Key Takeaways
- Total knee replacement surgery itself typically takes 1 to 2 hours, though your total time in the surgical center will be longer once anesthesia and recovery room monitoring are included.
- During the procedure, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone, then positions metal and plastic implants to recreate a smooth, functioning knee joint.
- Most patients go home the same day or after a single night in the hospital, and physical therapy typically begins within hours of surgery.
- Anesthesia options include general anesthesia or a spinal or regional nerve block, and your care team will help determine which is right for you.
- Knowing what to expect on surgery day can ease anxiety and help you feel prepared for the road ahead.
- Dr. Neil Schwimley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist serving patients in Pella, Iowa, and he offers total knee replacement for patients who are ready to move forward with surgery. Request an appointment at Pella Regional Health Center to discuss your options.
Understanding the Total Knee Replacement Timeline
Feeling anxious about an upcoming knee replacement is normal, especially when the unknowns of surgery day loom larger than the pain you already know. Understanding the general timeline, from anesthesia to the final stitch, can help replace uncertainty with a clear picture of what to expect.
How Long Does the Surgery Itself Take?
The surgical procedure for a total knee replacement usually takes 1 to 2 hours. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 700,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the United States, making it one of the most common and well-understood procedures in orthopedic surgery.
That 1 to 2 hour window covers the surgery itself. Your full time at the surgical facility, including check-in, anesthesia preparation, and initial recovery monitoring, will typically add several more hours to your day.
Anesthesia and Safety Considerations
Before surgery begins, an anesthesia team will evaluate you and determine the safest option for your situation. The two most common types of anesthesia used for knee replacement are:
- General anesthesia, where the patient is fully asleep during the procedure.
- Spinal, epidural, or regional nerve block anesthesia, where the patient remains awake but the body is numbed from the waist down.
Dr. Schwimley and the anesthesia team will discuss which option makes the most sense based on your health history and personal preference.
Step by Step: What Happens During Surgery
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Incision | The surgeon makes an incision on the front of the knee to access the joint. |
| Removing damaged tissue | Damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone are removed from the end of the thighbone and shinbone. |
| Positioning implants | Metal components are shaped and positioned to recreate the surface of the joint, then secured with cement or a press fit method. |
| Resurfacing the kneecap | If needed, the underside of the kneecap is resurfaced with a plastic component. |
| Inserting the spacer | A medical-grade plastic spacer is placed between the metal components to allow smooth, pain-free movement. |
This resurfacing process is why some surgeons describe the procedure as less of a full replacement and more of a precise reshaping of the joint surfaces that are causing pain.
Immediate Recovery in the Hospital
After surgery, patients are moved to a recovery room where the anesthesia team monitors vital signs as the anesthesia wears off. Most patients are able to go home the same day or after one night in the hospital, depending on their individual recovery and the support available at home.
Physical therapy plays a major role from the very start. Many patients begin gentle movement exercises within hours of surgery, working with a physical therapist to safely stand, take initial steps, and begin restoring range of motion. Early movement supports circulation, helps prevent blood clots, and sets the stage for a smoother recovery in the weeks ahead.
Most patients notice a significant reduction in pain, with more than 9 in 10 people reporting noticeably less pain once they have recovered.
Take the Uncertainty Out of Your Knee Replacement Surgery
Knowing what happens during your knee replacement, from the 1 to 2 hour procedure itself to those first steps in physical therapy, can turn a source of anxiety into a clear, manageable plan.
If chronic knee pain is affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Neil Schwimley to discuss whether total knee replacement is the right next step for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on the day of my knee replacement surgery?
You will arrive at the surgical facility, meet with the anesthesia team, and undergo the 1 to 2 hour procedure. Afterward, you will spend time in a recovery room before either going home or being admitted for a short hospital stay, typically no more than one night.
Is knee replacement surgery painful?
Some pain and swelling after surgery is expected, but your care team will manage this with a combination of pain relief strategies. Most patients find that the pain relief and improved mobility gained from the procedure far outweigh the temporary discomfort of recovery.
How soon after surgery will I start moving my new knee?
Most patients begin gentle movement and physical therapy within hours of surgery. Early, guided movement is one of the most important parts of a successful recovery.
How do I find a knee specialist near me in Pella?
Dr. Neil Schwimley provides total knee replacement and comprehensive orthopedic care at Pella Regional Health Center, Dept. of Orthopedics, serving patients throughout southeast Iowa.
