Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, may be recommended for patients who have ongoing knee pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving that doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatments. If the damage is limited to one part of the knee, a partial knee replacement might be a good option for relieving pain and improving mobility.1 If more than one part of the knee is damaged, a total knee replacement may be the best treatment.2
Reasons for Knee Replacement Surgery

Although reasons for knee replacement surgery vary, many patients share common experiences:

  • Persistent knee pain that gradually limits comfortable movement and may even interfere with sleep2
  • Increasing stiffness in the knee joint, making everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods, more difficult2
  • Pain and stiffness often result from joint inflammation, which can be caused by:
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Post-traumatic arthritis
    • Complications from previous knee surgeries

Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components made of metal and plastic. It is typically recommended when conservative treatments such as medications or walking aids no longer provide sufficient relief. The goal of the knee replacement surgery is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.2,3

Patients might need knee replacement surgery if they are dealing with ongoing knee pain—especially after being active—along with swelling, stiffness, or trouble moving the knee. Some people also feel like their knee is weak or unstable, making everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs difficult.


These symptoms are often caused by arthritis in the knee. Arthritis can happen as we age, after an injury, or due to things like family history, being overweight, or doing repetitive movements that stress the joint.2
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Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Failed Prior Surgeries

Sometimes, previous knee surgeries—like meniscus repair or cartilage restoration—do not fully relieve pain or restore function.1 If the remaining damage is limited to one part of the knee, partial knee replacement may be an appropriate next step.6

Common Conditions May Lead to Knee Replacement Surgery

How Knee Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing knee arthritis involves several steps for your surgeon to understand the cause of your pain and create the best treatment plan.

Patient Symptoms

Physical Exam

Imaging Tests

Lab Tests

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