Your browser does not support JavaScript! before use docindia please enable Javascript on your browser
🎉 Special Offer: Get 10% OFF on your video consultation with our verified doctors!

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery and How Is It Done?

Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where parts of a damaged knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial materials made of metal and plastic. This surgery helps reduce pain and improves movement by restoring proper joint function. It is most often done when other treatments like medicines, injections, or physical therapy have failed to ease pain from severe arthritis or joint damage. Patients who struggle with walking, stairs, or daily tasks because of knee pain often consider this surgery for relief and improved quality of life.

Purpose & Benefits of Knee Replacement

Knee replacement can help in many ways:

· Eases chronic knee pain: Especially when pain is due to arthritis or injury.

· Improves mobility: Makes walking and daily activities easier with less pain.

· Corrects deformity: Helps improve leg alignment and function.

· Lasting results: Modern prostheses are designed to work well for many years.

· Better quality of life: Most people can return to low-impact activities like walking or swimming after recovery.

Who May Benefit from Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is often recommended for people who:

· Have severe knee pain that limits daily life despite medical treatment.

· Have advanced arthritis or joint wear on X-rays.

· Experience limited movement or stiffness in the knee.

· Have knee damage from injury or deformity.

· Cannot walk comfortably because of knee pain or instability.

Types of Knee Replacement

· Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint surface is replaced.

· Partial Knee Replacement: Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, leaving healthy parts intact.

· Revision Knee Replacement: Replacement of a previous artificial knee when it wears out or fails.

Knee Replacement Treatment Process

1. Consultation & Evaluation: Your surgeon examines your knee, takes X-rays/MRI, reviews symptoms, and discusses expectations.

2. Pre-Surgery Preparation: You may undergo blood tests, stop certain medicines, and follow instructions like fasting.

3. Surgery: Under anesthesia, the surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and fits artificial components securely.

4. Recovery in Hospital: You will rest and begin gentle movement and therapy. Stay in the hospital may vary by case.

5. Rehabilitation: Physical therapy continues after discharge to rebuild strength and mobility.

Duration & Setting

Knee replacement surgery typically takes 1–3 hours in a hospital surgical theatre. You may stay a few days for recovery and beginning rehabilitation before going home. The full recovery period, including physical therapy, often takes several weeks to months to achieve best results.

Safety, Precautions & Risks

Knee replacement is generally safe, but like all major surgery, it carries some possible risks:

Common or expected issues:

· Swelling and soreness around the knee.

· Pain and stiffness during recovery.

Potential complications:

· Infection at the surgical site.

· Blood clots in legs or lungs.

· Nerve or blood vessel injury.

· Implant loosening or wear over time.

Doctors carefully evaluate overall health before surgery and give instructions to lower these risks.

Dr. Rajat Jangir

Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, MS - Orthopaedics, MBBS

OrthopedicsOrthopedics

35/162, Rajat Path Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Dr. Saurabh Bansal

MBBS, D. Ortho, DNB Ortho, MNAMS, FIJR

OrthopedicsOrthopedics

Plot No. 2, Sector 5, Imt Manesar,, Gurugram, Haryana, India, 122001

Dr. Sandeep KM

Dr. Sandeep KM- Stethcare Diagnostics & Multi-Speciality Centre

OrthopedicsOrthopedics
Orthopedic SurgeonsOrthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic Spine SurgeonsOrthopedic Spine Surgeons

1590, Nandi ,, 1590, Nandi , 1st floor,, 1st phase 5th stage, near SBI bank, BEML Layout, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka Bangalore, Karnataka, India,, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560098

Dr. Utsav Agrawal

MS - Orthopaedics, MBBS, Specialist in Knee & Hip Replacement

OrthopedicsOrthopedics

Aditya Enclave, 20-A, Central Bazar Road, Opposite Somalwar High School, Ramdaspeth, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440010, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, 440010

Dr. Sachin Bhonsle

MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics, FRCS (Glasgow)

Orthopedic SurgeonsOrthopedic Surgeons

Mulund Goregaon Link Road, Industrial Area, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Kaushal Malhan

MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics

OrthopedicsOrthopedics

Mulund Goregaon Link Road, Industrial Area, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Lalit Panchal

MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics, DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery, FCPS - Orthopedic, Diploma in Orthopaedics

OrthopedicsOrthopedics

Raheja Rugnalaya Marg., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Yajuvendra Gawai

MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics

OrthopedicsOrthopedics

3rd Floor, Hemdil Building, Opposite St. Lawrence School, Linking Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Hitesh Kubadia

MS - Orthopaedics, MBBS

Orthopedic SurgeonsOrthopedic Surgeons

109, Prabhu Krupa, Sir Bhalchandra Road, Hindu Colony, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Shaival Chauhan

MBBS, DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery, Diploma in Orthopaedics

Orthopedic SurgeonsOrthopedic Surgeons

101, Dipti Solitaire, M G Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Frequently Asked Questions

Knee replacement surgery is used to replace a worn-out or damaged knee joint with an artificial one to reduce pain and improve movement when other treatments no longer help.

You won’t feel pain during the surgery because of anesthesia. Afterward, some soreness and discomfort are normal, and pain medicines are given to help.

The procedure usually takes about 1–3 hours in a hospital setting.

Recovery may vary. But most people begin physical therapy soon after surgery and gradually return to normal activities over several weeks to months.

Yes. Risks include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, and implant wear or loosening, though serious complications are relatively uncommon.

Yes. For many patients with severe arthritis or joint damage, knee replacement can greatly improve walking, activity levels, and daily function.

Modern knee implants are durable and can last many years, but they may eventually wear and need revision. Regular follow-ups help monitor implant health.

Yes. Knee replacement is commonly done in older adults when necessary, as long as the person is healthy enough for surgery and anesthesia.