Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a proven treatment that can help alleviate knee pain and improve mobility for individuals dealing with joint issues. If you're experiencing discomfort from damaged cartilage, bone or ongoing knee pain, this procedure might be a great option to help you regain a better quality of life. Whether you're considering a partial knee replacement or a full knee replacement, understanding the process and recovery can help you make an informed decision.

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as joint replacement, involves replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial knee made from materials like metal and plastic. The knee joint is made up of cartilage and bone, which can wear down over time due to arthritis, injury or other conditions, leading to stiffness, pain and reduced mobility. In this surgery, the damaged parts of the knee are removed and replaced with an artificial joint designed to restore pain-free movement.

Why should you consider knee replacement?

Many people living with knee pain caused by arthritis or injury struggle with basic activities like walking, climbing stairs or even getting in and out of bed. If knee pain is interfering with your ability to enjoy daily life, knee replacement surgery may provide relief.

Consider knee replacement if you experience:

• Persistent knee pain that limits your ability to do routine tasks.
• Difficulty climbing stairs, bending the knee or getting up from a chair.
• Reduced mobility that makes it hard to stand or walk for long periods.
• Pain that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments such as medication or physical therapy.

If these signs sound familiar, talk to an orthopedic specialist at Banner Health to determine if knee replacement surgery is right for you.

Types of knee replacement surgery

There are two primary types of knee replacement surgeries:

• Partial knee replacement: This procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint, preserving the healthy areas. It’s often ideal for individuals with limited cartilage damage who still have healthy areas of the knee.
• Total knee replacement: In this procedure, the entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. This option is recommended for people with widespread damage to the knee.

What to expect on the day of your surgery

On the day of your surgery, you'll be carefully prepared by the Banner Health team, and you'll be given anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The surgery typically lasts between one and two hours, depending on the complexity and whether you're undergoing a partial knee replacement or a total knee replacement.

After the procedure, you'll be moved to a recovery room where our medical team will monitor your vitals and ensure you're recovering as expected. In some cases, patients are able to stay in the hospital for a few days, while others may be able to go home the same day. Your surgeon and care team will discuss the best option for your recovery based on your specific needs.

Recovery and rehabilitation: What to expect

Recovery from knee replacement surgery takes time and requires a combination of rest, physical therapy and consistent care. Here's what you can expect in the weeks after surgery:

• Pain management: Some discomfort after surgery is normal. Our doctors will provide medication to help manage knee pain and reduce inflammation. You may also be prescribed blood thinners to help prevent blood clots, a potential complication of the surgery. Be sure to follow the prescribed instructions for pain relief and prevention.
• Physical therapy: One of the most important aspects of your recovery will be working with a physical therapist. Physical therapy will help you regain strength and flexibility in your knee. You'll begin with gentle exercises designed to improve mobility, and as you progress, your therapist will guide you through more challenging exercises to restore full function.
• Walking aids: In the first few weeks following surgery, you will likely need a cane or walker to assist with walking. As your strength improves, your physical therapist will help you transition away from these aids, allowing you to regain confidence and stability.
• Showering and bathing: It's essential to keep the surgical area dry and clean. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when you can shower or bath. Typically, you will need to wait a few days to a week before safely resuming these activities.
• Climbing stairs: While it may be challenging at first, most patients can return to climbing stairs after knee replacement surgery. Your physical therapist will help you rebuild the strength necessary to navigate stairs safely.

Possible risks and complications

As with any surgery, knee replacement carries certain risks. The most common complications include:

• Blood clots: Using blood thinners and engaging in movement exercises as directed will help reduce the risk of clots.
• Infection: Proper care of the surgical site and following your post-surgery instructions will reduce the likelihood of infection.
• Stiffness: To prevent stiffness, it’s essential to follow through with physical therapy and complete your prescribed exercises.
• Loosening or wear of the artificial joint: Over time, your artificial knee may wear down or loosen. This is more common with partial knee replacement, though it can occur with full replacements as well.

These risks are important to understand, but the benefits of knee replacement surgery—such as significant pain relief and improved mobility—often outweigh these concerns, especially when surgery is the most effective option for long-term relief.

Long-term outcomes

The long-term outlook for knee replacement surgery is generally very positive. Most patients experience a significant reduction in knee pain and can return to normal activities, including walking, climbing stairs and engaging in low-impact exercises, once they have fully healed.

The artificial knee is designed to last many years, with most patients enjoying its benefits for 15-20 years or more. Regular follow-ups with your orthopedic surgeon at Banner Health will ensure the continued success of your joint replacement.

Knee revision surgery: When a second procedure may be needed

In some cases, a previous knee replacement may need to be revised due to complications such as wear and tear, infection or instability of the artificial knee. Knee revision surgery involves replacing or fixing the components of your existing joint to restore function and relieve pain.

If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain or discomfort after a knee replacement, talk to your orthopedic specialist at Banner Health. Knee revision surgery may be the solution to help you get back to an active lifestyle. Learn more about knee revision surgery and how our expert team can guide you through this procedure.

Why choose Banner Health for your knee replacement?

At Banner Health, we offer comprehensive care for knee replacement patients. From the moment you decide to explore surgery options to the recovery process, our expert orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether you’re undergoing partial knee replacement or a full joint replacement, we provide state-of-the-art facilities and a personalized approach to care.

Take the first step toward pain relief

If you're tired of living with knee pain and limited mobility, knee replacement surgery could be the solution you've been waiting for. To learn more about the procedure or to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists, reach out to Banner Health today. Our team is here to help guide you through every step of your recovery journey.

Let us help you take the first step toward a pain-free, more active life. Contact us today to learn more.