Total Knee Replacement

What this procedure is

Total knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty (AR-thro-plas-tee), is a surgical procedure to "resurface" a knee joint that has been worn down or damaged. Rather than replacing the entire joint like a mechanical hinge, the surgeon focuses on the surfaces where the bones meet.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage from the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shinbone (tibia). These surfaces are replaced with specially designed artificial parts, often called a prosthesis, made of metal and high-grade plastics. A plastic spacer is usually placed between the metal parts to allow the joint to glide smoothly.

What it treats or fixes

The primary goal of this surgery is to relieve chronic pain and improve your ability to move. It is most often used to treat damage caused by different types of arthritis, including:

• Osteoarthritis: This "wear and tear" condition breaks down the cartilage that cushions the joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An inflammatory condition where the body's immune system affects the joint lining.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Joint damage that develops years after a serious knee injury or fracture.

Your clinician may recommend this procedure if your knee pain is so severe that it limits everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs. It is typically considered when more conservative treatments—such as physical therapy, weight management, or medications—are no longer providing enough relief.

How common it is & where it's done

Knee replacement is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed in North America. Hundreds of thousands of people undergo this procedure each year to regain their independence and stay active.

The surgery is performed in a hospital or a specialized outpatient surgery center. Depending on your health and the specific approach used, you might stay in the hospital for one or more nights. In some cases, your clinician may determine that you are a candidate for same-day surgery, which allows you to return home the day of the procedure to begin your recovery.

Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery begins shortly after surgery. Most people are encouraged to stand and take a few steps with help on the same day or the day after. Your clinician may recommend physical therapy, which involves specific exercises to help you regain strength and range of motion (how far you can move your joint).

• You may use a walker or crutches for several weeks to stay steady while you walk.
• Managing pain and swelling is important; your care team may suggest using ice packs and keeping your leg raised.
• Most people can return to light daily activities, such as light housework, within three to six weeks.

Risks & Possible Complications

While most knee replacements are successful, all surgeries have some risks. Your care team works to prevent these, but it is helpful to know what to watch for. Possible complications include:

• Blood clots: These are clumps of blood that can form in the leg veins. Your clinician may give you blood-thinning medicine or special stockings to help prevent them.
• Infection: This can happen near the skin opening or deeper in the joint.
• Stiffness: Some people may find it hard to bend the knee fully if they do not follow their exercise plan.

You should contact your clinician if you experience a high fever, sudden calf pain, or if the area around your knee becomes very red, warm, or begins to drain fluid.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The main goal of a knee replacement is to reduce chronic pain and help you move more easily. Most people find that their quality of life improves significantly after they have fully recovered. You can usually return to low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or golf.

Modern knee implants are very durable. Research shows that most replacements last for 15 to 20 years or even longer. To help your new knee last, your clinician may suggest avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping, which can cause the implant to wear down faster over time.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is normal to feel a mix of emotions during your recovery. Some days may feel harder than others as you work through physical therapy and adjust to your new joint. Having a support system of family, friends, or a support group can help you stay motivated and positive.

Remember that healing is a process that happens in stages. Your care team is there to guide you through each step. By following your recovery plan and being patient with yourself, you are taking the right steps toward a more active and comfortable life.

Why doctors recommend it

The most common reason for a total knee replacement is severe pain caused by arthritis. Over time, the cartilage (the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the ends of your bones) can wear away. When this happens, the bones may rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Your clinician may recommend this surgery if other treatments have not provided enough relief. These treatments often include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
• Injections into the knee joint to reduce inflammation.
• Using walking aids like canes or braces.

If your knee pain makes it hard to perform simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a chair, surgery may be the next step to help you stay active.

Urgent vs planned treatment

A total knee replacement is almost always a planned (elective) procedure. This means it is not an emergency surgery that must happen immediately. Instead, you and your healthcare team can take the time to decide when the timing is right for you.

