Knee replacement, also called arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a knee damaged by disease or injury.
Knee replacement surgery is most often done to:
- Ease knee pain and disability due to arthritis or previous severe knee injury
- Correct a knee deformity
Recovery may take several weeks to months depending on your overall health.
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Your doctor will make a cut in your skin, remove the damaged cartilage and bone. Your doctor will then place the artificial joint and cement it within the bone. A drain will allow extra fluid to flow out.
The procedure:
- Takes about two hours
- Means a hospital stay of 1-2 days
Content was created using EBSCO’s Health Library. Edits to original content made by Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
