Knee · Tendons, fractures & replacement
Total knee replacement
Knee Arthritis — Total Knee Arthroplasty
The condition
Knee arthritis is the wearing away of the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap. As it thins, bone rubs on bone, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and trouble walking, using stairs, and sleeping. Surgery is considered when other treatments no longer help enough.
The surgery
Total knee replacement is done through an incision at the front of the knee. The worn surfaces are removed and capped with metal implants on the thigh and shin bones, with a smooth ultra-strength plastic between them; the back of the kneecap may also be resurfaced. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Walking
- Full weight right away with a walker, moving to a cane as balance allows; most walk without a device between 2 and 6 weeks.
- Motion
- Getting the knee fully straight comes first. Bending to 90° by 2 weeks and 115° by 6 weeks; let us know early if motion lags.
- Daily life
- Desk work often between 3 and 6 weeks; more physical jobs take longer. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Activity
- Formal therapy typically ends at 2–3 months; strength keeps improving for 6–12 months. Walking, cycling, swimming, golf, and doubles tennis are encouraged; running and impact sports are possible in moderation once fully recovered.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have major pain relief and walk and sleep better. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, loosening or wear of the implants, infection of the implant, stiffness that may need a manipulation, instability, fracture around the implant, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves or blood vessels), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery