Total Knee Replacement
Restore Knee Function. Reduce Pain. Get Back to Everyday Movement.
Total Knee Replacement, also known as Total Knee Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to treat severe damage or degeneration of the knee joint. During the procedure, damaged portions of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components designed to restore joint function.
For patients whose knee pain, stiffness, and limited mobility significantly affect daily life and have not improved adequately with non-surgical treatment, knee replacement may be considered after a detailed orthopaedic evaluation.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
The knee is a complex joint formed by the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Smooth cartilage normally allows these structures to move against each other with minimal friction. Conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis can progressively damage this cartilage. As the joint becomes damaged, patients may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty walking, and reduced knee movement. During total knee replacement, the damaged surfaces of the knee are surgically replaced with prosthetic components. The objective is to reduce pain and improve the function of the knee.
When Is Knee Replacement Needed?
Not every patient with knee pain requires knee replacement. The decision depends on the severity of the condition, symptoms, examination findings, imaging, response to previous treatment, and overall health.
Knee replacement may be considered when a patient has:
- Persistent or severe knee pain
- Advanced knee osteoarthritis
- Significant joint damage
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Pain while climbing stairs
- Difficulty performing routine activities
- Significant knee stiffness
- Reduced range of knee movement
- Knee deformity associated with advanced arthritis
- Symptoms that continue despite appropriate non-surgical treatmen
A detailed consultation is important before deciding whether surgery is appropriate.
Common Conditions Leading to Knee Replacement
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for total knee replacement. Progressive cartilage deterioration can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced joint movement.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis can progressively damage the knee joint, leading to persistent pain, deformity, stiffness, and functional limitations.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Previous fractures, ligament injuries, or significant knee trauma can lead to progressive cartilage damage and arthritis, sometimes requiring joint replacement.
Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis): Damage to the bone beneath the joint surface, sometimes associated with reduced blood supply, can lead to bone collapse and secondary arthritis. In advanced cases, knee replacement may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function.
Symptoms That May Require an Orthopaedic Evaluation
You may consider consulting an orthopaedic surgeon if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain
- Pain during walking
- Difficulty getting up from a chair
- Difficulty climbing or descending stairs
- Knee stiffness after sitting or resting
- Swelling around the knee
- Reduced walking distance
- Difficulty performing everyday activities
- Knee pain that affects sleep or quality of life.
These symptoms can have several causes, so proper diagnosis is essential.
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Experiencing persistent knee pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking? Consult Dr. Dhruva Angachekar, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai, for a detailed evaluation and personalised guidance on total knee replacement and other suitable treatment options.
How Is Total Knee Replacement Performed?
Total knee replacement generally involves several important stages.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation : The doctor evaluates your symptoms, medical history, knee movement, physical condition, and available diagnostic imaging.
Surgical Planning : Based on the clinical and imaging assessment, the appropriate surgical approach and implant options are discussed.
Removal of Damaged Joint Surfaces : During surgery, damaged portions of the knee joint are carefully removed.
- Placement of Prosthetic Components : Artificial components are positioned to replace the damaged joint surfaces.
- Assessment of Knee Movement : The knee is assessed during the procedure to ensure appropriate movement and stability
- Post-Operative Care : After surgery, the patient receives medical monitoring and a rehabilitation plan designed around
recovery and mobility.
Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement
Recovery after total knee replacement is a gradual process aimed at restoring mobility, improving muscle strength, and helping patients return to their daily activities. A structured rehabilitation programme, guided by your surgeon and physiotherapist, plays an essential role in achieving optimal functional recovery.
- Phase 1: Early Recovery (Day 1 to Hospital Discharge) Most patients begin standing and walking with assistance the day after surgery. Early rehabilitation focuses on pain management, reducing swelling, restoring knee movement, and learning to walk safely with a walker or other walking aid. Patients are also guided through basic exercises and stair climbing when appropriate.
- Phase 2: Initial Rehabilitation (Weeks 1–2) During the first two weeks, the emphasis is on improving knee bending and straightening, controlling swelling, and gradually increasing walking distances. Patients become more independent with basic activities such as dressing, using the bathroom, and moving around their homes.
- Phase 3: Return to Daily Activities (Weeks 3–6) As strength and mobility improve, patients gradually progress towards independent walking, climbing stairs, and performing routine household activities. Most patients can resume many activities of daily living by approximately six weeks. Walking aids are gradually discontinued when balance and strength permit.
- Phase 4: Functional Recovery (Weeks 6–12) Rehabilitation progresses towards improving muscle strength, endurance, balance, and walking confidence. Patients may gradually return to work, driving, and low-impact activities depending on their recovery, occupational demands, and their surgeon’s advice.
- Phase 5: Strengthening and Long-Term Recovery (Months 3–6) Most patients experience continued improvements in mobility, walking endurance, and knee function. Low-impact recreational activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming may be resumed or increased with appropriate guidance. Strengthening exercises remain important throughout this period.
- Phase 6: Continued Improvement (Months 6–12) Although most everyday activities can be resumed much earlier, residual swelling, stiffness, and muscle weakness may continue to improve for 6–12 months or longer. Some patients may initially feel that their replaced knee does not feel entirely natural. This awareness often becomes less noticeable as strength improves and patients become accustomed to their new joint.
Your Recovery, Your Pace Every patient’s recovery is different. Your surgeon will guide you through a personalised postoperative rehabilitation programme, adjusting activities according to your progress, general health, and functional goals. The aim is to restore mobility, regain independence, and help you return to an active lifestyle safely and confidently.
“The timelines above are general guidelines rather than fixed milestones. Progression to driving, work, exercise, or recreational sports should be discussed with your treating surgeon”
Benefits of Total Knee Replacement
For appropriately selected patients, total knee replacement can help with:
- Reduction in knee pain
- Improved mobility
- Improved ability to perform daily activities
- Better knee function
- Increased independence in routine activities
- Improvement in quality of life
Results vary between individuals, and recovery requires appropriate post-operative care and rehabilitation.
Is Total Knee Replacement Right for Everyone?
Knee replacement is not automatically recommended simply because a patient has knee arthritis. Doctors generally consider factors such as:
- Severity of joint damage
- Pain and functional limitations
- Response to non-surgical treatment
- Physical examination
- Imaging findings
- Overall health
- An orthopaedic consultation helps determine whether surgery or another treatment approach is appropriate.
- Activity requirements
- Patient expectations
Alternatives to Knee Replacement
Depending on the severity and cause of knee symptoms, treatment may include non-surgical options such as:
- Activity modification
- Weight management where appropriate
- Physiotherapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Assistive devices
- Other doctor-recommended treatments
- Pain-management strategies
The appropriate treatment depends on the individual diagnosis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged surfaces of the knee joint are
replaced with artificial components to improve joint function and relieve pain.
It may be considered when significant knee pain and functional limitations persist despite
appropriate non-surgical treatment and the knee has substantial damage.
There is no strict upper age limit for knee replacement surgery. The decision depends on your overall health, medical fitness, severity of arthritis, and impact on daily activities rather than age alone. Both younger and elderly patients may benefit from knee replacement when clinically appropriate. Your surgeon will assess your condition, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and recommend the most suitable treatment.
Recovery varies between individuals. Mobility generally improves progressively with appropriate
rehabilitation, but the overall recovery timeline depends on individual health and other factors.
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are commonly an important part of recovery. Your treating
team will recommend an appropriate programme based on your condition.
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