Knee Replacement Surgery
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that replaces damaged or worn surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components. It may be considered when ongoing knee pain, stiffness or limited mobility has not improved enough with nonsurgical treatments such as medication, activity changes or physical therapy.
Conditions that may lead to knee replacement include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, significant joint damage and certain knee injuries. The goal of knee replacement surgery is to reduce pain, improve movement and help you return to the activities that are important to you.
CHRISTUS Health orthopedic specialists evaluate your symptoms, knee function, overall health and treatment history to help determine whether knee replacement surgery may be appropriate for you.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery: Choosing the Right Option for You
Different types of knee replacement surgery may be considered depending on which parts of the knee are affected, the condition of the joint and your individual needs. Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your knee and recommend an appropriate treatment option.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the knee and replacing the affected joint surfaces with artificial components. It may be considered when arthritis or other joint damage affects multiple areas of the knee and significantly interferes with movement or daily activities.
Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement , also called unicompartmental knee replacement, replaces only the affected portion of the knee rather than the entire joint. It may be an option for appropriately selected patients whose joint damage is limited to one area of the knee.
Recovery after partial knee replacement may be quicker for some patients than recovery after total knee replacement. Your orthopedic surgeon can explain the potential benefits and risks of each procedure based on your knee condition and individual needs.
Knee Resurfacing
In some cases, damaged surfaces of the knee may be resurfaced with prosthetic components rather than replacing the entire joint. Your orthopedic surgeon can determine which procedure is appropriate based on the condition of your knee and your individual needs.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery may be considered when knee pain, stiffness or limited mobility continues despite nonsurgical treatments. If knee problems are interfering with everyday activities or your quality of life, an orthopedic evaluation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Reasons to talk with an orthopedic specialist may include:
- Persistent knee pain: Knee pain that continues or interferes with walking, exercise, sleep or other daily activities.
- Reduced mobility: Pain or stiffness that makes it increasingly difficult to walk, bend the knee, climb stairs or perform everyday activities.
- Limited relief from nonsurgical treatments: Medications, physical therapy, injections, activity changes or other treatments have not provided enough relief.
- Arthritis or degenerative joint disease: Joint damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or another condition is contributing to significant pain or limitations in knee function.
- Knee injury or joint damage: Certain injuries or damage to the knee joint may lead your orthopedic specialist to consider surgical treatment.
Needing an orthopedic evaluation does not necessarily mean that you need knee replacement surgery. Your orthopedic specialist will review your symptoms, examination findings, imaging and previous treatments before recommending the next step in your care.
How Is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
During knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces the affected joint surfaces with prosthetic components designed to restore smoother joint movement.
Anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable during surgery. Once the new joint components are in place, your surgeon checks their position, alignment and movement before closing the incision.
Knee replacement surgery generally takes about one to two hours, but the length of the procedure can vary depending on the type of surgery and your individual needs. Your surgical team will explain what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Surgical Approaches
The surgical approach refers to where and how the surgeon accesses the knee joint during the procedure. Your orthopedic surgeon will determine an appropriate approach based on your knee condition and individual treatment needs.
- Anterior approach: The surgeon accesses the knee from the front of the joint.
- Medial approach: The surgeon accesses the knee from its inner side.
- Lateral approach: The surgeon accesses the knee from its outer side.
After surgery, your care team will help you begin moving safely and start the rehabilitation process. Your recovery plan will be based on the procedure performed and your individual needs.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
At CHRISTUS Health, robotic-assisted surgery may be used during some knee replacement procedures to help surgeons plan and perform the procedure with precision. The technology assists the surgeon during the procedure but does not replace the surgeon’s expertise or clinical decision-making.
Robotic-assisted surgery is not appropriate for every patient, and knee replacement surgery can also be performed using traditional surgical methods. Your orthopedic surgeon will consider your knee condition and individual needs when recommending a surgical approach.
Regardless of the approach used, the goal is to develop a treatment plan that supports safe recovery, improved movement and your individual health needs.
Physical Therapy After Knee Replacement
Orthopedic physical therapy is an important part of recovery after knee replacement surgery. Your rehabilitation plan is personalized according to your procedure, physical abilities and progress.
