Knee replacement surgery: Your questions answered

Knee replacement surgery is a common orthopaedic procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in the knee joint. Over the years, advances in surgical techniques and postoperative care have made knee replacement safer, more efficient, and highly successful.

We spoke to a leading consultant specialist in complex hip/knee conditions and sports injuries about the essentials of knee replacement surgery, including its indications, recovery expectations, and postoperative rehabilitation protocols.

Is knee replacement surgery the only option for my knee pain?

Knee replacement surgery is usually the last resort for managing a painful knee.

Before, I would like you to have first attempted using simple painkillers (such as paracetamol), making changes to your activity and lifestyle, and weight loss as well. Then, we can have a discussion to determine whether a knee replacement would be beneficial in your case.

What can I expect during recovery from a knee replacement?

There’s no hiding from it: knee replacement surgery is painful. That said, we are now performing operations where patients go home on the same day or within 24 hours.

You can expect swelling for up to 9 months, as well as stiffness and a patch of numbness on the side of the knee - however, this latter shouldn’t cause any problems, it’s simply because of the way that we access the knee and perform the operation.

How long will it be before I can walk normally again after knee replacement?

I expect you to be walking on the same day you have your operation. In conjunction with physiotherapists, you will be walking up and down the ward and, in the majority of cases, going home that day or within 24 hours.

Will I be able to kneel down or squat after a knee replacement?

I have found over the years that if I tell a patient not to kneel or squat, if a patient is able to do it, they’ll end up doing it anyway. So, while it makes me feel better to say that, ideally, they shouldn’t kneel or squat.

However, if you feel that you can, because your leg and knee aren’t too swollen or too stiff and it’s not causing too much pressure on the front of the knee, then I’m happy for you to do so.

How long do knee replacements typically last?

We used to tell patients that knee replacements lasted anywhere between 10 and 15 years, but now we’re seeing that they last a lot longer – 15, 20, even 25 years.

However, it depends on how much you are using your knee and a variety of other factors, such as the risk of infection and the risk of the prosthesis becoming loose. These factors can be discussed in consultation.

What are the signs of infection after knee replacement surgery?

Something to look out for is a wound that is still leaking after 2 weeks. If the wound is red, hot, warm, and if you feel like you have a temperature or are feeling unwell, then it’s important to let me know as soon as possible.