Because it is planned, you have the opportunity to prepare your home and your body for recovery. Your clinician may suggest "pre-habilitation," which involves exercises to strengthen your muscles before the operation. This planning helps ensure you are in the best possible health before the procedure takes place.

The decision to move forward usually happens when the pain becomes a constant part of your life and other options are no longer working. You can work with your doctor to choose a date that fits your schedule and allows for proper recovery time.

Goals of treatment

The main goal of a total knee replacement is to reduce or eliminate the chronic pain caused by joint damage. By replacing the worn-out surfaces of the knee with artificial parts, the "bone-on-bone" friction is removed.

Other important goals of the surgery include:

• Improved mobility: Helping you walk further and move more easily without significant discomfort.
• Better alignment: Correcting "bow-legged" or "knock-kneed" curves that can develop when the joint wears down unevenly.
• Quality of life: Allowing you to return to daily activities, such as shopping, gardening, or light exercise, that were previously too painful to enjoy.

While the surgery aims to restore function, the goal is typically to return to low-impact activities. Your clinician can help you understand what level of activity is safe for your new knee joint.

Who may benefit

Total knee replacement is often considered when knee pain or stiffness makes it hard to do daily activities, like walking or climbing stairs. You might find that you have pain even while resting, or that your knee feels swollen and inflamed most of the time. If your knee has a visible deformity, such as bowing in or out, this surgery may help realign the joint.

Clinicians usually suggest this procedure for people with advanced arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason; it is a "wear and tear" condition where the protective cartilage on the bone ends wears away. Other reasons include rheumatoid arthritis (an immune system issue) or joint damage following a serious injury.

Most people who benefit from surgery have already tried other treatments. These might include physical therapy, weight loss, or medications. If these options no longer provide enough relief to maintain your quality of life, your care team may discuss surgery with you.

When it may not be the right option

While knee replacement is a common procedure, it is not the right choice for everyone. Your clinician may advise against it if you have an active infection in your body or your knee joint. Surgery is generally delayed until any infection is fully treated to prevent complications with the new implant.

Other factors may make surgery less effective or more risky. For example, if the muscles that support your knee are very weak, the new joint may not be stable. Severe blood flow problems in the legs or certain chronic health conditions, like uncontrolled heart or lung disease, might also mean that the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits.

Finally, if your pain is mild or if you can still perform your daily tasks comfortably with non-surgical treatments, your care team will likely recommend continuing those methods first. Surgery is usually a step taken when other options are no longer helping.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on surgery is a big step. It is helpful to bring a list of questions to your appointment to ensure you have the information you need. You might consider asking:

• What are the specific risks and benefits for my health situation?
• Are there other non-surgical treatments we should try first?
• How long is the typical recovery time, and will I need help at home?
• What kind of physical therapy will I need after the procedure?
• What activities will I be able to do (or not do) once I have recovered?
• How long is the knee implant expected to last?

In the procedure room

When it is time for your surgery, you will be moved into the operating room. The surgical team will perform a "time-out," which is a standard safety check to confirm your identity and the specific knee being treated. This ensures everyone on the team is ready and informed before the procedure begins.

The room is equipped with specialized monitors and tools. You will be positioned comfortably on the operating table, and your knee area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to help prevent infection. The surgical team will wear sterile gowns and masks to maintain a clean environment.

High-level steps

The surgeon begins by making an incision (a surgical cut) over the front of the knee. They carefully move the kneecap aside to reach the joint. The damaged surfaces at the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shin bone (tibia) are removed to make room for the new parts.

The new joint parts, called the prosthesis, are made of metal and high-grade plastic. These parts are fitted onto the bone ends. Your surgeon may use surgical cement to hold them in place or use components designed for your natural bone to grow into them over time. A plastic spacer is placed between the metal parts to allow for smooth movement.

Once the new parts are secure, the surgeon tests the movement and alignment of the knee. Finally, the incision is closed with stitches, staples, or surgical glue, and a sterile bandage is applied to protect the area while it heals.

