Total 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 Total Knee Replacement?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who operates on bones and joints, performs a total knee replacement. Your primary care doctor may refer you to an orthopedic 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
Total knee replacement is surgery to replace a knee joint with a man-made artificial joint. The artificial joint is called a prosthesis. 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 suggest surgery if arthritis pain keeps you from sleeping or doing normal activities. Most of the time, knee joint replacement is done in people age 60 and older. There are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total knee replacement surgery.
How to prepare
- Tell your surgeon about every medicine you take, including supplements and herbs you bought without a prescription.
- Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to stop and which to keep taking before surgery.
- You may be asked to stop medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot one to two weeks before surgery.
- If you smoke, you need to stop, because smoking slows wound and bone healing.
- Major dental work, such as tooth extractions, should be finished before surgery.
- You will most often be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
What happens during it
You will have general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep and unable to feel pain. The surgeon cuts the ends of your thigh bone and shin bone to fit the replacement 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 activities of daily living within 3 to 6 weeks. Full recovery will take 4 months to a year. You may be asked to wear special compression stockings on your legs for about 6 weeks.
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.
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 new joint. Over time, the implant surfaces may wear down and the parts may loosen. Contact your surgeon about swelling or pain in your calf muscle. Call your surgeon about a temperature higher than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C). Call your surgeon if your foot or toes are darker than normal or cool to the touch. Call your surgeon if pain does not go away after you take your pain medicine.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs a total knee replacement.
Common questions
Can a total knee replacement be done as same-day surgery?
Yes, you may go home the same day, or you may stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
How long does it take to get back to normal after a total knee replacement?
Most people can resume most normal activities of daily living within 3 to 6 weeks. Full recovery will take 4 months to a year.
What are the warning signs of a blood clot in the leg after knee replacement?
Increasing pain in your calf is a warning sign. So are tenderness or redness above or below your knee. Another sign is new or increasing swelling in your calf, ankle, and foot. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these signs.
Why should dental work be finished before a total knee replacement?
Major dental work, such as tooth extractions, should be finished first to reduce the risk of infection.
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.
