Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty) is a procedure that replaces a severely diseased knee joint with an artificial joint to relieve pain and restore function.
During surgery, small amounts of damaged bone and cartilage from the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and, where needed, the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) are removed and replaced with a combination of surgical-grade metal alloys and highly wear-resistant polyethylene.
The goal is pain relief and improved bending and straightening so you can return to walking, stairs and daily activities.
Modern total knee replacement components and bearing surfaces.
Matching your knee replacement with your individual knee alignment
What should I expect from knee replacement surgery?
A knee replacement can dramatically reduce arthritis pain and help you walk, bend and climb stairs more easily.
It is not expected to eliminate every ache or fully restore the motion of a healthy, young knee, but it should provide reliable, lasting relief.
Most modern implants have excellent longevity, with many lasting 20 years or more. We pair surgery with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) to reduce pain, nausea and complications and to speed your return home.
Who should have a total knee replacement?
The most common reason is severe pain and stiffness from knee arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause, followed by inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis after injury. Learn about knee osteoarthritis.
Before considering surgery, appropriate non-operative care should be trialled:
- Simple and anti-inflammatory pain medications (as advised by your GP).
- Walking aid such as a stick when needed.
- Exercise/physiotherapy to maintain strength and mobility.
- Weight management if appropriate (even modest loss helps symptoms).
- Trial of a knee brace for selected patterns of arthritis.
Good candidates typically have:
- Severe pain interfering with walking, stairs, sleep or daily tasks.
- Functional limitation with reduced ability to fully bend or straighten the knee.
- Non-operative measures tried and no longer helping.
- Appropriate timing (often over 60 years) balancing implant longevity and activity demands.
- Medical fitness for anaesthesia and surgery, with optimised diabetes, blood pressure, weight and vascular health.
Unsure if you’re ready? Book an assessment and we’ll tailor a plan that may include quadriceps-sparing surgical approaches, targeted physiotherapy or injections.
An X-ray of a Right Knee with No Arthritis
X-ray of the Right Knee with Osteoarthritis
X-ray of a Knee with a Knee Replacement
Once conservative options have been exhausted, a knee replacement can be the most effective path to lasting pain relief and function.
Latest advances in knee replacement technology
Personalised knee replacement using CT planning and kinematic alignment
Everyone’s anatomy is unique. Modern planning allows us to personalise implant position to your native alignment and soft-tissue balance.
Precision Surgery
Accurate alignment and soft-tissue balance are critical for comfort, stability and longevity. Even small malalignment can lead to stiffness, early wear or dissatisfaction. Technology that enhances precision includes:
- Computer Navigation for intra-operative measurements in real time.
- Patient-Specific Instrumentation (PSI) created from your CT scan.
- Robotic-assisted systems that help execute the plan consistently.
Patient-Specific Instrumentation (PSI)
A CT scan is uploaded to 3D planning software to design single-use guides tailored to your knee. PSI aims to reduce positioning errors, improve alignment and streamline the procedure.
Robotic and NextAR Navigation
Robotic and augmented navigation enhance accuracy by tracking instruments and bone position with infrared cameras or smart sensors, displaying an interactive 3D model that updates in real time. Surgeons then fine-tune implant position within fractions of a degree to optimise stability and range of motion.
How is a knee replacement performed?
The incision is usually 15–25 cm along the front of the knee (straight or gently curved). Bone cuts are made on the femur and tibia to remove the arthritic surfaces. When appropriate, the underside of the patella is resurfaced. Planning from your CT scan and computer navigation support precision.
Implants are fixed using either bone cement or a porous coating that allows bone to grow onto the implant. Surgery takes around 90 minutes. Antibiotics and blood-thinning medication are given around the time of surgery to reduce infection and clot risk.
Where suitable, we use a quadriceps-sparing approach within an ERAS pathway to reduce pain and accelerate mobilisation.
Preparing for a knee replacement
Our peri-operative physician will assess your fitness and coordinate pre-operative tests:
Pre-op tests
- Blood tests (e.g., FBE, U&E) and ECG.
- X-ray of the knee.
- Urine test.
- CT scan if using PSI or robotic assistance.
Skin & dental health
Let us know about any rashes, cuts or infections. Treat significant dental issues (extractions or periodontal work) before surgery. Routine dental cleaning is usually delayed for several weeks after surgery.
Medications
We will advise which medications to continue or pause (e.g., blood thinners, diabetes medicines, supplements).
Home planning
- Secure handrails and shower/bath grab bars.
- A stable high-seat chair with arms.
- Raised toilet seat and shower chair.
- Long-handled sponge, shoehorn, sock aid.
- Reacher/picker to avoid deep bending.
- Remove tripping hazards (loose rugs, cords).
Exercises before surgery
Pre-habilitation speeds recovery. Try these pre-op knee exercises
Recovering after a knee replacement
After surgery, you will recover in the monitored area before returning to the ward. Our nursing and physiotherapy team will help you stand and walk on the day of surgery or the morning after where appropriate.
- Length of stay: commonly 3–5 days (shorter with ERAS and when safe).
- Walking aids: frame or crutches initially, progressing to a stick, then independent.
- Driving: usually 4–6 weeks for the right leg (sooner for the left with automatic transmission—confirm at review).
- Return to activities: most daily tasks by 6–8 weeks; ongoing gains up to 12 months.
- Physiotherapy: crucial for regaining bend, strength and confidence.
Ask about our No-Gap Hip & Knee Replacement in Melbourne pathways at St Vincent’s Private East Melbourne, St Vincent’s Private Werribee and Adeney Private Hospital (eligibility criteria apply).
Complications
All operations carry risks. We work to minimise these through careful planning, optimised medical care and ERAS protocols.
- Infection: around 1% risk. May require further surgery; severe cases can necessitate staged revision.
- Blood clots (DVT/PE): reduced with early mobilisation and blood-thinners but still possible.
- Wear/loosening: implants can wear out over time and may need revision surgery.
- Patellar or knee instability: rare; may occur before tissues fully heal.
- Numbness near the incision: often improves but can be persistent.
- Nerve or vessel injury: very uncommon; may affect strength or sensation.
- Stiffness: can limit bend/straightening; sometimes manipulation or further surgery is needed.
- Fracture: during or after surgery—uncommon.
- Medical risks: anaesthetic or cardiopulmonary events; death is extremely rare.
Learn more:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a knee replacement last?
Many modern implants last 20 years or longer. Longevity depends on activity level, weight, bone quality and surgical accuracy.
Will I be pain-free?
Expect major pain reduction for arthritis, though occasional aches can persist—especially after heavy activity or in cold weather.
Can both knees be replaced at once?
It is possible for selected, healthy patients, but risks may be higher. Staged procedures are often safer. We’ll advise based on your health and goals.
Which activities are safe after recovery?
Walking, cycling, swimming, golf and gentle hiking are generally encouraged. High-impact running or jumping sports are usually discouraged to protect the implant.
Is a robotic or PSI knee “better”?
Technology helps improve accuracy and consistency. Outcomes also rely on surgeon experience, planning and rehabilitation. We’ll recommend the right option for your knee.
Still have questions? Contact us to discuss your situation.
