An orthopedic specialist may recommend knee surgery if you have severe knee pain that limits daily activities, such as walking and climbing stairs, and doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments, including physical therapy and medication.

Key takeaways

• Knee replacement surgery involves replacing all or part of your knee with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic.
• You may need knee surgery if knee pain prevents you from doing daily activities, and other treatment options have failed (for example, physical therapy and medications).
• Knee surgery has gotten easier with robotic technology and is usually effective at reducing pain, but you should still go easy on your new artificial joint by avoiding high-impact sports.

When is it time for knee surgery? How to know

Most of us in New Orleans use our knees a lot, whether we’re walking around Audubon Park, strolling through the Garden District, or standing at our favorite jazz club. As we age, the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that make up the knee start to break down. Some people can manage resulting knee pain with physical therapy, medication, and other treatments. But others need their knee partially or fully replaced during knee surgery.

So, how do you know if it’s time for knee surgery, or when? Learn the ins and outs of knee replacement to see if it’s right for you.

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery (also called knee arthroplasty) is a procedure to replace all or part of the knee with an artificial joint made of plastic and metal. Depending on how much of your knee is injured or worn, you may receive a full knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.

A full knee replacement replaces damaged bone and cartilage, covering the femur, tibia, and kneecap. Together, the new, artificial joint creates a functional hinge, so the knee can move with less pain over time.

When should you get a knee replacement?

When you have knee pain, the first treatment option usually isn’t a full knee replacement. Most orthopedic specialists start with less invasive treatment options, such as physical therapy, pain medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, an orthopedist may recommend a total knee replacement if:

• You have severe knee pain that limits daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of a chair.
• You have moderate or severe knee pain when you’re at rest during the day or night.
• Your knee swells, and inflammation doesn’t improve with rest or medication.
• Your knee changes shape, bowing in or out.
• Your condition isn’t improving with other treatments.

Most commonly, people get a knee replacement to help with pain due to arthritis. Your orthopedic surgeon will look at your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength. They’ll also take X-rays to see any internal damage and recommend when and if you need surgery.

Timing of knee surgery

Timing is important when considering a knee replacement. If you’re in your 40s or 50s and get a knee replacement, it’s more likely your new knee will wear out in your lifetime. That means you’ll need another replacement surgery later. So, you don’t want to have a knee replacement too early.

However, you also don’t want to wait too long for a knee replacement because too much cartilage breakdown can make it harder to do the surgery. Ultimately, when you get surgery depends on your level of pain and your response to other treatments.

Pros and cons of knee surgery

There are both pros and cons to having knee surgery.

Potential pros:

• Less knee pain
• Better range of motion and movement
• More independence—climbing stairs and walking on your own
• A return to activities you love, such as biking, swimming, or walking
• Improved quality of life

Potential cons:

• Cost, often with out-of-pocket expenses
• Time to heal, which can take up to a year
• Chance of surgery complications, such as infection, blood clots, or tissue damage (not common)
• Chance of needing a future “revision” surgery
• Adjustment period since it’s not your original knee, which may limit previous activities

What’s knee surgery like?

At LCMC Health, most of our knee surgery patients start with prehabilitation, or prehab. It involves exercise and physical therapy before surgery that can help speed up recovery.

During surgery, we try to use minimally invasive approaches when possible. We’re proud to offer Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee replacement. Using CT scan-based 3D modeling to show your bone’s anatomy, our orthopedic surgeons create a personalized surgical plan. They’re able to modify the plan during surgery as needed. This approach increases accuracy and precision, allows for faster recovery, and enables longer-lasting implants.

A big part of knee surgery is recovery. It’s important to recognize that most people who have this surgery notice a dramatic reduction in knee pain. However, the surgery does not allow you to do more than you could do before you developed arthritis or an injury. Physical therapy and other rehabilitation can usually help you return to activities, such as walking, swimming, light hiking, and other low-impact sports.

Knee replacement surgeons in New Orleans

If you’re experiencing knee pain, talk to one of our orthopedic doctors and specialists at LCMC Health. Our highly skilled team includes surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals. We’re committed to prevention, assessment, treatment, and management of injuries or disorders in the bones and joints—all to help you get back to doing what you love.

Learn about Orthopedic Care at LCMC Health.

Related questions about knee surgery

What’s the average age to get a knee replacement?

Most people who get a knee replacement are between 60 and 70 years old.

What is recovery like after knee replacement surgery?

Recovery after knee surgery depends on your age, activity before surgery, and other health conditions you have. The first week after surgery is the hardest, with more pain and swelling, but it improves over time with physical therapy. It can take up to a year to fully recover, but many people can return to daily activities within six weeks.

How long does a knee implant last?

A knee implant usually lasts 15 to 20 years. Increased weight and physical activity can make an artificial joint wear out faster.

A little something extra, delivered to your inbox.

We're making health a reason to celebrate!

Fill out the form below to receive our monthly wellness email to keep you informed about healthcare trends, information about our providers and services, and of course, tons of delicious recipes (that are good for you!) from our expert dietitians.

Sign-Up