Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is an operation to resurface a knee joint that has been damaged by arthritis. The worn surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone are removed and replaced with metal components, with a plastic bearing between them. The aim is to relieve pain and restore function when arthritis is no longer manageable by other means.
When is a knee replacement considered?
A knee replacement is generally considered when:
Knee pain is limiting your daily activities, work or sleep
Non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, weight management and injections are no longer providing enough relief
X-rays show significant arthritis affecting the joint
The impact on your quality of life justifies the risks and recovery involved in surgery
The decision is based on your symptoms and how they affect your life, not on the appearance of your X-ray alone. Some people with marked changes on imaging manage well without surgery.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is usually performed under spinal or general anaesthetic and takes around one to two hours. The damaged surfaces are removed and the implants are fitted, with the soft tissues balanced so the knee moves and feels stable. Most people stay in hospital for a few days and begin walking with assistance on the day of surgery or the day after.
Recovery
Recovery is gradual and physiotherapy plays a central role. A typical course looks like:
First two weeks: Walking with aids, working on straightening and bending the knee, managing swelling.
Two to six weeks: Increasing independence, often moving from a frame to a stick, driving usually possible around six weeks for a right knee once safe control has returned.
Six weeks to three months: Walking further, returning to light work and everyday activities.
Three to twelve months: Continued improvement in strength, comfort and confidence. Swelling and occasional discomfort settling gradually over the first year.
Risks
As with any major operation there are risks, which will be discussed with you in detail. These include infection, blood clots, stiffness, ongoing pain, nerve or blood vessel injury, and problems with the implant over time. Serious complications are uncommon, but they are real and worth understanding before proceeding.
Dr Janan will assess your knee, review your imaging and discuss whether a replacement is appropriate for you, including whether a partial replacement or another option might suit your situation better.
Considering a knee replacement?
FAQs
How long does a knee replacement last?
Registry data shows that the large majority of knee replacements are still functioning well fifteen to twenty years after surgery. Longevity depends on factors including age, weight, activity level and implant type, so individual results vary.
Am I too young for a knee replacement?
Age alone does not determine suitability. Younger patients place greater demands on an implant over a longer period, which raises the likelihood of needing revision surgery eventually. That is weighed against the impact arthritis is having on your life now, and whether other options such as osteotomy or partial replacement may be more appropriate.
Will my knee feel normal afterwards?
Most people experience substantial pain relief and much improved function, but a replaced knee generally feels different from a natural one. Some numbness around the scar, a sense of tightness when kneeling and occasional awareness of the joint are common and usually settle with time.
What activities can I return to?
Walking, swimming, cycling, golf and similar low-impact activities are generally encouraged. Running and high-impact or heavy pivoting sports are usually discouraged, as they increase wear on the implant.
What is the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement?
A total replacement resurfaces the whole joint. A partial replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment and preserves the rest of the knee including the ligaments, which often means a smaller operation and quicker recovery. A partial is only suitable when arthritis is confined to one part of the knee.