For millions of people suffering from severe osteoarthritis, life becomes a series of calculations: Can I climb those stairs? Is it too far to walk to the car?
When non-surgical treatments, such as medications, injections, and physiotherapy, stop working, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is often the definitive solution. It is one of the most successful surgeries in modern medicine, with over 90% of patients reporting a dramatic reduction in pain.

But the idea of surgery can be scary. Fear often stems from uncertainty about what to expect.

This Complete Guide to Knee Replacement Surgery walks you through every step of the journey from the moment you enter the hospital to the day you take your first pain-free walk in the park.

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Despite the name, doctors don't actually "replace" the entire knee. A more accurate name would be "Knee Resurfacing."

In a Total Knee Replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone from the ends of your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). These rough, worn-out surfaces are then capped with smooth metal and plastic implants.

The result: Instead of bone rubbing against bone (which causes pain), you have a smooth metal surface gliding over a specialised plastic spacer.

When Is the Right Time for Surgery ?

Many patients wait too long, thinking they can "tough it out." However, delaying surgery can sometimes lead to muscle wasting or deformity. You should consider an orthopaedic surgeon consultation if:

1. Pain is Constant: Your knee hurts even when you are resting or sleeping.

2. Stiffness Limits You: You can no longer bend your knee to sit in a chair or climb stairs.

3. Shape Changes: Your knee looks bowed or deformed.

4. Meds Don't Work: Anti-inflammatory pills no longer give you relief.

The Procedure: What Happens in the O.T?

Understanding the TKR surgery procedure can lower your anxiety. Here is a simplified breakdown of the 60-90 minute operation:

Step 1: Anesthesia: Most knee replacements are performed under spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia, often combined with regional nerve blocks for better post-operative pain control.

Step 2: The Incision: The surgeon makes a vertical cut (about 6-10 inches) on the front of the knee to expose the joint.

Step 3: Resurfacing: The damaged bone surfaces are precisely cut away.

Step 4: Implanting: The metal components are fixed to the bone using cemented, cementless, or hybrid techniques. A medical-grade polyethylene spacer is placed between them to allow smooth movement.

Step 5: Closing: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples.

Knee Replacement Recovery Time: The Timeline

The most common question we get at Karetrip is: "How long until I can walk?" The answer usually surprises people.

Day 1 (The Day of Surgery) : Yes, you will likely walk today! Physiotherapists will help you stand and take a few steps with a walker to prevent blood clots.

Day 2-3 (Hospital Stay) : You will practice walking to the bathroom and climbing a few stairs. Pain is managed with medication.

Week 2-6 (Home Recovery) : You will transition from a walker to a cane. This is the key period for physical therapy exercises. You must push through the stiffness to regain motion.

Week 12 (The Turning Point) : Most patients can return to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or golfing.

6 Months - 1 Year : The knee continues to heal internally, and the scar fades.

Risks and Complications

No major surgery is without risk. While knee replacement risks are low, you must be aware of them:

Infection: Occurs in less than 2% of patients. Antibiotics are given before and after surgery to prevent this.

Blood Clots (DVT): To stop clots from forming in the leg veins, you will take blood thinners and wear compression stockings for a few weeks.

Implant Loosening: Modern implants last 15-20 years, but they can eventually wear out, requiring a revision surgery.

Is It Worth It?

The decision to undergo surgery is personal, but the data is clear. The vast majority of patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. They return to hiking, dancing, and playing with their grandchildren activities they thought were gone forever.

Don't let pain dictate your life. If you are ready to explore your options, Karetrip can connect you with top joint replacement specialists for a second opinion.