Everything You Need to Know About Total Knee Replacement: A Guide for Patients Considering Surgery

For many individuals experiencing persistent knee pain or limited mobility, exploring total knee replacement at Baylor Scott and White Fort Worth may provide a pathway to renewed activity and comfort. Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components designed to mimic natural motion. Whether due to osteoarthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions, understanding the procedure can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

What Is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement involves removing worn or damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and implanting metal and plastic components to recreate a smooth, functional surface. Surgical approaches have evolved to include modern techniques that may enhance precision and support individualized alignment. Robotic assistance and patient-specific instrumentation can help surgeons position implants accurately, which some studies suggest may support more consistent joint mechanics over time¹.

Who May Be a Candidate?

Patients who continue to experience moderate to severe knee pain, despite conservative treatments, may wish to discuss total knee replacement with their orthopedic specialist. Joint stiffness that interferes with daily activities, swelling that persists for months, and difficulty walking or climbing stairs are common indicators that surgery could be considered². Individual factors, including overall health, activity level, and the severity of joint damage, influence candidacy; prospective patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation at Baylor Scott & White Fort Worth’s Total Joint Replacement Center.

The Surgical Procedure

On the day of surgery, anesthesia options include regional nerve blocks or general anesthesia. After making an incision, the surgeon realigns or resurfaces the joint. When robotic-assisted systems are used, three-dimensional imaging guides precise bone cuts and implant positioning. Following placement of the prosthesis and confirmation of joint stability, tissues are closed in layers. Typical operative times range from one to two hours, with many patients spending one to two nights in the hospital for initial monitoring⁴.

Potential Total Knee Replacement Benefits and Risks

While individual outcomes vary, total knee replacement can lead to significant pain relief and improved function. Some patients report resuming low-impact activities, such as walking, cycling, and swimming, within weeks of surgery. Long-term studies indicate that most implants can last 15 to 20 years before revision may be considered⁵. Open communication with one’s care team about signs of complications and adherence to postoperative instructions can help support a smoother recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Early mobilization, often on the day of surgery, helps reduce the risk of complications and promotes healing. A physical therapist will guide patients through exercises aimed at restoring range of motion and strength. Home-based therapy may be supplemented by outpatient or in-home services, depending on individual needs. Most patients achieve functional improvements within three months, though full recovery may extend up to a year⁶. Adhering to prescribed activity levels, attending follow-up appointments, and gradually increasing exercises are key to successful rehabilitation.

Alternatives and When to Consider Surgery

Non-surgical options for knee pain include weight management, assistive devices (such as braces), activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections (corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid). Although these treatments can relieve symptoms, they may become less effective as joint deterioration progresses. Total knee replacement is generally considered when non-invasive therapies no longer provide adequate relief or when joint damage significantly impairs quality of life.

Taking the Next Step

Patients considering total knee replacement in Fort Worth are invited to learn more about the comprehensive services offered at the Baylor Scott & White Fort Worth Total Joint Replacement Center. Detailed information on surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and patient resources can also be found at Baylor Scott & White Health’s main knee replacement page. Consultation with a board-certified joint specialist can help determine whether total knee replacement aligns with individual health goals and lifestyle needs.

Sources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Total Knee Replacement.” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00374
Mayo Clinic. “Knee Replacement.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385223
Cleveland Clinic. “Knee Replacement Surgery.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21227-knee-replacement
Baylor Scott & White Health. “Total Joint Replacement Center.” https://bshfw.com/total-joint-replacement-center/
Baylor Scott & White Health. “Knee Replacement.” https://www.bswhealth.com/treatments-and-procedures/arthroplasty-joint-replacement/knee-replacement
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. “Rehabilitation Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.” https://journals.lww.com/corr/Abstract/2015/06000/Rehabilitation_Following_Total_Knee_Arthroplasty.10.aspx