Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged or worn cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components made from metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. This orthopaedic procedure is performed when the knee joint has been severely damaged by arthritis, injury, or other causes of chronic pain and limited mobility. The goal is to restore function to the knee joint, reduce pain, and help patients return to their normal activities with improved mobility and quality of life.
Knee replacement surgery may be considered when conservative treatments no longer provide relief:
Knee replacement surgery can provide significant improvements in comfort and mobility:
Most patients experience substantial reduction in knee pain, particularly chronic pain triggered by movement or weight-bearing.
Walking, climbing stairs, and performing everyday activities become easier when knee pain and stiffness are reduced through joint replacement.
Improved knee function often means less reliance on walking aids, assistance from others, or modifications to your living environment.
Modern knee replacements are designed to last 15-20 years or more with proper care, providing long-term relief from symptoms.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will determine the most suitable surgical approach based on your individual condition and knee structure.
The entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components, including the ends of the thighbone and shinbone, as well as the underside of the kneecap when necessary.
Only the damaged portion of the knee joint is replaced, preserving healthy bone and ligaments in the remaining areas of the knee.
A smaller incision is used to access the knee joint, potentially reducing tissue damage and recovery time while achieving the same goal of restoring joint function.
Imaging and navigation technology helps guide the placement of implants, potentially improving alignment and outcomes.
Robotic technology assists the surgeon in making bone cuts and implant positioning, enhancing accuracy during the procedure.
Proper preparation supports smoother recovery:
You will undergo blood tests, heart monitoring, medication review and other assessments to ensure you’re fit for surgery and anaesthesia.
You will need to avoid eating or drinking for a specified period before surgery, typically from midnight the night before your procedure.
The knee replacement surgery typically takes between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your case.
You’ll receive either general anaesthesia to make you unconscious, or spinal anaesthesia to numb the lower half of your body whilst you remain awake.
The surgeon makes an incision over the front of your knee, typically 6-10 inches long, to access the knee joint.
Damaged cartilage and bone surfaces are carefully removed from the end of the thighbone, top of the shinbone, and underside of the kneecap.
The artificial components are fitted and secured using bone cement or a technique that allows your bone to grow into the implant over time.
The surgeon tests the knee’s range of motion and stability, making any necessary adjustments to ensure proper function.
The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied to protect the surgical site.
Hospital stay: You will typically remain in hospital for 1-3 days after surgery, where your pain will be managed and you’ll begin guided physiotherapy exercises to promote mobility.
Pain management: Your medical team will provide pain relief through medications and possibly nerve blocks to keep you comfortable during the initial recovery period.
Early mobilisation: You will be encouraged to sit up and take your first steps within 24 hours of surgery, with assistance from nursing staff and physiotherapists.
Wound monitoring: Your surgical site will be checked regularly for signs of proper healing, and dressings will be changed as needed.
First 2-6 weeks: You may need walking aids initially and gradually increase your activity level, with most patients able to walk short distances and manage stairs with support.
6-12 weeks: Many patients can return to light activities, driving, and desk-based work during this period.
3-6 months: Your knee strength and flexibility continue to improve, and you may be able to return to more demanding activities and recreational pursuits.
Full recovery: Complete healing and maximum benefit from your knee replacement typically occurs within 6-12 months after surgery.
Regular appointments: You will have scheduled visits with your orthopaedic surgeon at specific intervals to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Physiotherapy sessions: Ongoing rehabilitation exercises help restore strength, flexibility, and function to your new knee joint.
Long-term monitoring: Periodic check-ups and X-rays help ensure your knee replacement continues to function properly over the years.
Like all surgical procedures, knee replacement carries some risks, though serious complications are uncommon. These may include infection at the surgical site, blood clots in the legs or lungs, nerve or blood vessel damage, stiffness or instability of the knee joint, and the possibility that the artificial joint may loosen or wear out over time requiring revision surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and explain the steps taken to minimise them, such as antibiotics to prevent infection and blood-thinning medications to reduce clot formation. Choosing a qualified orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore plays a key role in supporting a safe procedure and smooth recovery.
Consult our Dual Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Dr Chong Xue Ling is a Swiss fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle, as well as shoulder and elbow surgery.
She is a member of the European Group for the Study and Research of Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. For shoulder and elbow surgery, she completed her fellowship at La Tour Hospital, an accredited Swiss Olympic Medical Centre and learnt innovative techniques in arthroplasty for earlier return to activity as well as the stabilising techniques, developed to have greater strength without extensive fixation.
Through active involvement in research, she aims to constantly improve existing treatment in the pursuit of quality care for her patients.
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Modern knee implants may trigger airport security scanners, so you’ll receive a medical implant card to show security personnel. Most patients find that explaining their knee replacement resolves any issues quickly.
You can typically return to driving when you can comfortably bend your knee enough to operate the pedals and have sufficient strength to perform an emergency stop, usually 4-6 weeks after surgery for a left knee and 6-8 weeks for a right knee.
Your replaced knee will feel different initially, and you may notice some clicking or mechanical sensations during movement. Most patients adapt to these sensations over time, though the knee may never feel exactly like your original joint.
Most modern knee implants are MRI-compatible, though the metal may cause some image distortion around the implant area. Always inform medical staff about your knee replacement before any imaging procedures.
