What is knee replacement.
Knee replacement removes the worn cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the end of the femur and top of the tibia, replacing them with metal and polyethylene components designed to move like a healthy knee.
Total knee replacement resurfaces the entire joint. Partial (unicompartmental) replacement resurfaces only the worn part — usually the inside (medial) compartment — and preserves the rest. Partial replacement, when patients are candidates, recovers faster and feels more natural.
Who it's for.
- Patients with end-stage knee arthritis no longer responsive to conservative care
- Patients whose knee pain disrupts sleep, walking, stairs, or daily life
- Patients with deformity (bowleg or knock-knee) and one-sided wear
- Patients who have completed a preservation conversation and are ready for replacement
How Dr. Pradhan approaches it.
Before any replacement, we have an honest preservation conversation. For many younger patients with focal damage or malalignment, an osteotomy or cartilage restoration is the better operation.
When replacement is the right answer, we choose between partial and total based on the actual wear pattern — many patients are candidates for partial replacement and don't know it.
Component positioning is the single biggest determinant of how a knee replacement feels and how long it lasts. We use modern instrumentation and meticulous alignment to get it right the first time.
What recovery looks like.
Most knee replacement patients are walking with a walker the same day. Outpatient pathways apply for many patients; some choose a single overnight stay.
Physical therapy starts immediately. Most patients are off the walker by week 1–2, off the cane by week 4, and driving by week 4–6 (for a right knee replacement).
Most patients return to walking 30+ minutes, golf, doubles tennis, and hiking. Running, singles tennis, and cutting sports are not what replacement is for — that's the preservation conversation.
Frequently asked.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Modern implants in well-positioned knees average 20+ years of function. That said, "lasts" depends on how the implant is positioned, the patient's activity, and a few biology factors. Component positioning is the part we can control.
Is robotic knee replacement better?
Robotic assistance can improve component positioning consistency. The data on patient outcomes is more nuanced — a surgeon who positions implants well manually produces equivalent results. We use the tools that improve precision in your specific case.
How long is the hospital stay?
Most knee replacements are now performed as outpatient or short-stay procedures. Many patients go home the same day; some choose a single overnight stay. Discharge depends on safe ambulation and pain control, not a fixed schedule.
When can I drive after knee replacement?
Left knee: 1–2 weeks if pain allows and you're off narcotic medications. Right knee: 4–6 weeks, after you can demonstrate emergency braking control.
Can I run after knee replacement?
Running is not recommended after total knee replacement — it accelerates implant wear. Walking, hiking, golf, doubles tennis, and biking are all good. If running matters, that's a preservation-first conversation.