Anesthesia and pain control

Your care team will help you stay comfortable during the procedure. You may receive general anesthesia, which puts you into a deep sleep. Alternatively, your clinician may recommend regional anesthesia, such as a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body while you remain relaxed or lightly asleep.

In many cases, a nerve block is also used. This involves injecting numbing medication around the nerves near the knee. This helps reduce pain during the surgery and provides continued pain relief for several hours after the procedure is finished.

Monitoring and safety steps

Throughout the surgery, your vital signs—including your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels—are monitored continuously by an anesthesia provider. This ensures you stay stable and safe while the surgical team works.

To help prevent infection, you will likely receive antibiotics through an IV (a small tube in your vein) before and during the procedure. The team also takes steps to manage blood flow, which may include using a temporary pressure cuff on the thigh to keep the surgical area clear and minimize blood loss.

Immediately after the procedure

After the surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room. Nurses will check on you frequently as you wake up from the anesthesia. You may feel groggy, thirsty, or notice some shivering, which are common feelings as anesthesia wears off.

Your knee will be wrapped in a large bandage, and you might feel some pressure, soreness, or numbness in the leg. Some patients have a small, thin tube near the incision to drain away extra fluid for a short time. Your team will monitor your comfort level and provide medication to help manage any pain.

Typical procedure length

The surgery itself usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, you should expect to be in the surgical area for a longer period. This extra time is needed for the preparation before the procedure and the careful monitoring required in the recovery room afterward.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Surgeons generally use one of two main techniques to reach the knee joint. The traditional approach involves a vertical incision (cut) on the front of the knee, usually about 8 to 10 inches long. This gives the surgeon a clear view of the joint and allows for precise placement of the implant.

Some patients may be candidates for minimally invasive surgery. In this approach, the surgeon uses a shorter incision, typically 4 to 6 inches long. The goal is to work around the muscles and tendons rather than cutting through them. This can sometimes lead to less pain and a faster recovery.

However, the minimally invasive approach is not right for everyone. It offers the surgeon a more limited view of the knee, which can make the procedure technically harder. Your clinician will decide which method is safest for you based on your anatomy and the extent of the damage.

Partial vs total

Most knee replacement surgeries are total knee replacements. In this procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged surfaces of all three compartments of the knee. This is typically necessary when arthritis is widespread throughout the joint.

If your arthritis is limited to just one specific area of the knee, your doctor might suggest a partial knee replacement (also called unicompartmental replacement). This procedure replaces only the damaged part of the knee while keeping the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact.

Partial replacements often allow for a quicker recovery and may feel more natural than a total replacement. However, this option is not always applicable. If the arthritis spreads to other parts of the knee later in life, a partial replacement may eventually need to be converted to a total replacement.

Revision or repeat procedures

Modern knee implants are durable and can last for 15 to 20 years or longer. However, they do not last forever. A revision procedure is a surgery performed to replace an old implant that has worn out, loosened, or become unstable.

Revision surgery may also be necessary if an infection develops around the artificial joint or if a bone fracture occurs near the implant. These procedures are often more complex than the original surgery and require careful planning by your medical team.

Tests and imaging that may be done

To ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure, your surgical team will likely schedule a pre-surgery evaluation. This appointment usually happens a few weeks before your operation to check your overall health and fitness for anesthesia.

• Blood tests: These check your blood counts and help rule out hidden infections or clotting issues.
• Urine test: A sample is tested to make sure you do not have a urinary tract infection, which could spread to the new knee.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This is a painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart to check its rhythm.
• Chest X-ray: Your doctor may request images of your lungs to check for any breathing issues.

Medication adjustments

Your surgeon needs to know about every medicine you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, and vitamins. Some drugs can increase bleeding or interact with the medicine used to put you to sleep (anesthesia).

Only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so. You may be given a schedule that includes:

• Stopping blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a week or two before surgery.
• Stopping herbal supplements that might affect bleeding.
• Taking essential daily medications (like heart or blood pressure pills) with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your care team will provide a checklist for the final 24 hours before your knee replacement. Following these rules helps keep you safe during the operation.

