Knee replacement may be recommended when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, or loss of function that interferes with daily activities. If medications, injections, physical therapy, and other conservative treatments no longer provide relief, knee replacement may be the best option.

The most common cause is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the knee gradually wears away over time. Arthritis can also result from previous injuries, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, or abnormal joint alignment.

Modern pain management techniques have significantly improved the recovery experience. While some discomfort is expected after surgery, most patients find that the pain from recovery is temporary and far less limiting than the chronic pain they experienced from arthritis.

Robotic technology allows for highly precise implant positioning and alignment based on your unique anatomy. This can help improve accuracy, restore a more natural-feeling knee, and potentially improve function and patient satisfaction.

Most patients begin walking the day of surgery and return home the same day or the next day. Many patients resume normal daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks, although strength and function continue to improve for several months.

Today’s knee replacements are designed to be durable and long-lasting. More than 90% of knee replacements are still functioning well 15 to 20 years after surgery, and many continue to perform successfully for even longer.

Most patients can return to driving within 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, depending on which knee was replaced, pain medication use, reaction time, and overall recovery progress.

Yes. Most patients return to walking, golf, cycling, swimming, travel, pickleball, and many other low-impact activities. The goal of knee replacement is to relieve pain and help patients regain an active lifestyle.

As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, implant loosening, nerve or blood vessel injury, and the need for future revision surgery. Fortunately, serious complications are uncommon, and every effort is made to minimize risk through careful planning and patient optimization.

Patients who achieve the best results are often those who actively participate in their recovery. Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, stopping smoking, improving nutrition, and following physical therapy recommendations can all contribute to a smoother recovery and better long-term outcome.

There is no perfect age for knee replacement. The decision is based on your symptoms, level of disability, overall health, and quality of life rather than age alone. Many patients in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s experience excellent outcomes after knee replacement surgery.