A clear, supportive guide to your treatment journey — from your initial consultation through to your full recovery.
Navigating knee pain or a sports injury can be overwhelming. As a fellowship-trained Consultant Knee Surgeon in Bristol, my priority is to ensure you feel fully informed, comfortable, and confident at every stage of your care.
Whether you are visiting for a routine assessment, exploring non-surgical treatments, or preparing for complex knee surgery, this guide outlines exactly what you can expect when you are under my care. I believe in a collaborative approach, ensuring that every treatment decision is made together, based on your individual needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Your first appointment is focused on understanding your condition and how it affects your daily life. I take the time to listen to your concerns, review your medical history, and conduct a thorough physical examination of your knee.
What to Bring:
What to Wear:
Please wear loose-fitting clothing, such as shorts, to allow for an easy and comfortable examination of your knee joint.
The Outcome:
By the end of the consultation, I will provide a clear explanation of my findings. If further diagnostic imaging (such as an MRI or ultrasound) is required, my team will arrange this promptly. If a diagnosis is clear, we will discuss all available treatment options — starting with conservative, non-surgical approaches wherever clinically appropriate.
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. If you require an MRI, X-ray, or CT scan, these will be conducted using state-of-the-art imaging facilities at Spire Bristol Hospital or Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital.
Once your results are available, we will have a follow-up discussion to review the images together. I will explain the findings in plain, patient-friendly language, avoiding unnecessary medical jargon.
If surgery is recommended, I will explain exactly why it is the best option, how the procedure works, and what the expected outcomes are. We will also discuss the potential risks and the expected recovery timeline. You will never feel rushed into a decision; my goal is to provide you with the evidence-based information you need to make the choice that is right for you.
If we decide that surgical intervention is the best path forward, my team will guide you through the preparation process to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day of your operation.
Pre-Operative Assessment:
You will attend a pre-operative assessment clinic where a specialist nurse will check your general health, take blood tests if necessary, and ensure you are fully fit for surgery. This is also an opportunity to ask any logistical questions about your hospital stay.
Fasting and Medications:
You will be given clear instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before your procedure, as well as guidance on which of your regular medications you should continue taking.
Planning for Discharge:
We encourage patients to plan ahead for their return home. Depending on your procedure, you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you during the first few days of your recovery.
On the day of your procedure, you will be admitted to your private room at the hospital. I will visit you before the operation to answer any final questions, run through the procedure once more, and mark the surgical site.
You will also meet your Consultant Anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic plan with you. For many knee procedures, including knee replacements, a spinal anaesthetic combined with sedation is often recommended, though general anaesthesia is also an option.
Minimally Invasive Techniques:
Wherever possible, I utilise minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques and robotically-guided technology. These advanced methods are designed to reduce tissue damage, minimise post-operative pain, and accelerate your recovery.
Post-Operative Care:
Following the surgery, you will be monitored closely in the recovery area before returning to your room. My team will ensure your pain is well-managed and that you are comfortable. For day-case procedures, such as an arthroscopy or meniscus repair, you will usually be able to go home within a few hours. For joint replacements, you will typically stay in the hospital for one to three days.
Surgery is only one part of the journey; a structured and dedicated rehabilitation programme is essential for achieving the best possible outcome.
Physiotherapy:
You will be seen by a specialist physiotherapist before you leave the hospital. They will teach you how to safely mobilise, use crutches if required, and provide you with a tailored exercise programme to begin your rehabilitation.
Follow-Up Appointments:
I will see you for a follow-up appointment, typically around two weeks after your surgery, to check your wound healing, remove any sutures, and monitor your initial progress. Further follow-ups will be scheduled to track your long-term recovery and ensure you are meeting your rehabilitation milestones.
Returning to Activity:
The timeline for returning to work, driving, and sports varies significantly depending on the procedure performed. I will provide you with specific, individualised guidance to ensure you return to your active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.
I am recognised by all major private medical insurance providers. If you are using health insurance, please contact your provider prior to your consultation to confirm your level of cover and obtain a pre-authorisation code.
These packages cover the surgical and anaesthetic fees, hospital stay, dressings clinic, first post-operative appointment with Sven Putnis, and the full and comprehensive post-operative care and rehabilitation for optimal recovery
If you are experiencing knee pain or require a specialist assessment, book your consultation today to explore your treatment options.
