Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery
Call us: 617-732-5322
Our orthopedic team is devoted to providing the best care to all patients and prompt evaluation. Regardless of where you are in your care journey, we are here for you, both in person and virtually. To request an appointment, please call 617-732-5322 or fill out an online appointment request form. To refer a patient, please call 1-800-MD-TO-BWH (1-800-638-6294) or see our list of referral options.
If you need knee replacement surgery (also called knee arthroplasty), you’re not alone. More than 700,000 total knee replacements are performed each year in the U.S. The knee is the most common type of joint replacement, followed by hip replacement.
This procedure involves replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial implant. Your physician may recommend knee replacement surgery if you experience severe pain or limited range of motion in one or both knees due to an injury or degenerative condition.
There are many reasons why you may experience knee problems. Arthritis is the leading cause of knee pain, but injury, overuse, or age-related degeneration can also be factors. The most common causes that often require knee replacement surgery are:
This joint disease is the most common form of arthritis and the primary cause of knee pain in older adults. Osteoarthritis wears down the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones. When the tissue deteriorates, the bones can rub against each other. That can lead to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis often affects the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands.
Learn more about osteoarthritis of the knee.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by your body’s immune system erroneously attacking the membrane linings surrounding your joints. This form of arthritis often affects both knees. You may experience stiffness, swelling, and trouble bending or straightening your knees. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to permanent joint deformities and loss of mobility. Knee replacement surgery can significantly relieve pain and restore movement.
This form of osteoarthritis develops after a significant trauma to the knee, sometimes months or even years after the initial injury. The cartilage in the knee joint starts to deteriorate, causing inflammation, stiffness, and chronic pain. Post-traumatic arthritis also decreases the joint’s range of motion, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. If treatments such as medication or physical therapy don’t alleviate the symptoms, you may be a candidate for a knee replacement.
This condition is characterized by inflammation of small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion bones, muscles, and tendons around joints. The purpose of these sacs is to decrease friction and allow smooth movement of your joints. Bursitis may occur when repetitive movements or prolonged pressure aggravate the bursae. Additional causes include direct trauma to the area, age-related degeneration, and other inflammatory conditions.
Traumatic injuries to the knees may also be indications for a knee replacement. Common injuries, particularly among athletes, include:
Partial or total knee arthroplasty may be necessary if you experience knee symptoms that don’t go away or worsen over time. Common signs include:
Your physician may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if they can’t address your knee pain through medication, physical therapy, or rest. The surgeon will assess the extent and location of the damage and personal factors like your age, health, and activity level. They’ll start with a physical examination, evaluating your knee’s stability, strength, and range of motion. From there, you’ll likely have X-rays, imaging scans, and blood work.
The data your surgeon collects helps determine if they can treat you through medication, therapy, or if you require surgery. There are two main types of surgical procedures your surgeon will consider if a minimally invasive procedure isn’t an option.
When all areas of the knee joint are affected by arthritis or trauma, your physician may recommend a total knee replacement, the most common joint replacement procedure. This is the preferred method If you’re older or have various medical comorbidities or significant instability. There has been a considerable increase in the number of people under 60 getting the procedure. The success rate for these patients is high, with about 90% to 95% satisfied with the results.
If only a portion of the knee joint is damaged or arthritic, a partial replacement can preserve the healthy bones and ligaments. Knee surgery recovery time for partial replacements is faster, with less post-op discomfort. A partial replacement is most often an option for younger, active people.
Not all knee conditions require invasive surgery. Your caregiver may use an arthroscopic procedure to treat less severe meniscus tears, ligament injuries, or cartilage damage. These procedures benefit from smaller incisions, less tissue trauma, faster recovery, and reduced postoperative pain. Learn more about our minimally invasive surgery services.
If a previous knee replacement fails or wears out over time, your surgeon may replace the initial implant with a new one. Revision knee replacement surgery is usually more complex and may require a longer recovery.
Your surgeon will help you determine if you’re a candidate for same-day discharge. We provide an innovative approach to pain management and rehabilitation, allowing some patients to return home on the day of their procedure.
Most surgical procedures come with certain risks. Although knee replacement operations are generally safe and effective, potential complications include:
It’s essential to understand the various aspects of knee replacement surgery, including the benefits, risks, and recovery process.
You can improve the speed and quality of your recovery through regular exercise and proper care of your knee. We provide educational materials and screening procedures to help ensure the best surgical outcomes.
You’ll also have access to an online pre-surgery rehabilitation program. The program provides strengthening exercises that help accelerate recovery and contribute to better outcomes.
You can reduce the risk of complications and accelerate the healing process after knee arthroplasty. Follow these behaviors and practices for a smoother recovery:
Knee replacement surgery typically takes about two to three hours. This time may vary depending on the specific type of procedure and any complications that arise.
The recovery time for a knee replacement can vary depending on factors like age, overall health, preoperative mobility, and how well you adhere to physical therapy and your physician’s orders. You’ll typically remain in the hospital for one to three days following surgery. Within six weeks, you should be able to resume most daily activities. You’ll likely reach near-full recovery between three to six months, but full recovery can take up to a year.
Most knee implants will last for 20 years. If you live a healthy lifestyle, visit your health care provider often, and avoid activities that can accelerate wear and tear, your knee replacement could last even longer.
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is a leading provider of partial and total knee replacement services. Our orthopaedic program has been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the country's top orthopedics programs. Each year, our expert orthopedic surgeons help improve the quality of life of thousands of patients suffering from knee trauma.
Our team of orthopedic surgeons provides expert, compassionate, individualized patient care.
To schedule an appointment with one of our expert knee replacement surgeons, please call 617-732-5322 or fill out an online appointment request form.
We’re dedicated to working with our referring physicians. Please call 1-800-MD-TO-BWH (1-800-638-6294) or see our list of referral options to refer a patient for a knee replacement procedure.
For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery.
About BWH
