What it is
In a total knee replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the ends of the thigh bone and shin bone, and covers them with metal parts and a plastic spacer. The back of the kneecap is sometimes resurfaced too. It is one of the most common operations in the US.
Who it's usually for
People with severe knee arthritis whose pain limits walking, sleep or daily life, after exercise, physical therapy, weight loss (if needed), medicines and injections haven't helped enough.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Most people have much less pain and can walk further afterwards.
- Modern implants often last 20 years or more.
- Straightens a bowed or knock-kneed leg.
⚠ Cons and risks
- Roughly 1 in 10 to 1 in 5 people still have some pain or aren't fully satisfied.
- Risks include infection (about 1 in 100), blood clots, stiffness and, rarely, nerve or blood vessel injury.
- Kneeling can stay uncomfortable.
- Recovery takes hard work with physical therapy exercises.
Recovery times are typical ranges; yours may be different. Your surgeon can tell you what to expect.
What recovery is like
Physical therapy exercises start the same day or the next day, and you'll keep doing them at home for weeks. Bending and straightening the new knee is hard work and can be uncomfortable, especially in the first 2 to 6 weeks. Taking your pain medicine before exercise helps, and it gets easier week by week. Doing the exercises matters: it's the biggest thing you can do for a good result.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- How many knee replacements do you do each year?
- What are your infection and re-operation rates?
- Which implant do you use, and why?
- What will my physical therapy plan be?
- How will my pain be controlled after surgery?
When to get help quickly: Get help the same day for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, if you can't put weight on your leg after an injury, or, after surgery, for fever, wound drainage, or new calf pain or swelling. For chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, call 911.
What surgeons say in their videos
Videos from different surgeons and doctors, newest first. They share their own views, and we don't rank or endorse any of them.
Common questions about total knee replacement
What is total knee replacement?
In a total knee replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the ends of the thigh bone and shin bone, and covers them with metal parts and a plastic spacer. The back of the kneecap is sometimes resurfaced too. It is one of the most common operations in the US.
Who is total knee replacement for?
People with severe knee arthritis whose pain limits walking, sleep or daily life, after exercise, physical therapy, weight loss (if needed), medicines and injections haven't helped enough.
What is recovery like after total knee replacement?
Physical therapy exercises start the same day or the next day, and you'll keep doing them at home for weeks. Bending and straightening the new knee is hard work and can be uncomfortable, especially in the first 2 to 6 weeks. Taking your pain medicine before exercise helps, and it gets easier week by week. Doing the exercises matters: it's the biggest thing you can do for a good result.
How long is the hospital stay for total knee replacement?
Typically same day to 2 days.
What are the risks of total knee replacement?
Roughly 1 in 10 to 1 in 5 people still have some pain or aren't fully satisfied. Risks include infection (about 1 in 100), blood clots, stiffness and, rarely, nerve or blood vessel injury. Kneeling can stay uncomfortable. Recovery takes hard work with physical therapy exercises.
Getting ready
Losing extra weight, exercising before surgery, stopping smoking and getting your home ready can make surgery safer and recovery easier.
How to get ready for surgery →Find a surgeon
Look up hip and knee surgeons in your state, from public records.
Find a hip & knee surgeon →Other knee surgeries
Sources
We base this page on these major medical organizations and studies. How we write our pages.
General information written for Hip & Knee Surgery, not by the surgeons in the videos. For education only; not medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.