Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, treats damaged knee joints with metal or plastic implants. It’s a common procedure that’s very effective at reducing pain and stiffness from injury or arthritis. After knee replacement and recovery, you can get back to everyday tasks and activities you enjoy.
Most arthroplasties target the entire knee joint, an operation called a total knee replacement. But some people choose to have a partial knee replacement.
To understand the difference, it helps to know the knee’s compartments, or sections. It has three:
The partial approach fixes a single section. So healthcare providers call it unicompartmental replacement. A total knee replacement addresses all three sections. Generally, only younger adults with symptoms in one knee section benefit from partial replacement.
You may consider knee replacement surgery if:
A healthcare provider may recommend knee replacement surgery after other treatments for knee pain don’t help anymore. These earlier options may include:
The surgery is very common. Surgeons started doing it in the 1960s, with regular updates to techniques and implants along the way.
Almost 800,000 knee replacements currently get performed each year in the United States. The surgery is often done in older adults whose knees have worn down over time. But it’s also become popular in middle age, as people want to stay active.
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, talk to an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in operations to fix joints and muscles.
Your orthopedic surgeon will:
The orthopedic surgeon will then make a recommendation for surgery or another treatment option.
If you and your surgeon decide to move forward with knee replacement, you may need:
The day of surgery, you will receive anesthesia to prevent pain during the operation. You will have either a regional (spinal block) or general anesthetic. Your anesthesia team will decide what type of anesthesia is right for you.
Knee arthroplasty takes about an hour or two. The surgical team will:
After surgery, you will get moved to a recovery room. The healthcare team will watch you for a short time to make sure you wake up from the anesthesia without complications. They’ll also monitor your vital signs and pain level.
Occasionally, people who have knee replacement surgery go home the same day. If you need to stay in the hospital, it will likely be for one day. Additional time spent in the hospital is based on medical necessity.
Your healthcare team will prescribe medications to help you manage pain after surgery, such as:
To prevent blood clots and control swelling, your healthcare team might also recommend:
Your team will ask you to move your foot and ankle around frequently to maintain blood flow at home. They’ll also show you special exercises to help strengthen your knee and restore motion. Exercises are very important to the success of your knee replacement. Initially, physical therapy will be in the home. Arrangements for this in home PT are made at the time of discharge from the hospital.
Long-term, you may still feel some discomfort and have to limit high-impact activity to protect the replacement joint. But knee replacement can relieve a lot of the pain and help you move much better. More than 90% of people who have a total knee replacement still function well 15 years after surgery.
Although knee arthroplasty is a very safe procedure, rare complications may occur:
Your doctor will give you specific instructions. But many people can get back to their everyday activities three to six weeks after surgery.
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions about recovery. You will gradually increase activity, starting with a slow walking program. You will be encouraged to stand, climb stairs and perform other normal household activities as soon as possible.
Most modern knee implants last 15 years or longer after surgery. Eventually, with normal activity, the plastic implant may begin to wear down or loosen.
Younger people who have knee arthroplasty sometimes need a second knee replacement later in life.
Soon after surgery, you will be able to walk with a cane or a walker. But you will need help with everyday activities, such as:
Plan ahead to have a friend or loved one help you after surgery, or tell your healthcare provider if you’ll need help.
Your recovery will also be easier and safer if you adjust your home ahead of time. Things to consider include:
After you go home, call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:
