Knee replacement in South Wales
Specialist assessment for knee arthritis in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and across South and West Wales. Understand whether non-surgical care, total knee replacement, partial knee replacement or revision surgery is right for you.
- Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Swansea Bay University Health Board
- Advanced hip and primary knee arthroplasty fellowship training
- Total, partial and revision knee replacement
When expert knee advice may help
A consultation becomes useful when knee symptoms are restricting daily life, or when you need a clear diagnosis and an informed comparison of the available treatments.
Pain and stiffness
Walking, stairs, sleep, work or everyday independence are increasingly restricted by the knee.
Treatment is no longer enough
Exercise, weight management, pain relief, injections or activity changes have not provided sufficient relief.
The diagnosis is unclear
You want to understand your examination and weight-bearing X-rays rather than make a decision from an X-ray phrase alone.
A second opinion is needed
You have been advised to consider surgery, declined surgery elsewhere or have concerns about an existing knee replacement.
Being assessed does not commit you to an operation
The purpose is to identify the cause of your symptoms and compare reasonable options. Continuing non-surgical care, arranging further investigation and choosing surgery are all valid outcomes.
How your knee is assessed
A good decision starts by matching your symptoms, examination and imaging—then deciding whether the expected benefit of treatment is worthwhile for you.
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Understand the problem
Your pain, stiffness, walking, sleep, work, previous treatment and personal goals are reviewed alongside your general health.
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Examine and investigate
Both knees, hip movement, alignment, stability and walking are assessed. Weight-bearing X-rays are used when they will clarify the diagnosis or guide treatment.
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Compare suitable options
Non-surgical care, waiting, total knee replacement and partial knee replacement are considered only where they fit your pattern of arthritis.
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Make a shared decision
Likely benefits, limitations, recovery demands, alternatives and individual risks are discussed so that you can decide without pressure.
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Prepare and follow through
If surgery is chosen, pre-operative assessment, health optimisation, rehabilitation planning and follow-up are organised around a safe recovery.
Which type of knee replacement?
Knee replacement resurfaces damaged joint surfaces; it does not remove and replace the whole knee. The right operation depends on where the arthritis is located, ligament function, alignment, movement and the condition of any existing implant.
- Total knee replacementFor arthritis affecting more than one part of the knee, or where deformity, stiffness or ligament problems make partial replacement unsuitable.
- Partial knee replacementFor selected patients with arthritis confined to one compartment and suitable remaining cartilage and ligaments.
- Revision knee replacementAssessment and reconstruction of a painful or failing existing knee replacement.
- Knee replacement recoveryA practical week-by-week guide to walking, exercises, pain, driving, work and longer-term improvement.
Suitability is individual
Where both total and partial replacement are reasonable, NICE guidance on primary joint replacement recommends discussing the benefits and risks of each so that an informed choice can be made.
Knee replacement care in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot
Elective hip and knee replacement surgery is carried out at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. Complex trauma care is based at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. Both hospitals are part of Swansea Bay University Health Board.
If you live outside the immediate area, discuss referral, follow-up and physiotherapy arrangements early so that aftercare is planned realistically.
- Swansea
- Neath
- Port Talbot
- Gower
- Llanelli
- Ammanford
- Carmarthen
- Bridgend
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Cardiff
Specialist hip and knee experience
Mr Atanu Bhattacharjee is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a practice focused on primary, partial, complex and revision hip and knee replacement.
His training includes an Advanced Hip and Primary Knee Arthroplasty Fellowship at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. He holds a PhD in Orthopaedics, teaches medical students and supervises orthopaedic trainees across Wales.
- MBBS
- MRCS
- MSc
- PhD
- Dip Orth Oncology
- FRCS (T&O)
Read Mr Bhattacharjee's full profile
A decision made with you
Consultations allow time to compare reasonable alternatives, expected benefit, recovery and individual risk. If knee replacement is unlikely to help, that will be explained plainly.
Questions about knee assessment
Advice about your own diagnosis and treatment is given after an individual assessment.
Can I be referred for a second opinion?
Yes. A second opinion may help if you have been advised to have surgery, told that surgery is not suitable, or remain uncertain about the cause of your symptoms. Your GP can discuss the appropriate referral route.
What should I bring to my first knee appointment?
Bring a current medicines list, relevant clinic letters and details of treatments already tried. If imaging was performed outside Swansea Bay University Health Board, bring the images or the information needed to access them.
How is total or partial knee replacement decided?
The decision depends on where the arthritis is located, the condition of the other compartments and ligaments, alignment, movement and your symptoms. Weight-bearing X-rays and examination are considered together.
Can I be assessed if I live outside Swansea?
Referral arrangements vary by area. Ask your GP which route applies to you, and discuss how imaging, physiotherapy and follow-up could be coordinated if you live at a distance.
What if I decide against surgery?
That is a valid choice. Non-surgical care can continue, and you can ask for reassessment if pain, mobility, sleep or independence changes.
Ready for a specialist opinion?
Speak to your GP about referral to the orthopaedic service at Swansea Bay University Health Board. For general enquiries about the practice or information on this website, use the contact form.
This page cannot be used to report an emergency or a new post-operative problem. If you are unwell, contact your surgical team, GP, NHS 111 Wales or emergency services.
