From the lead surgeons to behind-the-scenes specialists, discover who’s shaping your surgical outcome
When patients think about knee replacement surgery, they often picture a lone surgeon performing the operation. But in reality, it’s a tightly coordinated effort powered by a specialised surgical team; each member playing a critical role in your safety, comfort, and recovery.
At Orthopaedic Innovation, your Partial/Total Knee Replacement isn’t just delivered by leading consultants, it’s choreographed by a theatre team trained in precision, consistency, and speed. And that’s exactly what sets us apart.
Who Is in the Operating Theatre During Knee Replacement Surgery?
The knee surgery theatre team typically includes:
- Lead Consultant Knee Surgeons
- Consultant Anaesthetist
- Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
- Scrub Nurse or Surgical First Assistant
- Circulating Nurse
- Theatre Radiographer
- Theatre Support Staff
What Do the Lead Knee Surgeons Do?
At Orthopaedic Innovation, your knee replacement is led by two internationally recognised experts: Professor Adrian Wilson and Dr Kristian Kley. Together, they perform every procedure in tandem bringing complementary skills and decades of experience to the operating table.
Who Is Professor Adrian Wilson?
A global authority in ligament reconstruction and minimally invasive knee surgery, Professor Wilson is known for:
- Developing techniques like the All-Inside ACL/PCL and Internal Brace system
- Co-founding the UK Knee Osteotomy Registry and London Osteotomy Centre
- Publishing 100+ peer-reviewed studies and presenting globally
- Training thousands of surgeons through live surgery demonstrations.
Who Is Dr Kristian Kley?
With more than 7,000 joint replacements to his name, Dr Kley is an innovator in rapid-recovery joint surgery and osteotomy. His achievements include:
- Refining the Rottinger approach — developing Kley Rapid Hip from it — to reduce tissue trauma
- Publishing widely on joint preservation and alignment
- Serving on international advisory boards including AO Foundation
- Mentoring surgeons worldwide in advanced knee procedures
Together, they deliver a rare dual-consultant model that ensures:
- Real-time surgical collaboration
- Precision-led planning and technique
- Faster surgical times (often around 30 minutes)
- Safer recovery with fewer complications
Their approach is backed by patented techniques and cutting-edge implants designed to mimic natural movement; resulting in smoother, pain-free motion and long-term joint stability.
What Role Does the Anaesthetist Play in Knee Surgery?
Your consultant anaesthetist ensures you’re safe and pain-free throughout the procedure. For our minimally invasive knee replacement, this usually involves a lighter general anaesthetic combined with a nerve block…allowing earlier mobility and fewer side effects.
Their responsibilities include:
- Administering and adjusting anaesthesia
- Monitoring vital signs continuously
- Managing fluids, sedation, and oxygen levels
- Ensuring post-op comfort and pain control
What Does a Scrub Nurse or Surgical Assistant Do?
Specially trained nurses/operating department practitioners work directly alongside the surgeons and are central to maintaining the sterile field throughout the procedure by:
- Preparing and managing surgical instruments
- Handing tools and devices during surgery
- Anticipating team needs and maintaining sterility
- Helping with wound closure and final dressing
Their precision contributes directly to surgical flow and infection control.
How Does the Circulating Nurse Help During Knee Surgery?
Outside the sterile field, the circulating nurse plays a critical support role. They:
- Handle documentation and patient records
- Coordinate theatre supplies and safety protocols
- Assist with patient positioning
- Communicate with recovery and nursing teams
They’re the logistical cornerstone of a successful procedure.
What Is the Radiographer’s Role in the Operating Room?
For select cases, imaging may be used during surgery to confirm implant alignment. The theatre radiographer:
- Captures live imaging when required
- Verifies bone preparation and component placement
- Supports software-guided surgery for precision fit
This improves joint alignment and long-term outcomes.
What Do the Theatre Assistants and ODPs Do?
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) and theatre support staff are essential for both anaesthetic and surgical preparation. They:
- Prepare the theatre and patient pre-surgery
- Assist with anaesthetic induction and monitoring
- Position the patient safely and efficiently
- Manage equipment and post-op transitions
At Orthopaedic Innovation, our ODPs are familiar with our enhanced recovery protocols; contributing to smoother procedures and shorter hospital stays.
How Does This Team Approach Improve Knee Surgery Outcomes?
The combined expertise of our surgical team leads to:
- Shorter procedures with reduced infection risk
- Faster mobilisation (most patients walk aided on the same day)
- High patient satisfaction and lower revision rates
- Discharge within 24 hours in the vast majority of cases
Our Knee Replacement programme is built on the reliability and cohesion of this expert team. Learn more about our Knee Replacement Services.
Why Does Orthopaedic Innovation Use a Team-Based Surgical Model?
Unlike many providers, we believe great surgery comes from great teamwork. Our model includes:
- Dual-consultant operating technique for built-in safety and decision-making
- Familiar, high-performing theatre teams with consistent roles
- State-of-the-art digital planning tools developing custom implants
- Shared commitment to speed, precision, and recovery success
This collective approach is why patients from across the world trust us with their joint care.
For a broader overview of what to expect from joint replacement surgery, the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s patient guide1 offers helpful context.
Conclusion: The Knee Replacement Team You Can Trust
Your knee replacement isn’t just delivered by one surgeon: it’s the result of a high-performing theatre team working in sync.
Captained by Professor Wilson and Dr Kley, the nurses, anaesthetists, and radiographers supporting them contribute enormously to surgical success.
Get in touch with our surgical team to take the first step.
