Knee replacement surgery can reduce severe knee pain and restore lost mobility. The procedure is normally offered to older people, as artificial implants may wear more quickly in people who are younger and more active. However, it can achieve positive outcomes for people of any age and there is some evidence that replacing the knee joint before it is very stiff may produce better results.
You will normally be encouraged to get up and about within 12-24 hours of surgery and will be able to go home up to three days after surgery. At first you will need to use a mobility aid – crutches or a walker – to support you but you should be able to walk with sticks around a week after surgery. You will see a physiotherapist who will recommend exercises to build strength and help you to protect your new knee.
You should be able to resume most everyday activities within six weeks however it may take three months for the pain to completely go away. Some swelling can persist for up to a year and it can be two years before your knee is fully recovered. Although you will be able to lead a normal life after surgery you will be advised to avoid certain sports, such as skiing or mountain biking, which have a high risk of falls.
Most implants last around 15 years after which time you may need to have knee revision surgery, which may be slightly less effective than the original knee replacement.
If you have a partial knee replacement, you will normally have a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery times. However, outcomes may not always be as good as with total knee replacement and the implant may not last as long.
