Knee replacement replaces a worn-out, painful knee joint with an artificial one, relieving arthritis pain and helping you walk comfortably again.
Overview
Knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) is surgery in which the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with metal and medical-grade plastic parts. It is most often done for advanced osteoarthritis, when the cartilage that cushions the joint has worn away.
Depending on how much of the knee is affected, the surgeon may replace the whole joint (total knee replacement) or only one part of it (partial knee replacement). Our orthopaedic team assesses each knee carefully and plans the surgery around your activity level and goals.
Who needs this treatment?
- Severe knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
- Pain at night or at rest
- Knee deformity such as bow legs or knock knees caused by arthritis
- Stiffness and swelling that do not improve with medicines, physiotherapy or injections
- Damage from rheumatoid arthritis or an old injury
Benefits
- Lasting relief from arthritis pain for most patients
- Better mobility and independence in daily activities
- Correction of leg deformity
- Improved sleep and quality of life
How it is done
Before the procedure
You will have blood tests, X-rays, an ECG and a check-up with the physician and anaesthetist. Long-term conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure are brought under control. Arrange help at home and remove trip hazards such as loose rugs.
During the procedure
The operation is done under spinal or general anaesthesia and usually takes one to two hours. The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage, fits the artificial parts and checks the alignment and movement of the knee before closing the wound.
After the procedure
Physiotherapy usually starts within a day of surgery, and most patients walk with support soon after. Pain is controlled with medicines. The usual hospital stay is a few days.
Recovery and aftercare
Most people walk with a walker or stick for the first few weeks and return to routine daily activities in about six weeks; full recovery can take a few months.
- Do your physiotherapy exercises every day; they are the key to a good result
- Keep the wound clean and dry until it heals
- Use the walking aid until your surgeon or physiotherapist says you can stop
- Report fever, increasing pain, redness or swelling of the leg promptly
Frequently asked questions
Modern knee implants last many years for most people. How long yours lasts depends on factors such as your weight, activity level and bone quality.
In some patients, yes. Your surgeon will decide whether operating on both knees together or one at a time is safer for you.
Deep bending such as squatting or sitting cross-legged may be limited after knee replacement. Ask your surgeon what range of movement to expect with your implant.
This page gives general information. Whether a treatment is right for you, and what it involves, depends on your condition; your doctor will explain the options after examining you.