Recently, researchers in Denmark carried out a survey for International Patient Safety Day. They contacted nearly 1,000 people who were waiting for surgery and asked for their feelings about it.
The results were revealing: just over half (51%) had “moderate or high levels” of fear about their upcoming operations.
Fear of surgery, then, is really quite common, not least when it comes to a major operation like a knee replacement. If you’re waiting for a replacement yourself, or considering one, you might be feeling anxious about the procedure itself, or the potential risks and complications, or how long it will take to recover.
All these concerns are completely understandable – but how much should they actually worry you? Here are five things that we think it’s helpful to know about knee replacements, to help you feel more reassured.
1) Feeling scared is actually normal (and healthy)
As the Danish study shows, pre-surgery nerves are really the norm rather than the exception. If you’re feeling some degree of worry before surgery, that’s quite natural. In fact, it can actually be helpful. Although knee replacement is very safe (see point 3), it’s still a big operation that takes time and effort to recover from and that works best when patients prepare well and know what to expect afterwards. Being alert to these things can help you approach the operation in the right way, with realistic expectations. For more on just this topic, see this recent article: 7 tips from one of our knee replacement patients.
2) Your surgery team is highly experienced (and prepared)
Knee replacement is one of the oldest and most commonly-performed surgeries in the UK. About 116,000 people had the operation in 2024/2025. We’ve performed nearly 3,000 knee replacements here at Chris Bailey Orthopaedics alone. What this means is that surgeons have been able to develop techniques and aftercare programmes that make joint replacement very safe and successful. We work in centres where these operations are performed day in and day out. The whole team, from the nurses to the physios, is focused on looking after people with different requirements, pain thresholds and fitness levels. You’re in very good hands!
3) Worried about complications? The risks are very low
As with any operation, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with replacement surgery. There are certain complications – such as blood clots or infections – that every patient needs to be aware of so they can be alert to them afterwards. But it’s also important to put these risks in context. Less than 1% of patients get an infection after surgery. The likelihood of a serious complication after a replacement is less than 5%. As the National Joint Registry explains, “the overall risk involved in joint replacement is very low.”
4) Patient satisfaction is high: focus on your long-term goals
Ask the average knee replacement patient how they felt about their surgery afterwards and, statistically, you’ll find they are likely to be very positive. Of the patients who had the operation in 2024/25, NHS England reports that nearly nine in 10 (89.6%) felt their situation had improved afterwards (more than 70% described it as “much better”). While recovery from a joint replacement can be tough-going in the early days, the key thing is to focus on the long-term goal. After years of pain and immobility, most patients find the outcome is worth the undertaking.
5) Pre-surgery anxiety can be managed
No good consultant, of course, would ever want to dismiss a patient’s worries. But if the operation is making you seriously anxious, the most important thing to do is tell your surgical team about it. Write down your concerns and tell them what’s on your mind. They’ll be very happy to provide reassurance – and specific tailored support, such as anti-anxiety medication, if you need it. We’d also recommend looking into stress-relieving techniques before your operation. Many patients find that breathing exercises and self-calming techniques can be very helpful. The Royal College of Anaesthetists and the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis have created some relaxation recordings aimed at helping patients to relax before surgery. It’s worth checking them out if you’re interested in exploring this further.
Worried about your upcoming surgery? You don’t have to go through it on your own. If you have questions, want to discuss specific concerns or just need some expert reassurance, we’re here to help. Call or email us to explain your concerns and schedule a consultation. We’ll be delighted to help.