The day before:

• Fasting: You will usually be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. This keeps your stomach empty for anesthesia.
• Skin preparation: You may need to shower with a special soap that kills bacteria to lower the risk of infection.
• Packing: Bring loose, comfortable pants (like sweatpants or shorts) and flat, sturdy shoes with non-skid soles.

The day of surgery:

• Leave valuables, including jewelry and watches, at home.
• Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any paperwork your doctor requested.
• Arrive at the hospital or surgery center early to allow time for check-in and preparation.

General surgical risks

Like any major operation, knee replacement surgery carries some general risks. Your care team takes many steps to keep these risks low. One possible issue is a reaction to anesthesia, the medicine used to keep you comfortable or asleep during surgery. This can sometimes cause nausea or breathing changes, but your anesthesia team monitors you closely throughout the procedure.

Bleeding is another risk during or after the surgery. While most patients do not need a blood transfusion, your surgeon will watch your blood counts carefully. There is also a risk of developing blood clots in the leg veins. If a clot breaks free, it can travel to the lungs. To help prevent this, your clinician may prescribe blood-thinning medication and ask you to wear special compression stockings or use leg pumps after surgery.

Procedure-specific complications

Some risks are specific to the knee joint and the artificial parts used. While serious problems are uncommon, it is helpful to know what to look for:

• Infection: Bacteria can infect the wound area or the tissue deep around the artificial knee. This can happen shortly after surgery or even years later if bacteria enter the bloodstream from another part of the body.
• Implant issues: Over many years, the artificial knee surface may wear down, or the components may become loose from the bone. This is more common in younger, very active patients.
• Stiffness: Sometimes, scar tissue forms inside the knee, limiting how much you can bend or straighten it.
• Nerve or vessel injury: In rare cases, nerves or blood vessels around the knee may be injured during the operation, which can lead to numbness or weakness in the foot.

How complications are treated

Most complications can be managed successfully, especially when caught early. Your medical team will give you specific instructions on warning signs to watch for, such as high fever, redness, or increasing pain.

If an infection occurs, it is often treated with antibiotics. Deeper infections may require a procedure to clean the joint. For blood clots, doctors typically prescribe blood-thinning drugs to help the body dissolve the clot safely. If the knee becomes too stiff, physical therapy is the main treatment. In some cases, the surgeon may gently move the knee while you are under anesthesia to break up scar tissue.

If the artificial knee becomes loose or wears out after many years, a second surgery—called a revision surgery—may be performed to replace the worn parts with new ones.

Pain control medicines

Managing discomfort is a top priority after surgery. Your clinician may use a "multimodal" approach. This means using different types of medicine that work in different ways to provide relief. Using a combination often helps reduce the need for any single medication.

• Acetaminophen: This is commonly used to reduce pain and fever.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce swelling and pain.
• Opioids: For more severe pain, your clinician might prescribe these for a short time. Because they can be habit-forming, they are usually used only when necessary.
• Local anesthetics: These may be injected around the knee or through a small tube (nerve block) to numb the area during and shortly after the procedure.

Your care team will tailor your plan based on your health history. It is important to discuss any allergies or other medications you take to avoid harmful interactions.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. To help keep your new joint safe, your clinician will likely give you antibiotics just before your surgery begins.

You may continue to receive these medicines through an IV (a small tube in your vein) or as pills for a short time after the procedure. This is a standard step to lower the risk of an infection at the surgical site.

Be sure to tell your surgical team if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, such as penicillin. They can choose a different type of medicine that is safe for you.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

After a knee replacement, blood flow in the legs can slow down, which may lead to blood clots. To help prevent this, your clinician may prescribe "blood thinners," also known as anticoagulants. These medicines make it harder for clots to form in your veins.

Common options include:

• Aspirin: Often used for patients at lower risk for clots.
• Oral medications: Pills that help prevent clotting over several weeks.
• Injections: Some patients may receive medicine through a small needle under the skin.

