General Procedure Information
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is generally considered for severe knee arthritis or other joint damage causing persistent pain and reduced function. Suitability requires individual specialist assessment.
What Is It?
Total knee replacement reshapes or removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with prosthetic components, aiming to reduce pain and improve function. It is usually an elective procedure planned in advance, not a first-line treatment for everyone with knee arthritis.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Knee pain, stiffness or deformity persistently affects sleep, walking, stairs and daily life
- Imaging and examination show arthritis or joint damage consistent with the symptoms
- Appropriate non-operative treatment has not provided acceptable pain control or functional improvement
What Are the Alternatives?
- Weight and activity management, physiotherapy, pain management, walking aids, injections and other non-operative options should be discussed individually
- Some people may be suitable for partial knee replacement or another operation; the same replacement approach is not right for everyone
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
Pre-operative planning assesses health, medication, infection risk, home support, walking ability and rehabilitation arrangements. The implant, anaesthetic, length of stay and discharge plan vary with individual health, the operation and hospital pathway.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Persistent pain, stiffness, wound or prosthetic-joint infection, instability, implant wear or loosening, and possible further surgery
- The aim is better pain control and function, but full return to every activity or complete absence of discomfort cannot be guaranteed
General Recovery Approach
Rehabilitation commonly starts with safe transfers, walking and pain/swelling management, then gradually restores knee movement, leg strength, stairs and balance. Progress is affected by pre-operative function, health, wound healing, pain and rehabilitation participation; follow the treating team’s advice.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Knee and Leg patient education
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.