Total Knee Replacement
Considered care for knee arthritis and joint damage, guided by a senior orthopaedic specialist with over 30 years of experience.
Knees that ache when you stand up. Stairs that feel like a project. Sleep broken by pain. A swelling that won't settle no matter what you try. When your knee starts running your life instead of supporting it, you've probably moved past what physiotherapy and painkillers can fix.
Dr Elie Khoury offers a careful, evidence-based approach to total knee replacement. Fellowship-trained at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford and with over 30 years in clinical practice, he focuses on what's actually right for you. Not what's quickest, not what's most heavily marketed.
What Is A Total Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement (also called a total knee arthroplasty) is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine. The worn surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic parts that restore smooth, pain-free movement.
The knee is a complex joint, where the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia) and kneecap (patella) meet. Cartilage cushions these bones and lets them glide. When that cartilage wears down (most often from osteoarthritis), the bones grind against each other. The result is pain, stiffness and a steady loss of movement.
In a total knee replacement, the worn surfaces are replaced:
The end of the thigh bone is capped with a metal component
The top of the shin bone is fitted with a metal plate and a smooth plastic spacer
The back of the kneecap may also be resurfaced
Done well, the result is a knee that bends and straightens smoothly, holds up for decades, and lets you get back to walking, working, sleeping and living without your knee dictating the terms.
When Knee Replacement Is Recommended
Knee replacement is almost never a first option. Dr Khoury takes a conservative approach to surgery, meaning it's considered only after non-surgical treatments have been properly tried.
You may be a candidate for total knee replacement if:
You have ongoing knee pain that hasn't responded to physiotherapy, medication, weight management or activity changes
Your sleep is regularly disturbed by knee pain
Everyday activities (walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car) have become difficult or painful
You have knee pain at rest, not just during activity
Imaging shows advanced joint damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or another condition
Your quality of life has been meaningfully reduced and non-surgical options have been exhausted
Dr Khoury's view is that timing matters. Operating too early means outliving the implant and possibly facing revision surgery later. Waiting too long can make recovery harder and leave permanent limitations. The right time is something he'll work through with you carefully at your consultation.
Dr Khoury's Approach to Knee Replacement
A knee replacement isn't a single, standard procedure. Different implants, different alignment philosophies, different recovery protocols. The right combination depends on your anatomy, your lifestyle, your goals, and what the evidence actually supports.
Dr Khoury's approach is built around three principles.
Considered, conservative recommendations Surgery is recommended only when it's genuinely the right answer for you. That means thorough assessment, an honest conversation about alternatives, and clear explanation of what surgery can (and can't) do for your knee.
Evidence-based technique and implant selection Dr Khoury uses the surgical technique and implant that give you the best long-term outcome. He'll discuss the relevant options (including robotic-assisted technique where appropriate) and explain which is best suited to your anatomy and goals. As Chair of the Australian Standards Committee for Surgical Implants, he brings deep expertise to every implant decision.
A focus on long-term function A successful knee replacement should last decades, not years. Implant choice, surgical precision and proper rehab all contribute to longevity. Dr Khoury's job is to combine those well, every time.
What To Expect - Before, During and After
Before surgery Once you've decided to go ahead, you'll meet with Dr Khoury's pre-surgery team. This team includes anaesthetists and physicians who get your health ready for surgery, manage any existing conditions, and walk you through what to expect.
You may be asked to:
Have imaging and blood tests done
Stop or adjust some medications
See a physio before surgery to strengthen the muscles around your knee
Get your home ready (handrails, removing trip hazards, organising help for the first few weeks)
Surgery day Total knee replacement is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic, depending on what's safest for you. The surgery itself usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
Dr Khoury operates at:
Cabrini Malvern
The Alfred Hospital (private patients)
The Bays Hospital (Mornington Peninsula)
You'll typically stay in hospital for 2 to 5 days, depending on your recovery and the support you have at home.
Early recovery (weeks 1 to 6) Most patients are up and walking with help on the same day as surgery. Physio starts immediately and continues through the early weeks. You'll progress from a walking frame to crutches to a cane over the first few weeks.
Typical milestones:
Week 1: Walking short distances with aid. Basic daily activities. Early bending exercises.
Weeks 2 to 4: More movement. Gradual return to light tasks at home. Steady progress with bending and straightening.
Week 6: Many patients return to driving (once Dr Khoury clears you).
Full recovery (3 to 12 months) Most patients feel substantially better by 3 months. Full recovery, including return to all the activities you want to do, can take 6 to 12 months. Some swelling and stiffness can take up to a year to fully settle, which is normal. With a well-performed knee replacement, modern implants are expected to last 20 years or more in most patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Modern knee replacements are expected to last 20 years or more in most patients. Longevity depends on activity level, implant choice, weight and the quality of surgery.
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Not necessarily. Some patients have arthritis in only one knee. Others have both knees affected and may eventually need both done, usually as separate operations.
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Most patients return to driving around 6 weeks after surgery, once Dr Khoury clears you and you feel confident behind the wheel.
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Kneeling is often uncomfortable after a knee replacement, even when the knee is otherwise working well. Many patients use a cushion or pad to make it manageable. It's a question worth raising at your consultation.
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Many patients return to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, golf and doubles tennis. High-impact sports (running, contact sports) are generally not recommended because they shorten the life of the implant.
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Yes. To see Dr Khoury, a referral from your GP is required. You can also request a referral to Dr Khoury from your GP. Once you have it, our rooms will help you book a consultation that suits you.
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Dr Khoury consults at three locations: St Kilda Road Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula at The Bays Hospital, and Albury at the Gardens Specialist Centre. Our team will help you find the most convenient one.
Dr Khoury’s Approach to Knee Replacement
Choosing to have a knee replacement is a significant decision, and one that deserves a careful, considered conversation with a senior specialist. Dr Khoury and his team are here to walk you through it without pressure, with the time you need to ask questions, understand your options, and feel confident about what's right for you.
To book, you'll need a referral from your GP. If you don't have one yet, your GP can refer you directly to Dr Khoury at any of our three locations.