Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery and Postoperative FAQs

How long will my knee replacement last?

Artificial joints are made to last for a long time. The materials used should be able to withstand the routines of active people. Most knee replacements last 10 to 15 years, however, there is research being done to see how we can make these artificial joints last even longer.

Total knee replacements tend to last longer than partial knee replacements. You are more likely to need another knee replacement if you are overweight or do regular heavy, manual work. It is important to have regular X-rays of your knee to review how your new joint is doing.

Your surgeon will advise you on how often you should have an X-ray – it may be every 5 years or so. If you have any complications like loosening or wearing away of your new knee joint, you may require revision surgery to fix this.

Will I be able to climb stairs after my knee replacement?

Yes. Your physiotherapist will work with you while you are still in hospital to achieve this goal. This is particularly important if you live in a house with stairs. We want you to be able to leave hospital feeling confident that you can manoeuvre around your house safely.

Will I be able to partake in all my normal activities after my knee replacement?

While it is really important to be active after your knee replacement, you will need to build up your activities gradually. You will eventually be able to partake in light activities like jogging, cycling or dancing. However, high-impact activities like running, jumping and heavy lifting will not be possible for quite some time. Doing these sorts of activities against your surgeon’s advice may risk causing damage to your new knee joint.

Your physiotherapist will show you some exercises you can do to build up the muscle strength in your legs. It is important to follow this advice if you want to make a full recovery.