What Is Knee Replacement Surgery? (Total Knee Arthroplasty)
Knee replacement surgery, or Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), is a procedure that resurfaces a damaged knee joint rather than replacing the whole limb. The surgeon removes worn cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone from the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), then replaces these surfaces with a precision-engineered artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloy and durable medical-grade plastic. This creates a smooth new joint surface, eliminating the painful bone-on-bone friction caused by arthritis.
Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement is typically recommended when:
- Knee pain and stiffness significantly limit daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing
- Non-surgical treatments — painkillers, physiotherapy, a cane, or shoe inserts — no longer provide relief
- X-rays show significant cartilage loss or joint damage, usually from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury
- There is visible knee deformity affecting alignment and mobility
The ideal age is generally above 60, once conservative treatment options are exhausted, though surgery has been performed on select patients under 50 depending on the clinical stage and X-ray findings.
Types of Knee Replacement
Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement Total knee replacement resurfaces the entire joint and is used for widespread arthritis. Partial knee replacement treats damage limited to one section of the knee, preserving healthy ligaments and bone elsewhere in the joint.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral A single knee can be operated on its own, or — if the patient is fit enough for anaesthesia — both knees can be replaced in the same sitting (simultaneous bilateral). Patients with health complications or older age are often better suited to a staged approach, with a gap between the two surgeries.
Traditional vs. Robotic-Assisted Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses computer-guided precision to improve implant alignment and positioning, often resulting in a shorter hospital stay (2-3 days versus 4-5 days for traditional surgery) and potentially faster recovery.
What Implants Are Used?
Dr. Sushil Sharma uses standard, US-manufactured prosthesis implants sourced directly from multinational companies, including PFC from Depuy (Johnson & Johnson), Genesis and Journey implants (Smith & Nephew), and NexGen prosthesis (Zimmer).
What to Expect: The Procedure
A primary total knee replacement typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, with additional time for anaesthesia and preparation. A revision or more complex knee replacement can take up to two and a half hours. The surgery is performed under either general anesthesia or regional (spinal/epidural) anesthesia, with the choice depending on patient health and preference.
Recovery Timeline
- 24-48 hours after surgery: Most patients can stand up and begin assisted movement
- 4-5 days: Typical hospital stay for a single knee replacement (7 days for bilateral)
- 15-20 days: Walking with a walker, transitioning to a cane for another 3 weeks
- 40-45 days: Most patients return to work
- 1 month: Driving is generally possible for most patients
- Post-op bending: Standard implants typically allow 110-120 degrees of knee bending; high-flex implants can allow up to 155 degrees, depending on pre-surgery flexibility, BMI, and consistent physiotherapy
Benefits and Success Rate
Total knee replacement has a greater than 95% success rate in relieving pain and restoring daily function. Most patients report significant, long-lasting pain relief and a substantial improvement in mobility and quality of life.
Is Knee Replacement Right for You?
Every knee is different, and the right approach — total or partial, traditional or robotic, unilateral or bilateral — depends on your specific X-rays, joint condition, and overall health. Dr. Sushil Sharma, with over 38+ years of experience in knee and hip replacement surgery, can assess your case and recommend the most suitable option.
Book a consultation with Dr. Sushil Sharma to discuss whether knee replacement surgery is right for you. Schedule Your Consultation