Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is designed to relieve pain and restore function in a damaged knee joint.

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Overview

During knee replacement surgery – also called arthroplasty – the damaged parts of the knee are removed and replaced with a new implant.

A total knee implant is made up of several components:

  • The femoral component fits on the lower end of your femur (thigh bone) and is made of metal.


  • The tibial component fits in the top of your tibia (shin bone) and has two parts:

    • A metal stem with a tray

    • A plastic insert that snaps into the tray, providing a smooth surface for the femoral component to glide over


  • The patellar component fits on your patella (knee cap). In some cases, the patellar component may not be needed.

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Is total knee replacement right for me?

To find out if knee replacement is a treatment option, make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. The surgeon will examine your knee and review your health situation in determining if knee replacement is recommended. Here are other things to know:

The procedure

What is the recovery like?

Each patient’s recovery is different and depends on several factors, including knee anatomy, treatment needs, and medical history. Typically, patients can return to most activities of daily living 3-6 weeks after surgery.1

One of the most important parts of recovery is following the instructions of your medical team. This means adhering to guidelines for movement and physical therapy, and letting your team know if you experience any problems.

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What are the risks involved?

All surgery has risks and the potential for complications. Talk to your surgeon about any concerns you may have before you decide on treatment. Some of the possible risks and complications for knee replacement include:

  • Blood clotting
    Blood clotting problems – such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) – may occur after surgery and interrupt normal blood flow. Your medical team may recommend medications and exercises to reduce the risk.


  • Infection
    Infection may occur at the surgical site or elsewhere in the body. If a serious infection occurs, additional surgery or removal of the implant may be needed.


  • Pneumonia
    After surgery, pneumonia or other breathing problems may develop. Your medical team may recommend measures to reduce the risk.


  • Nerve problems
    Though uncommon, nerves or blood vessels in the knee area may be damaged during surgery.


  • Long-term pain and stiffness in the knee
    Most patients experience excellent pain relief after knee replacement, but a small number continue to have pain.1 Similarly, a small number may develop joint stiffness. Following the recovery guidelines provided by your medical team may help reduce this risk.


  • Implant wear or failure
    The knee implant may become worn, loose, or damaged. It may not perform as expected. In some cases, another surgery may be needed to correct or replace the implant.


This is not a complete list of complications. Talk to your surgeon about the possible risks for your specific health situation.

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Disclaimers

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. Not everyone is a candidate for total knee replacement, and individual results of joint replacement will vary. Implants are intended to relieve knee pain and improve function but may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Potential risks include loosening, wear, and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Discuss your implant options with your surgeon. Please discuss nutrition, medication, and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency, please call 911 and seek emergency help. 39904 6/2023

Citations

1.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement.

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