Knee Replacement: 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 Knee Replacement?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who operates on bones and joints, performs a knee replacement. Your primary care doctor may refer you to this surgeon for a thorough evaluation. 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
Knee replacement is surgery to replace a knee joint with a man-made artificial joint. The artificial joint is called a prosthesis. The surgery is also called total knee arthroplasty. Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint, and man-made pieces are placed in the knee.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The most common reason to have a knee joint replaced is to relieve severe arthritis pain. Your surgeon may recommend surgery if arthritis pain keeps you from sleeping or doing normal activities. Surgery may also be recommended if your knee pain has not improved with other treatment.
How to prepare
- Always tell your surgeon what medicines you take, including supplements and herbs you bought without a prescription.
- You may be asked to stop medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot one to two weeks before surgery. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to stop and which to keep taking.
- If you smoke, you need to stop, because smoking slows wound and bone healing.
- Your surgeon may ask you to have a full physical exam with your primary care doctor several weeks before the operation.
- Major dental work, such as tooth extractions, should be finished before surgery.
- You will most often be asked not to eat or drink for 6 to 12 hours before the surgery.
What happens during it
You will have general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep and unable to feel pain. You may have regional anesthesia instead, which makes you numb below your waist. Most artificial knees have both metal and plastic parts. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
Recovery
You may go home the same day, or you may stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. You will be asked to start moving and walking as soon as the day of surgery. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement. You may need to use a walker or crutches for up to 3 months. You should be able to resume most normal daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks. Full recovery will take 4 months to a year.
Risks and side effects
Blood clots in the leg veins are one of the most common complications of knee replacement surgery. These clots can be life-threatening if they break free and travel to your lungs. Infection may occur in the wound or deep around the prosthesis. Over time, the implant surfaces may wear down and the parts may loosen.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more, or fainting.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any warning signs of a blood clot in your leg. These include increasing pain in your calf, or tenderness or redness above or below your knee. Contact your surgeon if you have a temperature higher than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C). Also contact your surgeon about yellowish discharge from your incision, or swelling or redness around it.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs a knee replacement. The choice to have surgery should be made together by you, your family, your primary care doctor, and your orthopaedic surgeon.
Common questions
How long does a knee replacement last?
Over 90 percent of artificial knee joints last over 15 years.
What activities can I do after a knee replacement?
You should be able to do low impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing. You will need to avoid some sports, such as downhill skiing or contact sports like football and soccer.
Is there an age limit for a knee replacement?
No, there are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total knee replacement surgery.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work after a knee replacement?
It depends on your risk factors. Your surgeon will talk with you about whether you need antibiotics before dental work.
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.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Total 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.
