When is Knee Replacement Surgery Necessary?

Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replacing them with an artificial knee made of metal and plastic components. The goal is to relieve chronic knee pain, restore mobility, and improve your overall quality of life.

Depending on how much of the knee is damaged, your surgeon may recommend one of several types of knee replacement:

• Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty): The most common procedure, where the entire joint surface is replaced.

• Partial Knee Replacement: Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, preserving as much of the healthy bone and cartilage as possible.

• Revision Surgery: Performed when a previous knee replacement needs to be corrected or updated.

Common Reasons for Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement is typically recommended when other treatments—like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections—no longer provide relief. The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that wears away the cartilage protecting the bones of the knee.

You may need a knee replacement if you experience:

• Severe knee pain that persists even at rest

• Stiffness that makes it hard to bend your knee or climb stairs

• Limited mobility despite physical therapy

• Pain that affects your sleep or daily activities

• Joint deformity or visible changes around the knee joint

Other causes may include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis (from injury), or damage from prior surgeries.

When to Consider Knee Replacement Surgery

If non-surgical treatments are no longer managing your symptoms and your knee function continues to decline, it may be time for knee replacement surgery. During your consultation, your orthopedic surgeon at Savino Orthopedics will evaluate:

• The severity of joint damage

• X-rays and imaging results

• Your overall health and activity level

• How much pain and mobility loss affect your quality of life

Your surgeon will help you decide whether total knee replacement surgery or partial knee replacement is the best approach.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before your procedure, your care team may recommend supplements before your surgery, strengthening exercises, or weight management strategies to prepare your knee and surrounding muscles.

On the day of your surgery, the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with durable materials that mimic natural movement. Most patients begin physical therapy soon after surgery to help regain motion and strength.

In the first few weeks after surgery, swelling and stiffness are normal. Within 4 to 6 weeks, many patients notice significant improvements in mobility and pain levels. By 6 weeks after surgery, you’ll likely be walking more comfortably, with continued progress as you rebuild strength and flexibility.

Restoring Comfort and Mobility with Savino Orthopedics

If you’ve been living with chronic knee pain or arthritis of the knee, you don’t have to settle for discomfort. Knee replacement surgery can help you regain a better quality of life, allowing you to move more freely and enjoy the activities you love again.

At Savino Orthopedics, our skilled surgeons specialize in both partial and total knee replacements, using modern techniques and personalized care to ensure optimal outcomes.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you may need a knee replacement or want to explore your options for treating knee arthritis, contact Savino Orthopedics today. Our experienced team will help you determine the best treatment plan for your condition—whether that means continued therapy or knee replacement surgery.