemble the body’s natural cortisol

Knee preservation

Knee preservation can repair your knee if it’s worn or no longer working as it should. These procedures are less invasive, using smaller incisions that often result in a quicker recovery.

Here are the types of knee preservation surgery we offer:

• Cartilage repair aims to rebuild the surface of your knee and make it work more efficiently. We offer many types of cartilage repairs. These include removing loose or damaged cartilage and procedures that stimulate tissue growth.
• Meniscal transplantation replaces the damaged or missing meniscus that protects your knee joint. Few U.K. private hospitals offer this treatment and our surgeons are leaders in the field.
• Osteotomy repositions shin or thigh bones to realign the knee, shifting your body’s weight.  
• Partial knee resurfacing uses custom implants and other methods to repair or replace specific parts of the knee. These may include the Episealer^® mini-metal implant from Episurf^® and the BioPoly^® polyethylene implant.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation services from our physiotherapists and sports medicine specialists will help improve the way your knee works. We start with a comprehensive evaluation that identifies weaknesses and imbalances. This information enables us to develop a customised plan that may include:

• Exercises. Physiotherapists guide you through gentle movements that build strength and increase flexibility.
• Education. We teach you techniques for reducing knee strain during daily activities.
• Knee braces and orthotics. Devices, such as knee braces, can help position your knee in a specific way to relieve pressure on your joint.

Knee replacement surgery

While knee preservation may provide years of pain-free movement, sometimes the best treatment for you may actually be a knee replacement. We realise having a knee replacement is a big decision — one that comes with anxiety, time and a commitment to recovery. Our expert consultants will be by your side and take the time to answer all your questions.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Knee Preservation Care at Cleveland Clinic London?

The cost of your knee preservation care at Cleveland Clinic London depends on the specific services you need. Whether you need to know the cost of a private MRI scan, surgical procedure or another service, we can help. We offer a broad range of tests and treatments available for you to view online. We’re also happy to speak with you about getting an estimate for our self-pay and private insurance services. You may also contact us by email or call +44 20 3423 7500.

What’s Next?

Pain can literally stop you in your tracks. It can keep you from going on that walk with your family, joining your friends on the pitch or even climbing the stairs comfortably at home. The experts at Cleveland Clinic London are here to help. Our team can create a customised knee preservation plan for you. Working as a collaborative team, we can guide you toward an option that fits your life and provides the comfort you need.