Knee Replacement Surgery: What to Expect

Why Choose UCLA Health for Knee Replacement Surgery

UCLA Health performed its first knee replacement in 1977. Since then, we’ve built one of the region’s most trusted joint replacement programs. Our team combines decades of experience with the latest scientific advances to reduce pain, restore movement and support a smooth recovery. We make sure you feel informed throughout treatment, providing clear communication, coordinating your care and supporting you at every step.

What is a Knee Replacement? 

A knee replacement (arthroplasty) removes and replaces a damaged knee joint with artificial parts. The goal is to decrease knee pain and improve your overall function.

There are two main types of knee replacement: 

• Partial knee replacement: Your surgeon replaces only one of your knee’s three compartments.
• Total knee replacement: Your surgeon replaces your entire knee joint. This is the most common type of knee replacement.

Is Knee Replacement Right for Me? 

Knee replacement surgery may be right for you if your knee’s cushioning (cartilage) wears out due to arthritis. We may recommend this procedure if nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy and medications, aren’t successful.

Prepare for a Knee Replacement

You may need several tests before surgery:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) measures your heart rhythm and ensures surgery is safe.
• MRIs get a detailed look at your knee joint.
• X-rays view your knee bones.

You will likely need to stop eating and drinking liquids (besides water) by midnight on the day of surgery. You should also prepare for recovery at home by moving rugs, installing grab bars and arranging for a support person to help you.

What to Expect During Knee Replacement Surgery

You may undergo general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep and blocks sensation. Or you may receive sedation and a spinal block to numb your lower half. During a knee replacement, your surgeon: 

1. Makes an incision over your knee
2. Removes the damaged joint and cartilage
3. Places the artificial knee joint
4. Closes the incision

You go to a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off. When you’re ready, your care team helps you get out of bed. They may teach you to use an overhead trapeze attached to your bed, which helps you get up safely.

You may use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine in the hospital. The CPM machine helps you straighten and bend your knee to improve mobility. Most people stay in the hospital for a few days.

Recovery After Knee Replacement 

Our goal is for you to return home with all the information you need to recover well, including exercises to restore strength and mobility. You may need crutches, a cane or a walker to move around for a few weeks. You may also see a physical therapist in outpatient rehabilitation who tailors exercises to your needs.

A home health nurse removes your staples or stitches 10 to 14 days after surgery. Avoid bathing until this time.

Your surgeon monitors your healing at follow-up appointments. They let you know when you can resume more strenuous activity, such as going on long walks. For many people, this is around three to six months after surgery.

Daily Activities During Recovery

Watch these videos to learn how to protect your knee during the early stages of recovery: