Joint Replacement
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that resurfaces a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic components replace the worn joint surfaces to restore function and relieve pain.
What It Is
A Proven, Lasting Procedure
Total knee replacement is one of the most successful operations in medicine. Over 90 percent of modern knee replacements continue to function well 15 to 20 years after surgery.
It is considered when arthritis causes significant pain and disability that has not responded to conservative treatment. There is no absolute age or weight limit — the decision is made on an individual basis.
Who Is a Candidate?
Common Indications
- Severe knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
- Pain that persists at rest or wakes you at night
- Knee stiffness that limits bending or straightening
- Failure of conservative treatments including medications, injections, and physiotherapy
- X-ray evidence of severe arthritis with bone-on-bone contact
First Steps
Non-Surgical Options to Try First
Surgery is not the first step. Most patients try conservative measures for months or years before considering replacement.
- Weight loss — reducing body weight significantly decreases load on the knee.
- Physiotherapy — strengthening muscles around the knee improves support and function.
- Medications — anti-inflammatories, paracetamol, topical treatments.
- Injections — corticosteroids for inflammation; hyaluronic acid for lubrication.
- Bracing — unloader braces can shift weight away from the damaged compartment.
- Activity modification — low-impact exercise such as swimming and cycling.
The Procedure
What Happens in Surgery
The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours. The damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Metal components are placed on the bone ends and secured with or without cement. A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal parts to create a smooth gliding surface.
Anaesthesia options: general anaesthesia, or spinal anaesthesia with sedation. Your anaesthetist will discuss the best option for you.
Recovery Timeline
What to Expect Afterwards
- Day of surgery — you will be encouraged to stand and take a few steps with assistance.
- Hospital stay — 1 to 3 days for most patients.
- First 2 weeks — walking with a frame or crutches; physiotherapy begins.
- 6 weeks — most patients walk without a cane; driving may resume once safe.
- 3 months — significant improvement in pain and function.
- 6 to 12 months — maximum benefit is usually reached by one year.
Risks & Complications
Generally Safe, With Risks to Know
Blood Clots
Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Blood thinners are used to reduce this risk.
Infection
Occurs in about 1 percent of cases. May require antibiotics or further surgery.
Stiffness & Wear
Some patients have difficulty regaining full motion. Implant wear or loosening may require revision years later. Nerve or blood vessel injury is rare but possible.
Red Flags
Seek Emergency Care
Contact your surgeon or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision
- New drainage or foul smell from the wound
- Calf pain, swelling, or tenderness (possible blood clot)
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
Get Started
Is Knee Pain Limiting Your Life?
Call +966 50 580 8852 to discuss whether knee replacement is right for you.
Related
Related Joint Care
Hip Replacement
Replacing the ball and socket of an arthritic or damaged hip joint.
Osteoarthritis
The most common cause of joint wear — and how it is managed before surgery.
Joint Replacement Hub
An overview of joint replacement — causes, options, and what to expect.