Knee Surgery

The Knee Surgery department at Schulthess Klinik is one of the largest, most specialised centres in Switzerland. High case numbers, clearly structured processes and an experienced interdisciplinary team are the foundation of consistently high quality. We combine this expertise with state-of-the-art surgical technology and innovative implant systems to achieve stable and functionally compelling outcomes for our patients over the long term.

Above-average quality across a high number of cases

The quality of a knee replacement operation is reflected in the number of times follow-up surgery is needed after a procedure. This is referred to as the two-year revision rate. The Swiss National Association for Quality Development in Hospitals and Clinics (ANQ) continuously captures the revision rate for all Swiss hospitals in the SIRIS report. The 2025 report (evaluation period 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2022) shows an adjusted two-year revision rate for Schulthess Klinik of just 1.6%. The Swiss average is 3.3%. This indicates that the need for a repeat operation within two years in our patients is less than half the national rate. “Adjusted” means that differences in the patient profile, such as age or pre-existing conditions, are taken into account statistically. This makes it possible to compare results fairly across hospitals.

These outcomes were achieved in 2,337 knee replacements recorded in the registry. This makes Schulthess Klinik one of the centres with the highest number of cases in Switzerland – an important basis for stable and reliable results.

Two new surgical systems for more personalised treatments

Modern implants and precise technology have a direct impact on the day-to-day lives of our patients. In 2025, we introduced two innovative surgical systems that allow for even more personalised treatments.

A knee replacement revision is a challenging procedure. With the new Persona® revision system, we have a modular system at our disposal for this purpose. The individual components can be combined to ensure the implant fits the patient's specific bone anatomy as precisely as possible. This allows the post-operative result to closely replicate the natural shape of the leg and function of the knee joint. A special fixation technique ensures a secure hold, even if there is already less bone due to a prior artificial joint. Modern materials support a long implant lifespan.

If only part of the knee joint is affected by osteoarthritis, the entire joint does not need to be replaced. With the SIGMA® HP Partial Knee system, we only replace the damaged part while preserving healthy bones and ligaments. The procedure is supported by the VELYS™ Robotic Assisted Solution, a digital surgeon's assistant that helps adapt the implant to the individual anatomy with the highest precision. Our team has already presented the system at several congresses. Notably, our Senior Consultant Prof. Dr. med. Michael Worlicek was invited to the Summit of the World Surgery Tour to demonstrate it in a live operation before an international audience, broadcast online worldwide.

This is how individual solutions focused on stability, mobility and long-term function come about, enabling patients to regain safe and confident movement after surgery.