In addition to medicine, your team might suggest using compression stockings or mechanical pumps on your legs to keep blood moving. Because these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding, your clinician will monitor you closely and provide specific instructions on how long to take them.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to act quickly if you suspect a blood clot has traveled to your lungs (pulmonary embolism). This is a medical emergency.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:

• Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
• Chest pain or pressure.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Your care team will give you specific instructions on when to contact them. Generally, you should call your surgeon or clinic if you notice signs of an infection or a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis).

Contact your provider if you have:

• Signs of infection: This may include a fever (often defined as higher than 100.4°F or 38°C), shaking chills, or drainage from the surgical wound that smells bad or looks like pus.
• Signs of a blood clot in the leg: Look for pain, swelling, or redness in your calf that does not go away with rest and elevation.
• Wound issues: Call if the incision opens up, bleeds heavily, or becomes increasingly red and hot to the touch.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Recovery takes time, and some discomfort is a normal part of the healing process. Knowing the difference between normal recovery and warning signs can help you stay calm.

• Pain: Most people have some pain after surgery. However, call your doctor if the pain suddenly gets worse or is not relieved by your prescribed pain medicine.
• Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling around the knee is common. Call your doctor if you have sudden, severe swelling in the calf or ankle that does not improve when you prop your leg up.
• Mobility: Stiffness is expected early on. Call your doctor if you experience a sudden inability to move the knee or if the joint feels unstable.

Non-surgical treatments

Before suggesting surgery, your clinician may recommend several non-surgical options to manage knee pain and improve movement. These treatments often focus on reducing the load on the knee joint and strengthening the surrounding muscles. Common approaches include:

• Physical therapy: Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your knee, which provides better support for the joint.
• Weight management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce the pressure and stress placed on your knee during daily activities.
• Activity changes: Switching from high-impact activities, like running, to low-impact options, like swimming or cycling, can help protect the joint.
• Assistive devices: Using a cane, walker, or specialized knee brace can help take weight off the affected side of the knee.

Your clinician might also suggest medications to help with discomfort. This can include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. In some cases, injections directly into the knee joint—using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid to provide lubrication—may offer temporary relief.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a period where you and your healthcare team monitor your symptoms closely without moving forward with surgery immediately. This approach is often used when your knee pain is still manageable with mild medication or lifestyle changes. It allows time to see if non-surgical treatments are effective enough to maintain your quality of life.

During this time, you may track how often you feel pain and whether it interferes with your favorite activities. Because a knee replacement is usually an elective procedure—meaning it is a choice rather than an emergency—you have the flexibility to decide when the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks and recovery time. Your clinician may check in regularly to see if your condition is stable or if your mobility is decreasing.

When surgery becomes the best option

Surgery is typically considered when other treatments no longer provide enough relief. Your clinician may suggest a total knee replacement if you experience severe knee pain or stiffness that limits basic activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs. If you find yourself needing to use a cane or walker just to move around the house, it may be time to discuss surgical options.

Other signs that surgery might be the best path include:

• Pain that continues even while you are resting or trying to sleep.
• Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications.
• A visible deformity, such as a knee that bows in or out.
• A significant decrease in your quality of life because you can no longer participate in social or recreational activities.

The decision often comes down to how much the knee issues are affecting your daily independence. When the pain becomes a constant burden and non-surgical methods fail to help, a replacement can often help restore function and reduce discomfort.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Total knee replacement is typically performed in hospitals or specialized surgery centers. These facilities have orthopedic departments, which are areas dedicated to treating bones, joints, and muscles. Your surgery will likely take place in a sterile operating room equipped with specialized tools for joint procedures.

The care team usually includes orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists (specialists who manage pain and sleep during surgery), and nurses trained in joint recovery. Many hospitals also have specialized recovery units where the staff focuses entirely on helping patients get back on their feet safely after surgery.

