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Knee Replacement
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Surgery Rehabilitation

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery replaces damaged joint components with artificial parts to relieve pain and improve mobility for those suffering from severe knee conditions.

Overview

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure to replace parts of your knee joint with new, artificial parts. You may need a knee replacement if you have knee damage that causes severe pain and difficulty doing daily activities, such as walking and climbing stairs. It is usually done when other treatments for knee pain haven't helped enough. The goal of a knee replacement is to relieve pain and help you move better.

People of all ages may have knee replacement surgery, though it is more common in older people. The decision whether to have surgery is based on your overall health and how much your knee bothers you.

Conditions Treated

Knee replacement surgery treats conditions that cause the cartilage of the knee joint to wear away, including:

  • Knee osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. It usually develops over time after an injury or with aging.
  • Knee damage from other types of arthritis.
  • Problems from knee joints that aren't formed correctly.

The Surgical Procedure

During the surgery, a surgeon removes damaged cartilage and some bone from the surfaces of your knee joint. Cartilage is tissue that covers your bones where they meet. Healthy cartilage is smooth and helps the bones glide over each other when you move. When cartilage becomes rough and wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain.

After removing the damaged knee cartilage and bone, the surgeon attaches the artificial parts to your bones. The artificial parts are made of metal and plastic. They will give your knee new, smooth surfaces.

Knee replacement surgery may replace all the damaged parts of your knee (total knee replacement) or just part of your knee (partial knee replacement). In a total knee replacement, the surgeon replaces three surfaces:

  • The end of the shinbone
  • The end of the thighbone
  • The back of the kneecap

Recovery and Management

Some people go home the same day they have surgery, while others stay in the hospital for a few days. To help prevent blood clots, you'll most likely take blood thinners and wear special socks or coverings on your legs for a short time after surgery.

The success of your surgery depends a lot on what you do at home to help yourself recover. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to make your knee stronger and help it bend. It is important to do these exercises regularly. You may need to use a cane or walker for several weeks after the surgery. It will probably also be several weeks before you can drive; your doctor will tell you when you can start driving again.

Most people who follow their recovery instructions can get back to nearly all of their normal daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Life After Surgery

After recovering from surgery, most people can move better with less pain than before surgery. However, having an artificial knee is not the same as having a normal, healthy knee. You need to protect your new knee by:

  • Staying at a healthy weight.
  • Getting regular physical activity.
  • Avoiding high-impact activities, such as jogging, running, and jumping. Instead, try low-impact activities that are good for your knee, such as walking, biking, and swimming.

Risks and Longevity

The chance of having problems after knee replacement surgery is low, but there are risks associated with any surgery. Possible problems include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Nerve damage
  • Scarring that limits how far you can bend your knee

Your age, general health, and activity level can all affect your risk of having a problem. Additionally, a knee replacement doesn't last forever. After 15 to 20 years, the artificial knee parts may become loose or worn, which may require another surgery on the same knee. If you're thinking about having knee replacement surgery, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits to decide if it is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most modern knee replacements last between 15 and 20 years, though some may last longer depending on the patient's activity level and body weight. If the implant wears out or becomes loose, a revision surgery is required to replace the old components with new ones. Revision surgeries are more complex and carry higher risks than the initial replacement, so patients are often advised to maintain a healthy weight and avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping to extend the lifespan of the prosthesis.
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least two to three weeks before flying to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), which is a higher risk for patients with reduced mobility. When you do travel, it is important to move your legs frequently during long flights, wear compression stockings if advised by your doctor, and stay hydrated. Always consult with your orthopedic surgeon before booking any travel plans to ensure your incision is sufficiently healed and you are cleared for the physical demands of travel.
While many patients can walk with assistance within a day or two of surgery, full recovery typically takes three to six months. You will likely need physical therapy for several weeks to rebuild muscle strength and restore range of motion. Most people can resume light daily activities like driving and shopping within six to eight weeks, but returning to higher-impact activities or heavy labor may take longer. Consistency with physical therapy exercises is the single most important factor in achieving a faster and more complete recovery.
To maximize the life of your implant, it is crucial to maintain a healthy body weight, as excess weight places significant stress on the joint. Avoid high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or contact sports, which can accelerate wear on the plastic and metal components. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking are generally recommended. Additionally, practicing good posture and using proper lifting techniques can help protect the new joint from unnecessary strain.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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