Frequently Asked Questions – Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Total knee replacement is one of the most effective treatments for advanced knee arthritis. These frequently asked questions explain what TKR involves, who may benefit, and what recovery typically looks like.

Answers below are for education and do not replace a personal orthopaedic consultation.

Total knee replacement, or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is a surgery in which the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with artificial components to reduce pain and improve function.

TKR is generally considered when severe knee arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness or difficulty walking and other treatments such as physiotherapy, medicines or injections no longer provide adequate relief.

Not necessarily. The decision depends on your pain, disability, examination and response to treatment—not the X-ray alone.

Persistent knee pain, difficulty walking, pain while climbing stairs, stiffness, swelling, deformity and pain that interferes with sleep or everyday activities may indicate advanced knee arthritis.

There is no single age at which everyone should undergo TKR. Surgery is based primarily on the severity of symptoms and functional limitation rather than age alone.

Yes. Younger patients with severe arthritis, previous trauma or other causes of irreversible knee damage may require knee replacement when appropriate non-surgical options are no longer effective.

Some patients can control symptoms with weight management, physiotherapy, activity modification, medicines or injections. However, these treatments cannot restore severely damaged cartilage.

The surgical procedure commonly takes around one to two hours, although the overall time in the operating and recovery areas is longer.

Pain is expected after surgery, but modern multimodal pain management, regional anaesthesia and rehabilitation protocols can significantly improve postoperative comfort.

Most patients are encouraged to begin moving and walking soon after surgery, with assistance initially depending on their strength, balance and medical condition.

Recovery varies between patients. Many people gradually return to normal daily activities over the first several weeks, while strength, confidence and function can continue improving for several months.

Yes. Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery and helps restore knee movement, muscle strength, walking ability and functional independence.

The final range of motion varies. Preoperative knee movement, rehabilitation, swelling, muscle strength and individual healing all influence the final result.

Yes. Stair climbing is generally part of rehabilitation, although it may initially require support and a specific technique.

Driving should only be resumed when you have adequate knee movement, strength, reaction time and are no longer taking medications that impair driving. Your surgeon should clear you before returning to driving.

Modern knee replacements can function well for many years. More than 90% of modern knee replacements are reported to still be functioning at 15 years, although individual implant survival varies.

Deep squatting may be uncomfortable or difficult after TKR. Whether you can safely squat depends on your knee movement, strength and individual circumstances.

Kneeling is possible for some patients but may remain uncomfortable because of sensitivity around the surgical area. Kneeling itself generally does not damage the implant.

Potential complications include infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, instability, nerve or blood-vessel injury and implant wear or loosening. Most patients, however, have significant improvement in pain and function.

If knee pain is significantly affecting walking, sleep, work or everyday activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, an orthopaedic assessment can help determine whether replacement is appropriate.

If knee pain, instability or swelling is affecting your daily life, book a consultation with Dr. Tushar Nayak for a personalised assessment and treatment plan.