Knee replacement 

Introduction 

Knee replacement: an animation

This animation shows how knee replacement surgery is done and explains why it would be needed.

Having an operation

If your GP has suggested you may need surgery, this guide is for you

Knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) involves replacing a damaged, worn or diseased knee with an artificial joint.

It's a routine operation for knee pain most commonly caused by arthritis.

More than 70,000 knee replacements are carried out in England and Wales each year, and the number is rising. Most people who have a total knee replacement are over 65.

For most people, a replacement knee will last for at least 15 to 20 years, especially if the new knee is cared for properly and not put under too much strain.

Types of surgery

There are two main types of surgery, depending on the condition of the knee:

  • total knee replacement (TKR) – both sides of your knee joint are replaced
  • partial (half) knee replacement (PKR) – only one side of your joint is replaced in a smaller operation with a shorter hospital stay and recovery period

Learn more in how knee replacement surgery is performed.

Why is knee replacement surgery needed?

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Other conditions that cause knee damage include:

A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, haven't helped reduce pain or improve mobility.

You may be offered knee replacement surgery if:

  • you have severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your knee joint and your mobility is reduced
  • your knee pain is so severe that it interferes with your quality of life and sleep
  • everyday tasks, such as shopping or getting out of the bath, are difficult or impossible
  • you cannot work or have a normal social life

Learn more in why knee replacement surgery is used.

Can I have knee replacement surgery?

Adults of any age can be considered for a knee replacement, although it's typically recommended for older people as young, physically active people are more likely to wear the joint out.

The earlier you have a knee replacement, the greater the chance you will eventually need further surgery. However, there is some evidence that replacing the knee joint before it becomes very stiff leads to a better outcome.

Most total knee replacements are carried out on people between the ages of 60 and 80. You will need to be well enough to cope with both a major operation and the rehabilitation afterwards. Read more about getting ready for knee replacement surgery and recovering from knee replacement surgery.

Are there any risks?

Knee replacement surgery is a common operation and most people do not experience complications. However, as with any operation, there are risks as well as benefits.

Complications are rare but can include:

  • stiffness of the knee
  • infection of the wound
  • deep infection of the joint replacement, needing further surgery 
  • unexpected bleeding into the knee joint
  • ligament, artery or nerve damage in the area around the knee joint
  • blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

In some cases, the new knee joint may not be completely stable and further surgery may be needed to correct it.

Read more about the risks of knee replacement surgery.

Last reviewed: 23/04/2012

Next review due: 23/04/2014

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43 Comments

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Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

jalaw said on 31 May 2013

had a pkr on right leg on 8th may second on list so great they done it with spinal but due to back probs in lower spine took several goes to get drug in but that was easy all done in hour and half on ward in 2 hours next day walking with zimmer afternoon with crutches and physio done stairs on day 2 got 90 degree bend after 4th day home on day 5 . then went down hill due to my own fault tried to do to much to soon knee swelled kept forget to take pain meds started to take it more easy things changed cant get full bend yet as pain in side of knee feels as if locking and knee still swells up but only been just over 3 weeks see doc on june 25 hope all well as the pain I suffered just after was the worst I have ever had and don't envey any one having it done more than once maybe that's just me just cant wait for it to get better and off cruthes and driving in the meen time just enjoy this wonderfull English weather ha ha

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Richard Tedeschi said on 04 May 2013

I had total knee replacement when I just turned 43 on 11/11/2011.

After one week I went home, I went to emergency after a week because my whole leg turned red and painful, I was later told that it can happen but I wasn't told this after surgery so I thought it was a blood clot.

After I got pneumonia probably from general anaesthetic, cured pneumonia.

Now one and half years later I can say I had to wait four months to feel any real benefit and even understand if it was worth it, my knee was damaged by road accident.

Having surgery IS worth it, I was on crutches with constant pain before surgery, my knee was cracking after surgery, I have been told it was the knee cap rubbing against the prothesys, it has gotten better now.

Walking dowstairs/downhill is more difficult than walking upstairs/uphill, The reason is simple: when you're walking uphill you use the calf, when you walk downhill you use the knee which is something I never really noticed or gave importance to before sugery, it will definitely get better and easier with time.

I can do Almost everything now but I have autonomy limitation, if I walk stand too much I end up wit pain in both my legs, maybe it is psycholgical the way I walk as I am still distributing my body weight in the wrong places.

