Complete guide to knee replacement — costs, recovery timeline, success rates, and how to find the right surgeon.
Knee replacement (arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that resurfaces a knee damaged by arthritis or injury. The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. Over 700,000 knee replacements are performed annually in the United States, making it one of the most common and successful surgeries in orthopedics. The procedure has a 95%+ success rate and modern implants last 20-25 years.
Total Knee Replacement (TKA): Resurfaces all three compartments of the knee. Most common type — accounts for 90%+ of knee replacements. Best for widespread arthritis.
Partial Knee Replacement (UKA): Replaces only the damaged compartment. Smaller incision, faster recovery, more natural feel. Best for arthritis limited to one area with intact ligaments.
Robotic-Assisted: Uses CT-guided 3D planning and robotic arm for sub-millimeter precision in bone cuts and implant positioning. Available for both total and partial. Adds $3,000-$5,000 to cost.
Revision Knee Replacement: Replaces a worn or failed previous implant. More complex surgery with longer recovery.
Total knee replacement costs $25,000 to $70,000 before insurance, depending on location, surgeon, and facility. Partial knee replacement runs $15,000-$45,000. Most insurance plans and Medicare cover knee replacement when medically necessary. Out-of-pocket costs with insurance are typically $3,000-$8,000. Use our city-specific cost guides for pricing in your area.
Day of surgery: Walking with a walker or crutches. Physical therapy begins.
Weeks 1-2: Home exercises, ice, elevation. Walker or cane for mobility.
Weeks 3-6: Transition from walker to cane. Driving resumes (for left knee or automatic, ~3 weeks; right knee, ~4-6 weeks).
Months 2-3: Most daily activities resume. Walking without assistive device.
Months 3-6: Continued strengthening. Return to low-impact activities (swimming, cycling, golf).
Months 6-12: Maximum improvement. Most patients report 90%+ pain relief.
The single biggest factor in knee replacement outcomes is surgeon experience and volume. Look for:
• Board certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)
• Fellowship training in joint replacement
• At least 50-100 knee replacements per year (high-volume surgeons have better outcomes)
• Hospital or surgery center with Joint Replacement Center of Excellence designation
• Ask about technique options: traditional vs robotic, outpatient vs inpatient
• Request their complication and infection rates
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