Osteoarthritis and Total Knee Replacement: What to Know

In total knee replacement, the surgeon removes worn surfaces from the thigh bone, shin bone, and sometimes the underside of the kneecap. These surfaces are replaced with shaped components that allow the joint to move more smoothly. The operation is intended to reduce pain from joint damage; it does not recreate a natural knee or restore every activity to its earlier level.

The implant may include metal such as cobalt-chrome alloy or titanium and a durable plastic bearing. Bone cement may help secure some components. Your surgeon chooses the design and fixation method according to your bone quality, alignment, activity needs, and imaging findings. Computer navigation may assist with positioning during surgery.

Before surgery, review medicines, dental concerns, medical conditions, and your home setup. Practise the exercises recommended by your care team and arrange help with meals, transport, and early daily activities. After surgery, physiotherapy focuses on swelling control, safe walking, knee movement, and progressive strength. A walking aid may be useful at first.

Follow wound-care and activity instructions, and increase walking gradually. Recovery is measured by better function and manageable discomfort rather than by a single deadline. The underlying knee osteoarthritis is treated in the replaced joint, while other causes of leg pain may need separate assessment.

Arrange an assessment if knee pain, stiffness, or difficulty climbing stairs limits sleep, work, or ordinary activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. Contact the surgical team promptly after an operation for worsening wound redness, drainage, fever, sudden calf swelling, chest pain, or new breathlessness. Sudden inability to bear weight or a new deformity also needs urgent evaluation.

Ask which symptoms are coming from osteoarthritis, what alternatives remain, which implant materials and fixation method are suitable, how computer navigation would be used, and which movements or activities should be avoided during recovery.