A knee replacement will never be as good as a natural knee but it is definitely better han a painful knee full of arthrytis or damaged or broken.

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June1954 said on 02 May 2013

After having a PKR in October last year am having a TKR at the end of May this year and am really hoping this will be more of an answer than the PKR, as I am having quite a lot of pain on the outside of the knee ~ has anyone else experienced this? I am having a different surgeon this time, who commented that he would have performed a TKR on both knees, had it been his choice. So wish me luck and good to read how positive most of the posts on here are, although I have to say I did find the first week or so, post op, to be very painful, especially the first time you stood up first thing in the morning ..... ouch!! But everyone's pain tolerance is different, although I have had three kids without any real pain relief so didn't think I was a wimp!!

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ginar said on 17 April 2013

Hi i am a 57yr old female i have had two knee replacements my first was in aug 2010 on my left knee and may 2011 on my right knee
before my first opp i was in servere constant pain i had tried every pain killer going i ended up not being able to walk as my knee used to give way i ended up in a wheel chair i was so scared to have the opp but had no choice i was put a sleep for my first opp looking back i find some things comical like i couldent belive how heavy my leg was i couldnt lift it or any thing the physio is tough and very painful and you have to perservere but take it one day at a time and it does get easier it takes a while but its worth it
My second opp i was awake and alls i can say is if i can do it anyone can it was much better recovery than the first i could hear every thing going on like the hammering and drilling and i know that sounds awful but believe me if i had to have the opp again i would opt to stay awake
i didnt do as much exercise with my right knee silly me and allthough its ok my knee bend isnt as good as my left knee so you must keep the exercises up even though they are tough
I thought that i would never beable to walk without a stick but last year sept we went to turkey and i refused to use a stick on holliday so now i walk fine without the use of a aid i still get a little pain and stiffness mostly in cold weather is there anyone else who suffers with this still? and i cant kneel?

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kellyboy said on 01 April 2013

I had myTKR left knee done on 14 March this year at the Northern General Hospital ,Sheffield,The Surgeon,Aneathatist,and everyone else were marvelous.48 hours later I was on my way home.I was supposed to go for Physio last week but due to the snow being 1ft deep I couldnt manage to get ,so i,m doing my own excersises at home,I,m pleased with what i,m doing and flexing my new knee is getting better every day,although i,m struggling with straightening new knee progress is being made.I also had a hip replacement 24 years ago so i,ve some idea what to do.The NHS is a jewel we should be very proud of,and not let it fall into privatisation .so to anyone who is apprehensive about having a TKR dont be its hard work but it will be worth it.Thank you

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June1954 said on 30 March 2013

Hi, I'm 58 and had a right knee PKR Oct 2012 in Runnymede Hosp Chertsey Surrey where the staff and surgeons were fantastic. Six months on, life is a lot better and less painful in new knee but it really is very stiff and painful in this cold weather. I was up walking just over 2 hrs after the op altho my leg was double its size and bruised as you would expect. I had a real problem with sickness after my op tho (does anyone else suffer with this?) and was ill for around 20 hours, even with anti sickness meds (which I promptly saw again!!). I only ever used one crutch and apart from the stiffness, walking is much better. My new knee does not like the cold weather and gets very painful and my surgeon has told me to expect this for up to 2 years. I have found the op very beneficial but realistically it was a very painful procedure, as I was warned by my doctor, but I am hoping the long term benefits outweigh everything. Am up for my next op in July 2013 and this time am having an MRI scan for my left knee to make a mould that fit more to my knee, apparently and this will be a TKR and have been assured by my surgeon that the recovery is a lot less painful than with a PKR so lets hope so. I would say to anyone who needs this that it is worth it but the rewards have to be worked for i.e. dedicated physio and a positive attitude, you will get there but in my experience that first week afterwards is testing, probably not helped because I can only tolerate Ibroprufen and Paracetamol and can't use strong meds like Cocodamol and Tramadol as the side effects are just dreadful. Best wishes June

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June1954 said on 30 March 2013

I have read all the comments with great interest. I am 58 and I had a partial knee replacement last October and although six months on life is much better, sometimes I feel like I have a horseshoe in my knee!! I have very small joints and the stiffness has been the major factor in my recovery. I had a spinal, which was cool although the banging and sawing woke me up lol. I was up and walking two and a half hours after my op and found walking to be the easiest thing to do with my new knee. I worked very hard at my physio and have achieved a 120 degree bend. I am due a TKR in July in my left knee and will be having an MRI scan to "mould" a new knee for me. Have very mixed feelings as was so sick after my op (anyone else suffered this?) I was sick for around 30 hrs after my op! They gave me anti-sickness meds and I promptly threw them up!! I have had a ten pound baby so don't think I'm a wimp but altho I know I need a new left knee boy I am not looking forward to how I know it will all go after the op!! Any encouragement would be appreciated!

