Frequently Asked Questions on Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement surgery is bascially of two types 1)Total Knee Replacements which involves the entire replacement of the knee as opposed to only partial replacement.Traditionally these kind knee replacement involves a 7-8” incision over the knee by the surgeon and includes staying at the hospital for 4-5 days .

Partial Knee Replacement or Unicondylar Knee uses smaller implants and dues not involve making a deep incision and uses minimally invasive techniques.In partial knee replacement, the damage to the knee is limited to one part of the knee joint. The severely damaged part of the knee joint is hence replaced.

This surgery has advantage over total knee replacement. It's done through minimum invasion hence the damage to the tissue cells is far less. The patient returns to his normal lifestyle faster.

How common is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement is a routine surgery performed on over 600,000 people worldwide each year. Over 90% of people who have had Total Knee Replacement experience an improvement in knee pain and function.

How old is the average patient?

In the U.S., the average joint replacement patient is around 65-70 years old, however patients of all ages have received knee implants.What is unicondylar arthroplaty, or partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replaces only the area of the knee that is worn out, sparing patients the more medically complicated and involved total knee replacement surgery.


What are the advantages unicondylar arthroplasty?

With a partial knee replacement, there is a dramatically shorter recovery time due to less surgical trauma, less scarring and fuller range of motion.


How is it different from total knee replacement?

During total knee replacement, surgeons typically make a 7 to 8-inch incision over the knee, patients stay in the hospital for approximately four days, and there is a recovery period of up to three months. During minimally-invasive partial knee surgery, a part of the knee to be replaced through a small, 3-inch incision. There is minimal damage to the muscles and tendons around the knee and the required hospital stay is up to two days. The recovery period is about one month.

You mentioned recovery is faster. What does that mean?

Patients often walk unassisted within a week or two of the operation. Even those who have both knees done at once are able to walk without the assistance of a walker or cane fairly quickly.

What does the surgeon do during a unicondylar arthroplasty?

When a knee replacement is performed, some bone and cartage are removed using precise instruments to create exact surfaces to accommodate a metal and plastic prostheses.

How long will knee replacement surgery last?

Knee replacement surgery has been documented to last beyond fifteen years for many patients. The overall failure rate is less than 1% per year.

How do I know if I am a candidate for this surgery?

Candidates for this surgery are generally younger, more active patients. The partial knee replacement allows for symptoms of pain or discomfort. The procedure allows younger patients to buy time before they need a full knee replacement. The procedure is also effective for older patients if they have disease localized to one half of the joint.

After surgery, is it normal for my knee to look larger than my other knee which has not had knee replacement surgery?

It is common for a post-operative total knee to be larger than the natural, native knee. That is a very common feature and finding and is not necessarily related to the parts being a different size than the amount of bone that was resurrected.

Is it normal to have numbness along the outer or lateral aspect of the incision?

It is common to develop some numbness or change in sensation over the lateral or outer aspect of the incision after surgery. The normal skin nerves run from the inner aspect of the knee, rotating to the outer aspect of the knee. Incisions that are made directly over the front of the knee oriented along the length of the leg will cut across these nerves. Generally, after four to 6 months, much of the skin sensation will return. However, in some patients, there is always a reduced degree of sensation over the outer aspect of the knee. Usually, this is of little clinical significance.

How soon can I return to normal activities after surgery?

Within six weeks after surgery, most patients are able to walk with a cane. You will probably feel well enough to drive a car within seven to eight weeks after surgery.

In most cases, successful joint replacement surgery will relieve your pain and stiffness, and allow you to resume many of your normal daily activities. But even after you have fully recovered from your surgery, you will still have some restrictions. Normal daily activities do not include contact sports or activities that put excessive strain on your joints. Although your artificial joint can be replaced, a second implant is seldom as effective as the first.

Will an implant set off a metal detector?

Since knee implants are made of metal, there’s a chance they could set off metal detectors. Patients have reported mixed experiences at airports: some detectors go off and some don’t.You may be provided with a special card to keep in your wallet explaining that you have a knee implant.

For more information of Knee Replacements proceures and FAQs check out these following websites.

Wockhardt Hospital,Bone and Joint Care
Georgetown university Hospital
Knee Replacement Guide