I have had one knee replaced a few years ago and now have extreme pain, bone on bone, in the other knee.
I asked my GP for a referral and he said to try injections as there’s a long waiting list!
(I’ve tried these before and they only offered temporary and not much relief!)
Can I insist on a referral??
I think it varies from one area to another. My GP referred me to MSK where I was given injections for just over a year and when they stopped working it was then I was referred to the orthopaedic department for extra x rays and a knee replacement. This system can be known as "gate keeping". I had expected some sort of flush out first or a partial knee replacement but like you I had bone on bone and the consultant said that I needed a TKR.
in our area we start with MSK (the physios) and don’t see GP at all - the physios refer you.
Could I ask what area please?
I’m in Sussex
Thank you. I might ask for a physio referral and see where that leads too…
Same with mine, I’m being referred to consultant after 1 year wait after being referred to physio as consultant won’t touch you until see. Physio
next step knee replacement she said do referral but just wondering if any alternative to have first before this. Iv had injections and don’t last long
For my NHS hip I had to get funding and then agreement from the orthopaedic surgeon to put me on the waiting list. I believe the surgeon often does this. In my case it was my rheumatologist.
Thank you . Seems I’ll have to go privately for an Orthopaedic consultation and take it from there
Hi Nanlov you usually have to have tried all before Knee referral unless you have an accident and injure the leg. The Gp is correct its a long waiting list but it would be of benefit to be seeing a specialist or the orthopaedic department. Best Wishes
Thank you.
Unfortunately you can’t insist on referral, as GPs have strict guidelines to follow re referral for joint surgery. Most guidelines insist on initially seeing a MSK team, with the aim of managing this in primary care, unless you have a red flag, which warrants surgeon to assess. That’s tends to be things like fever, weight loss,
Here’s an article which explains the process quite well.
It my area you have to try all the other options first, pain killers, injections, exercise and braces. I think if none of these work you get you referral. A matter of ticking boxes.
Have a look at Alyssa Kuhn’s Arthritis Adventure channel on YouTube. She has advice on bone on bone arthritis and how to lower inflammation.
Thank you 😊
Partial knee replacement 
knee replacement 
Total Knee Replacement. Is there a perfect time?
