Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery

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Knee Replacement Surgery

Request an Appointment

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.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

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.

What Causes Knee Pain?

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:

Osteoarthritis

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

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.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

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.

Bursitis

Bursitis 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.

Other Knee Injuries That May Require Surgery

Traumatic injuries to the knees may also be indications for a knee replacement. Common injuries, particularly among athletes, include:

  • Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. When it tears or ruptures due to sudden twisting or pivoting, it can cause pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.
  • Ligament Injuries: An injury to the ligaments in your knee, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), can be excruciating and make it difficult to put any weight on the knee. Your physician may recommend a knee replacement if traditional treatments don’t work.

Reasons for Knee Replacement Surgery

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:

  • Chronic pain that impacts your daily activities
  • Stiffness or swelling in the knee joint
  • Limited range of motion that makes it difficult to bend or straighten your knee
  • Degenerative joint disease

When You Need Knee Replacement Surgery

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.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries

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.

Total Knee Replacement

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.

Partial Knee Replacement

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.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

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.

Revision Knee Replacement

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.

Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery

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.

Does Knee Replacement Surgery Have Risks?

Most surgical procedures come with certain risks. Although knee replacement operations are generally safe and effective, potential complications include:

  • Blood Clots: After knee replacement surgery, the risk of blood clots forming in the legs increases due to reduced blood flow and mobility. To lower the risk of complications, your physician may use preventive measures like compression stockings and blood thinners.
  • Nerve Damage: During surgery, there’s the risk that nerves or blood vessels near the implant can be injured. Though nerve damage is rare, it could lead to numbness and weakness.
  • Infections: Any surgical procedures come with the risk of infection. The incision site or the joint can become infected after knee replacement surgery. Treatment may include antibiotics or revision surgery.
  • Implant Complications: Though uncommon, the knee implant can loosen or become fractured or dislocated. If any of these occur, you may need additional surgery. In rare instances, patients may have allergic reactions to the materials used in knee replacements.

Before and After Knee Replacement Surgery

It’s essential to understand the various aspects of knee replacement surgery, including the benefits, risks, and recovery process.

Presurgical Rehabilitation for Knee Replacement Surgery

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.

Maximizing Your Recovery After Surgery

You can reduce the risk of complications and accelerate the healing process after knee arthroplasty. Follow these behaviors and practices for a smoother recovery:

  • Follow Prescribed Therapy: Adhering to your physician’s rehabilitation program can improve your knee joint’s strength, flexibility, and movement.
  • Stay Active (Within Reason): Promote circulation and strengthen your knee through regular low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, but don’t overdo it.
  • Eat Healthy: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients supports healing and reduces inflammation.
  • Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore pain, swelling, or other potential symptoms that could signal complications like a blood clot or infection.

How Long Does Knee Replacement Surgery Take?

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Time

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.

How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?

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.

Personalized, Expert Knee Replacement at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

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 Knee Replacement Surgeons

Our team of orthopedic surgeons provides expert, compassionate, individualized patient care.

Schedule an Appointment

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.

Refer a Patient

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.

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