Patient resources and support services

Many hospitals provide "joint camps" or educational classes before your surgery. These sessions help you and your family understand what to expect and how to prepare your home for your return. Your clinician may also provide written guides or videos to help you get ready for the recovery process.

• Physical Therapy: This is one of the most important resources. Physical therapists work with you to improve your strength and help your new knee move correctly.
• Occupational Therapy: These specialists help you learn how to perform daily activities, like getting dressed or using the bathroom, while your knee heals.
• Discharge Planning: Social workers or case managers can help you arrange for equipment you might need at home, such as a walker or a shower chair, and coordinate any necessary home health visits.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

When deciding where to have your procedure, it can be helpful to gather information about the facility's experience and support systems. You might consider asking your clinician or the hospital staff the following questions:

• How many knee replacement surgeries does this facility perform each year?
• Does the hospital have a dedicated team of nurses and therapists who work specifically with joint replacement patients?
• What steps does the hospital take to prevent infections after surgery?
• Will a physical therapist see me on the same day as my surgery?
• What resources are available if I have questions or concerns once I am back at home?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Total knee replacement is often considered when the knee joint is significantly damaged or worn down. The most common reason for this surgery is osteoarthritis, which is a "wear-and-tear" type of arthritis that breaks down the cartilage (the protective cushion) between the bones.

Other conditions that your clinician may treat with this procedure include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: A condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation and damage.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: This can develop years after a serious knee injury, such as a fracture or a major ligament tear.
• Avascular necrosis: A condition where the blood supply to the bone is interrupted, which can cause the bone to weaken and the joint to collapse.

In some instances, the procedure may be used to help correct knee deformities, such as being "bowlegged" or "knock-kneed," which can cause the joint to wear out unevenly.

Related symptoms people search for

Many people begin looking into knee replacement when their symptoms start to interfere with daily life. These symptoms can vary, but they often include:

• Severe knee pain that makes it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or get in and out of a car.
• Pain that continues even while you are resting or trying to sleep.
• Long-lasting swelling and inflammation that does not improve with rest or medicine.
• Knee stiffness that makes it hard to fully bend or straighten your leg.

Your clinician may also consider this procedure if you have tried other treatments—such as physical therapy, weight loss, or injections—and they are no longer providing enough relief. It is important to have a thorough evaluation to see if these symptoms are related to joint damage that could benefit from surgery.

Evidence overview

Total knee replacement is widely considered one of the most successful surgeries in modern medicine. It is a standard procedure performed frequently to help people who have severe knee damage, usually from osteoarthritis. Doctors typically recommend this surgery when other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or walking aids, no longer provide enough relief.

Medical research and long-term studies show that for the majority of patients, knee replacement significantly reduces pain and improves the ability to move and perform daily activities. While the artificial joint may eventually wear out over many years, most modern implants are designed to last a long time, allowing people to return to an active lifestyle.

Safety notes and individualized care

Like any major surgery, knee replacement carries some risks, though serious complications are relatively rare. Your surgical team follows strict safety protocols to protect your health. For example, you will likely receive antibiotics to help prevent infection and blood-thinning medication or compression stockings to lower the risk of blood clots.

Potential risks associated with the procedure include:

• Infection: This can occur at the incision site or deeper around the new joint.
• Blood clots: Clots can form in the leg veins after surgery.
• Implant issues: Over time, the new joint may loosen or wear down.
• Nerve or vessel injury: Although rare, nerves or blood vessels near the knee can be affected.

Your clinician will evaluate your personal health history to decide if surgery is the right choice for you. Factors such as your weight, heart health, and bone quality are carefully considered. To ensure the safest possible outcome, your doctor may ask you to manage certain conditions—such as controlling blood sugar or quitting smoking—before the operation.

Sources used

The information provided is grounded in current medical standards and guidelines from reputable health organizations. Commonly referenced sources for total knee replacement include:

• Academic Medical Centers: Leading research hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
• National Health Databases: Government-funded resources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
• Clinical Guidelines: Evidence-based resources used by healthcare professionals, such as UpToDate.