Types of knee replacement

Knee replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged bone and cartilage in the knee are replaced with metal and plastic parts, which helps reduce discomfort and improve movement for people with severe knee problems.

The most common reasons people need knee replacement surgery are:

While most knee replacements are done for people between 50 and 80, younger people with knee joint issues may also be candidates for the surgery.

patient on a baseball field teaching his son how to bat after recovering from knee replacement surg

Types of knee replacement

Knee replacement surgery can be done in two ways: total knee replacement or partial knee replacement.

  • Total knee replacement: This surgery involves replacing the entire joint line — the inside, outside and sometimes under your kneecap — to help improve pain and movement.
  • Partial knee replacement: In this surgery, only the damaged areas of your knee are replaced. It's often recommended for people with damage to just one or two parts of the knee, especially if caused by prior injury.

Depending on your situation and preference, your surgeon may use robotic technology that can offer personalized fit and placement of your artificial joint.

patient consulting with doctor about types of knee replacements

Why might I need knee replacement?

Your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery if you're dealing with severe symptoms that don’t improve with other treatments, such as:

  • Pain in your knee
  • Stiffness
  • Trouble moving your knee
  • Swelling
  • Knee deformity

Arthritis is the most common reason people need knee replacement surgery. While many people who get a knee replacement have osteoarthritis, some with rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis may also need the procedure.

In rare cases, knee replacement may be recommended if you've had a bone fracture in your knee that leads to post-traumatic arthritis. This type of arthritis can develop after an injury, such as a car accident, a fall or a sports-related incident.

How to prepare for knee replacement surgery

Your surgeon may require you to have a physical exam from your primary care provider to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. You may also need certain tests, such as an electrocardiogram to check heart function and blood and urine tests to check for infection and other conditions.

Your provider may recommend working with your primary care provider or specialist to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, to help ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.

You will also need to plan for your recovery. You might have difficulty getting around as you heal, and making modifications to your home in advance can help. This might include:

  • Arranging help with cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and other chores
  • Creating a temporary living space on one floor of your home if you have multiple floors
  • Getting a stable armchair with a firm back and cushion and a footstool to elevate your leg
  • Installing safety bars in your shower, purchasing a shower chair and installing a toilet riser with arms
  • Removing tripping hazards, such as cords or loose rugs

If necessary, a social worker can talk to you about whether you need inpatient rehab after surgery. Inpatient rehab may offer extra assistance if you live alone.

doctor discussing knee replacement surgery with a female patient

What to expect with knee replacement surgery

A knee replacement involves replacing natural bone and tissue with metal and plastic parts. Surgeons may use 3D imaging and advanced technology to select an implant that fits your anatomy, so the implant fits as well as possible and lasts a long time. On average, knee replacements last 15 to 20 years, however, with recent advances in technology, current implants may last for much longer.

Before surgery

Follow your doctor’s instructions for eating, drinking and taking medication on the days leading up to and the day of your surgery.

You will be given general or regional anesthesia (a spinal) for the procedure. If you have a spinal, you will be numb from the waist down during the surgery. Just before the procedure, you will meet with an anesthesiologist. They will talk to you about how the anesthesia will be administered during the procedure and ask if you have any allergies.

Knee replacement recovery

Recovery from knee replacement usually takes about a year, but most people can get back to everyday activities within six weeks. How long it takes to recover depends on your activity level, age and overall health.

Here are some general tips to help with your recovery:

  • Ice your knee: Apply ice for 20 minutes several times a day to help with pain and swelling.
  • Elevate your knee: Keep your knee raised above your heart as much as possible, using pillows or a footstool.
  • Care for your incision: Follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to keep your incision clean and covered. Ask when it’s okay to shower.
  • Physical therapy: You’ll work with a therapist for a few months to help you move safely and regain strength.
  • Do your exercises: Regular exercises will help strengthen your muscles and prevent stiffness. Follow your surgeon and physical therapist’s advice on how often to do them.

Most people can drive again around four to six weeks after surgery, once your knee can bend enough to get in and out of the car comfortably and your muscles are strong enough to brake safely and accelerate.

Knee replacement surgery usually brings pain relief, better movement and an improved quality of life. After fully recovering, you can enjoy walking, swimming, golfing and biking. However, you may want to avoid high-impact activities like jogging or contact sports. Be sure to talk with your healthcare team about safe ways to stay active after surgery.

Care Companion

If you have surgery at Baylor Scott & White, the Total Knee and Hip Care Companion is a digital resource within the MyBSWHealth app that connects you to your surgeon and care team. If preferred, a loved one can serve as your proxy through Family Account Management. The Total Knee and Hip Care Companion provides pre and postsurgical tasks, records your recovery progress and keeps your healthcare team informed of your success, so you can feel confident healing at home.

Care Companion is available through most orthopedic surgeons on the medical staff. Check with your doctor’s office about service availability.

Knee replacement risks

Like any surgery, knee replacement surgery comes with some risks. Possible complications include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • The new knee joint becoming loose or wearing out
  • Fractures
  • Ongoing pain or stiffness

In some cases, the knee joint may not work as expected, or it may need to be replaced again in the future. There’s also a chance that nerves or blood vessels near the surgery site could be injured, leading to weakness or numbness. In rare cases, the surgery may not fully relieve the joint pain.

Other risks may depend on your health condition. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have before the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

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