Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement removes damaged surfaces from the thigh bone, shin bone, and sometimes the underside of the kneecap. The surgeon places shaped components and a smooth bearing surface so the knee can move with less contact between worn areas. It is also called total knee arthroplasty. The operation does not replace every structure in the leg; it addresses the joint surfaces causing pain and stiffness.

Total knee replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with components that support movement and reduce knee pain.

Some people notice that the joint no longer has the same arthritic grinding soon after surgery, but swelling, soreness, and weakness can temporarily hide the benefit. Walking usually progresses in stages with a frame, crutches, or another aid as advised. Comfort and function tend to improve as the incision settles and the muscles regain strength through exercise.

Expected effects include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, tiredness, and temporary difficulty bending the knee. Surgical complications can include infection, a blood clot, bleeding, nerve or blood-vessel injury, persistent stiffness, instability, or continuing pain. Seek urgent medical advice for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, a painful swollen calf, fever, or worsening wound drainage.

A replacement is intended to be a long-term joint reconstruction, rather than a course of treatment taken for a fixed period. Its useful life varies with activity, body factors, implant design, and other conditions. Follow-up may be arranged if pain, swelling, instability, or reduced movement develops; a revision operation is sometimes considered when components wear or loosen.

The aim is to reduce pain and improve everyday movement, not to restore a young or uninjured knee. The choice of implant, fixation method, and surgical approach depends on bone quality, alignment, ligament condition, symptoms, and the surgeon’s assessment.

It may be discussed when knee pain and stiffness from advanced joint damage interfere with walking, sleep, work, or personal care, and non-surgical care no longer provides enough relief. Knee osteoarthritis is one possible reason. Assessment usually includes symptoms, examination, movement, alignment, imaging, general health, medicines, and expectations. A decision should reflect the effect on daily life rather than an image alone.

Before surgery, the team reviews medicines, health conditions, dental or skin infections, mobility, and home support. During the operation, anaesthesia is provided, the damaged surfaces are prepared, trial components are checked for balance, and the selected components are inserted. The wound is closed and the leg is monitored while recovery from anaesthesia begins.

Early recovery focuses on pain control, wound care, circulation exercises, and safe transfers. Physiotherapy helps restore knee bend, straightening, walking, and strength. At home, use the aid and exercises prescribed, keep follow-up appointments, and increase activity gradually. Swelling can last beyond the first phase, so progress is judged by function and trend rather than one good or difficult day.

Your team will discuss risks such as infection, clotting, stiffness, instability, fracture, wear, loosening, and the possibility of further surgery. Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous clots, smoking, diabetes, and any current infection. Contact the surgical service promptly if the wound opens, redness spreads, pain escalates, or the leg becomes newly weak or numb.

Depending on the joint damage, options may include exercise-based physiotherapy, weight and activity adjustments, pain medicines, injections, or a partial replacement when disease is limited to one compartment. Robotic assistance and patient-specific instruments are techniques that may be discussed, not separate guarantees of an outcome. Ask which option matches your knee pattern and goals.

Look for an orthopaedic team that evaluates the whole knee, explains implant and fixation choices, coordinates rehabilitation, and gives clear instructions for warning signs. Bring your medicine list, imaging, previous treatment history, and questions about stairs, driving, work, exercise, and home help.