The frequency of joint replacement procedures as an outpatient procedure is growing, with well over a million total hip and total knee replacement procedures performed each year.   

Knee replacement surgery is estimated to be performed about 800,000 times annually in the United States alone, and that figure increases every year.  

Indications for total knee replacement 

Over the last 30 years, improved surgical techniques and new implant materials have been developed, making total joint replacement one of the most reliable and durable procedures in any area of medicine.   

Current joint replacement surgery involves the removal of the worn cartilage from both sides of the joint, followed by the resurfacing of the joint with a metal and plastic replacement implant that looks and functions much like your normal joint.

In general, there is no upper age limit for joint replacement candidates. Instead, the decision is perhaps best made based on your general medical condition, your fitness for surgery, and how much your arthritis affects your quality of life. 

Before joint replacement surgery, talk to your primary care doctor to ensure you are healthy enough to receive anesthesia and the rehabilitation associated with the surgery. A careful examination by your doctor and routine X-rays usually can determine if you are a candidate for replacement. 

The artificial joint 

An artificial knee joint has metal caps for the thighbone and shinbone, and high-density plastic to replace damaged cartilage. 

Knee replacement surgery replaces parts of injured or worn-out knee joints.   

Surgery  

The surgical procedure usually takes between one and two hours. Your orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone, and then position the new metal and plastic implants to restore the alignment and function of your knee. Different types of knee implants are used to meet each patient’s individual needs. 

Recovery 

Pain is to be expected after the initial knee replacement, but it should not be severe. The first few days after surgery are likely to include the highest level of pain, but your doctor will send you home with pain medication adequate for your pain level.  

Your doctor could discharge you on the day of the surgery, or you might stay overnight before discharge. 

Most people fully recover from knee replacement surgery in about six months. There could be a small amount of pain and soreness for the duration of the healing process, but this is normal. 

If you find yourself in severe pain after knee replacement surgery, call your doctor. You could be experiencing complications that require additional treatment. 

What is knee-replacement recovery like? 

Six weeks after surgery, most people stop using crutches and go back to normal activities. Pain and swelling might not go away for up to three months. However, the leg swelling can last up to a year before it goes away. 

You can drive again when you can bend your knee enough to get in and out of a car and drive it safely, which is usually six to eight weeks after surgery.