For individuals with chronic knee pain due to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear, total knee replacement surgery can provide lasting relief and restore function. This procedure, also known as knee arthroplasty, is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries in the United States, with consistently high success rates.
Understanding each step of the process can help patients prepare physically and mentally for surgery and optimize long-term outcomes.
Step 1: Presurgical Evaluation
Before recommending total knee replacement, your orthopedic specialist will conduct a comprehensive assessment.
This may include:
- Physical examination to assess joint alignment, stability, and range of motion
- Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to evaluate the extent of joint damage
- Medical history review, including discussions of current medications and underlying conditions
- Functional assessments to determine the degree to which knee painis affecting daily activities
Candidates for total knee replacement typically experience:
- Moderate-to-severe knee painthat limits movement
- Pain that interferes with sleep or rest
- Reduced mobility despite physical therapy or medications
- Ineffectiveness of other more-conservative treatments
If surgery is recommended, your care team will help you understand the benefits and risks, and what to expect before and after the procedure.
Step 2: Preparing for Surgery
Preparation plays a critical role in recovery. In the weeks leading up to surgery, patients may be advised to:
- Complete lab work and obtain medical clearance from a primary care provider.
- Stop or adjust certain medications, including blood thinners.
- Begin preoperative physical therapy (known as prehab) to strengthen supporting muscles.
- Make temporary adjustments at home, such as installing grab bars or securing a walker.
- Arrange for help with transportation and daily tasks during the initial recovery period.
Your care team will also review what to bring to the hospital and how to manage meals, bathing, and home mobility after surgery.
Step 3: The Procedure
Total knee replacement is typically performed under spinal or general anesthesia, and takes about one to two hours.
During the procedure:
- The damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the surface of the knee joint.
- The joint is reshaped and fitted with artificial components made of metal and medical-grade plastic.
- The new joint is aligned to ensure stability and smooth movement.
- The incision is closed, and a bandage is applied.
Most patients begin movement and light activity within 24 hours of surgery.
Step 4: Hospital Stay and Early Recovery
Following surgery, patients are typically monitored in the hospital for one or two days. Patients are encouraged to walk short distances under supervision, and discharge plans are made based on their progress.
Step 5: At-Home Recovery and Rehabilitation
The majority of rehabilitation occurs at home or in outpatie
The majority of rehabilitation occurs at home or in outpatient physical therapy. Most patients experience major milestones in recovery in a time frame ranging from six to 12 weeks.
Key goals during this phase include:
- Restoring knee range of motion and strength
- Walking independently without a device
- Returning to daily activities like driving and light exercise
- Managing swelling and maintaining incision care
Full recovery may take between three and six months, with continued improvement being experienced for up to a year.
Orthopedic Excellence You Can Count On
The physicians at Houston Physicians Hospital specialize in total knee replacement surgery and provide comprehensive pre- and postoperative care to support long-term joint health.
On the Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence page, you can scroll down and find a physician who’s right for you. Then click their link to visit their website and make an appointment.
If knee pain is interfering with your mobility or quality of life, expert evaluation from a Spine Specialist Webster TX can help determine whether total knee replacement is the right step forward, along with personalized options for lower back pain treatments Webster TX.