Arthroplasty: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Arthroplasty?
Arthroplasty, also called joint replacement, is done by an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who operates on bones and joints. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and help you move better. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Arthroplasty is surgery that replaces a damaged or arthritic joint with new, artificial parts. The artificial joint is called a prosthesis. A knee replacement can replace all the damaged parts of your knee (total knee replacement) or just part of your knee (partial knee replacement). The artificial parts are made of metal and plastic. They give your knee new, smooth surfaces.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors suggest arthroplasty when arthritis or another problem wears away the cartilage that cushions a joint. You may need a knee replacement if you have knee damage that causes severe pain and difficulty doing daily activities, such as walking and climbing stairs. It is usually done when other treatments for knee pain have not helped enough.
How to prepare
Tell your surgeon about all the medicines you take, even ones you bought without a prescription, such as supplements and herbs. Your surgeon may ask you to stop some medicines before surgery. Follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions about any medicines to stop and about not eating or drinking before surgery. If you smoke, stop, since smoking slows healing. You may want to visit a physical therapist to learn exercises to do before surgery. Plan for help at home for the first weeks.
What happens during it
You receive general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, or regional anesthesia, which numbs you from the waist down. The surgeon makes a cut over the joint and removes the damaged cartilage and bone. New metal and plastic parts are attached to your bone with cement or screws. Knee replacement surgery takes about 2 hours.
Recovery
You may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. The team will have you start moving as soon as the day of surgery. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to make your knee stronger. You may use a cane or walker for several weeks. Most people who follow their recovery instructions get back to nearly all of their normal daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks. Full recovery will take 4 months to a year.
Risks and side effects
The chance of problems after knee replacement surgery is low, but there are risks after any surgery. Possible problems include infection, blood clots, heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, and scarring that limits how far you can bend your knee. The artificial parts can loosen or wear out over time. Call 911 if you have chest pain or trouble breathing. Contact your surgeon if you have swelling or pain in your calf muscle, yellowish discharge from your incision, redness or swelling around your incision, or a temperature higher than 101F (38.3C). Check your wound for signs of infection, like severe swelling and redness.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who operates on bones and joints, performs the surgery. The operation is done in a hospital. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or another condition, your surgeon may ask you to see the doctor who treats it to make sure surgery is safe for you.
Common questions
How long does a joint replacement last?
Over 90 percent of artificial knee joints last over 15 years. Some last as long as 25 years before they loosen and need to be replaced again. If the parts loosen or wear out, you may need another surgery on the same knee.
What activities should I avoid after a knee replacement?
You should not do high-impact activities, such as jogging, running, and jumping. Low-impact activities that are good for your knee include walking, biking, and swimming. You will also need to avoid some sports, such as downhill skiing or contact sports like football and soccer.
When can I drive again?
It will probably be several weeks before you can drive. Your doctor will tell you when you can start driving again.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can check your health before surgery and manage conditions like diabetes. They do not perform the surgery itself. For the operation, they would refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Knee Replacement
- MedlinePlus - Knee joint replacement
- MedlinePlus - Knee joint replacement - discharge
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
