Knee pain doesn't have to control your life. If arthritis or injury makes it hard to walk, work or sleep, knee replacement can help. At OHSU, you'll find the care you need.

If your provider recommends knee replacement, you should know:

• It’s one of the most common surgeries in the U.S.
• Recovery takes time.
• Physical therapy improves recovery.
• We’ll help you get in the best possible shape before surgery.
• A new knee can last 20 years or more.
• Many people return to activities like golf, swimming or hiking in months.

What is total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement involves removing damaged tissue from the knee and replacing it with new metal and plastic parts. This relieves pain from damaged knees.

After surgery, you can walk without pain, climb stairs comfortably and get back to many — or all — of your activities.

Types of knee replacement

Your surgeon will recommend the best type of knee replacement for your condition, joint damage and health. Types include:

Total knee replacement (TKR): The most common type of knee replacement surgery replaces all three parts of the knee joint — inside, outside and under the kneecap. It’s recommended for severe arthritis affecting the entire knee. Modern implants often last over 20 years.

Partial knee replacement: Your surgeon replaces only the damaged section, keeping healthy tissue. Benefits include smaller cuts, less pain, better range of motion and faster recovery than with total replacement.

Minimally invasive (quadriceps-sparing) knee replacement: Your surgeon uses a different technique that avoids disrupting the quadriceps tendon. This results in less stress on your body, faster recovery and smaller scars.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement: OHSU has a robot system, which can result in less pain and faster recovery.

Bilateral (double) knee replacement: Both knees are replaced in one surgery, avoiding two recoveries. This option is considered case by case for healthy patients with arthritis in both knees.

Revision knee replacement: This is done when a previous knee replacement has failed or worn out. Your surgeon replaces old implants with new parts.

Outpatient or same-day knee replacement: Some people go home the day of surgery. This works best if you are healthy and have good support at home.

When is knee replacement recommended?

Arthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement. This wear-and-tear disease affects mostly older adults.

Your doctor may suggest surgery when:

• Pain limits walking or getting up.
• Your knee hurts even while resting.
• Swelling doesn't go down with rest.
• Your knee bows, or bends, in or out.
• Other treatments haven't helped.

Most people who have knee surgery are 50 to 80 years old, but there is no age limit.

How total knee replacement works

It takes about 2 hours for your surgeon to remove damaged tissue and place the implants. OHSU surgeons can use a robot or navigation, which helps your surgeon:

• Map your knee in 3D during surgery
• Make a plan based on your anatomy
• Position parts precisely for your body
• Save more healthy bone and tissue

Your OHSU doctors are national leaders in joint replacement surgery. We are experienced with both the newer robotic techniques and traditional surgery, so we can provide the best care for your situation.

How to prepare for knee replacement

How you prepare depends on your type of knee replacement. You will see our pre-surgery team to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. This usually includes:

• Blood tests and heart tests
• A review of all medicines and supplements you take

You may also need a dental checkup to help prevent infections after surgery, and treatment for diabetes or heart problems.

Our team will help you plan for recovery at home. Basic home preparation includes:

• Making sure you have grab bars in the shower and railings on all steps
• Removing area rugs
• Setting up a bed on the main floor of your home, if possible
• Stocking up on food and arranging for help at home

Recovering from knee replacement

Recovery usually starts right away. You'll walk within hours. In the hospital, you can expect:

• Pain control
• Blood clot prevention
• Physical therapy on day one
• Learning to care for your surgery cut until it heals

Recovery varies by surgery. Your doctor will talk with you about what to expect. People who have partial knee replacement or minimally invasive surgery may recover faster. You may have less pain and swelling or be able to exercise at home instead of going to physical therapy. Recovery may take longer if you have both knees replaced or have implants replaced.

Hospital stay: You can expect to go home the same day or to stay one night in the hospital. You may stay longer if:

• You have a both knees replaced (bilateral)
• You have your implant replaced with a new one (revision surgery)

Your care team will help you gain strength for surgery to speed up your recovery.

When to call your doctor after knee replacement surgery

• You have a fever over 100 degrees
• Surgery area turns redder
• Surgery area is leaking fluid
• Sudden increase in pain
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Calf pain or swelling

Protect your new knee

To keep your knee replacement working as well as possible:

• Keep a healthy weight.
• Stay active.
• Take antibiotics before dental work.
• See your doctor as scheduled.

Learn more about knee replacement surgery

• Preparing for Surgery at OHSU 
• Total Knee Replacement, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons