Question 1

When is total knee replacement (TKR) surgery recommended?

Accepted Answer

Total knee replacement is generally recommended when severe knee arthritis or joint damage causes significant pain and limits daily activities like walking, climbing stairs or standing, and conservative treatments, including medication, physiotherapy and injections, no longer provide adequate relief. The decision is based on how much the joint damage is affecting your quality of life and function, not age alone, and your orthopaedic surgeon will assess X-ray findings alongside your symptoms before recommending surgery.

Question 2

What does total knee replacement surgery involve?

Accepted Answer

During total knee replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone from the end of the thigh bone, top of the shin bone, and sometimes the kneecap, replacing these surfaces with metal and durable plastic implant components that recreate a smooth, functioning joint. The surgery typically takes one to two hours and is performed under general or regional (spinal) anaesthesia, with modern surgical techniques designed to preserve as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.

Question 3

How long does recovery take after total knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

Most patients begin walking with support, such as a walker, within a day of surgery, and are typically discharged from the hospital within two to four days. Return to most daily activities generally takes about six weeks, though full recovery, including complete resolution of swelling and maximum strength, can take three to six months. Consistent participation in physiotherapy is one of the most important factors in achieving a good functional outcome after this surgery.

Question 4

What are the risks of total knee replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

Risks of total knee replacement include infection, blood clots, stiffness limiting the joint's range of motion, and, less commonly, implant loosening or the need for revision surgery over time. Choosing an experienced surgical team, along with careful pre-surgical health optimisation and diligent adherence to post-surgical rehabilitation and blood clot prevention measures, significantly reduces these risks. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your specific individual risk factors during your pre-surgical evaluation.

Question 5

Can both knees be replaced at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bilateral (both knee) replacement can be performed either simultaneously in one surgery or staged a few weeks to months apart, depending on the patient's overall health, the surgeon's assessment, and personal preference. Simultaneous surgery means only one hospital stay and recovery period, but involves a longer single surgery and more intensive early rehabilitation, while staged surgery spreads the physical demand across two separate recovery periods. Your orthopaedic surgeon will help you weigh these options based on your specific health profile and circumstances.

Knee Surgery/ Tkr