The goals of physical therapy may include:
- Improving range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthening the muscles that support the knee
- Improving balance and coordination
- Restoring everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs
- Helping you return safely to appropriate activities
CHRISTUS Health physical therapy services provide rehabilitation and individualized support for patients recovering from orthopedic conditions and procedures.
Knee Replacement Recovery
Recovery after knee replacement happens gradually and varies from person to person. Many patients begin standing and walking with assistance soon after surgery and begin rehabilitation exercises early in recovery. Mobility, strength and range of motion can continue to improve as rehabilitation progresses.
Recovery depends on factors such as the type of knee replacement, your overall health and your progress with rehabilitation. Your surgeon and physical therapist will guide you on when it is safe to increase activity and return to work, driving, exercise and other activities.
Many patients make significant progress during the first six to 12 weeks, while strength, mobility and other aspects of recovery can continue improving for several months. For some patients, recovery may continue for six to 12 months. These are general ranges, and each patient’s recovery is different.
For more detailed information about common milestones during rehabilitation, learn more about the knee replacement recovery process and timeline .
Your Knee Replacement Questions Answered
Knee replacement surgery generally takes about one to two hours, although the length of the procedure can vary depending on the type of surgery and your individual needs. Your surgical team can provide more information about what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Knee replacement recovery varies from person to person. Many patients make significant progress during the first six to 12 weeks, while strength, mobility and other aspects of recovery can continue improving for several months. For some patients, recovery may continue for six to 12 months.
Your recovery depends on factors such as the type of procedure, your overall health and your progress with rehabilitation. These timelines are general estimates, and your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist will provide guidance based on your individual recovery.
Learn more about the knee replacement recovery process and timeline .
Knee replacements are designed to provide long-term improvement in pain and function. Many knee replacements may last 15 to 20 years or longer, but implant longevity varies from person to person.
Factors such as your age, activity level, overall health and the condition of the joint can affect how long a knee replacement lasts. Your orthopedic surgeon can discuss what you can expect based on your individual health and procedure.
After knee replacement surgery, your care team will focus on pain management, safe movement and beginning rehabilitation. Many patients begin standing and walking with assistance soon after surgery and start simple exercises as their recovery begins.
Swelling, stiffness and discomfort around the knee can occur during early recovery. Your care team will give you instructions for caring for your knee, using assistive devices when needed and safely progressing through physical therapy.
Learn more about pain after knee replacement and what to expect during recovery .
The cost of knee replacement surgery varies based on factors such as the procedure performed, your individual care needs and your insurance coverage. Your out-of-pocket costs can also vary according to your health plan and benefits.
Contact CHRISTUS Health or your insurance provider for information about estimated costs and coverage related to your care.
Knee replacement may be considered when ongoing pain, stiffness or limited mobility significantly affects daily activities and nonsurgical treatments have not provided enough relief.
Being evaluated for knee replacement does not mean you will need surgery. An orthopedic specialist will consider your symptoms, knee function, imaging, overall health and previous treatments before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.
Total knee replacement treats multiple damaged areas of the knee by replacing the affected joint surfaces with artificial components. Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, treats only the affected portion of the knee while preserving other areas of the joint.
Partial knee replacement may be appropriate for selected patients whose joint damage is limited to one area of the knee. Recovery may be quicker for some patients after partial knee replacement, but each procedure has different considerations. Your orthopedic surgeon can help determine which option is appropriate for you.
Learn more about partial knee replacement surgery .
Why Choose CHRISTUS Health for Knee Replacement?
Knee pain can affect how you work, exercise, sleep and take part in the activities that matter to you. At CHRISTUS Health, orthopedic care begins with understanding your symptoms, your goals and how your knee condition affects your everyday life.
Our orthopedic specialists evaluate your knee and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs. Depending on your condition, care may include nonsurgical treatment, physical therapy, partial or total knee replacement, robotic-assisted technology or other surgical options when appropriate.
Your care does not end with surgery. Your orthopedic and rehabilitation teams work with you throughout recovery to help improve strength, movement and function.