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cherryden said on 17 March 2013

Hi
I,m 59 had knee replacement on sat 9th march was very scared, operation went well pain was too bad medication vital and we are all different if the pain is under control i could manage very well with physio but if not i found it hard i did feel like i was pushing for stronger medication this made me feel a little uncomfortable but i managed but when i came home omg it was so hard i had nothing in place no equipment and i was totally unprepared the hospital refused to give me strong enough pain meds and i felt abandoned, i called my gp and they prescribed me some stronger pain meds which i used for first few days then was able to reduce to paracetamol and ibuprofen and some codine, i have adapted things with the help of my family it would have been better if i was more informed before hand' i am prepared for alot of physio which i am sure will be totally down to me and i know this is going to be hard as for the past 5 years pain has made it hard for me to do too much so i need to really push myself, i am able to walk with crutches, use staires, I take my pain meds half an hour before doing excercise and the after ex i use the ice packs i can bend knee quite well more than 90 degrees feels like i,m pulling a lot but i know i must do this excercises going pretty well, I am really glad i had the op as i can hopefully have a more normal life even though i still have the other leg to be done, I must say that it appears to get a little easier each day but nights are hard. hope this helps smeone.

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Dave c 55 said on 10 March 2013

Hi everyone,
I have found all the comments here really helpful for me to prepare for my TKR in May.
I was wondering if any of you can advise me on how soon you can return to playing golf? What have your experiences been?
Hoping you can help with my question.

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Chippygail said on 09 March 2013

Hi
I have just had my right knee replaced on Monday 4th March. Came out of hospital yesterday, Friday. Still very swollen and red and clips feel like they are pulling. I cannot lift the leg by itself or bend much, was just wondering is this normal or am I expecting too much. I am 53, and my left knee is quite painful so finding it hard to use that to lift my right leg with.
I appreciate any comments.
Thanks.

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Lillyan said on 08 March 2013

I am waiting to go into hospital for a knee replacement, I am scared as I have never been in hospital before. I am pleased with the comments I have read on here as most seem to be very successful but is there any advice on how to prepare yourself before you go in hospital.

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Landslide said on 03 March 2013

Hi
I had a total knee replacement a month ago. Three days of pain then not so bad.

Just do as you are told. Use ice three times a day and do the exercises regularly and to your pain limit.....no heroics, it is your knee so take your time.

NHS for ever.....private hospitals never ever again

I do have a click in the knee but lets see how it goes with strengthening the muscles...takes a bit of time but I am on my feet after four weeks with no pain

Get phone numbers from other guys in hospital then call one another for encouragement

Its is like a brotherhood.....keep smiling

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clivek said on 10 February 2013

i had a complete knee repacement 18 months ago atheritis good to be gone now but knee clicks and muscles play around knot up around knee cap area hope it soon goes was told it would take 2 years to go away

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pollyannapink said on 08 February 2013

I am 54 and have agreed to have TKR as soon as I can.......both knees are agony and both need replacing. My surgeon would like to replace both at the same time but I am not the most "patient" patient !... so have opted for right one first.
I have found the comments and mostly very positive results on here very uplifting and reassuring.
At 54 years old, not to be able to sleep more than 3 hours at a time and taking weeks off work is very depressing....so I am putting my fears aside and going ahead.
Wish me luck!

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Bionic woman said on 21 January 2013

I am a 54 year old who for 10 yrs had severe pain in both knees. I had previous surgeries that consisted of cartilage cell transplantation . Needless to say this did not work for me. I had total knee replacements to both knees (within 6 months of each other) last year . Wow, I feel young again. I go to the gym for my leg muscle tone 3 times a week . The recovery is painful and hard work as you need to do lots of exercises to achieve good results. 3 months down the line I have returned to normal.The results have far exceeded my expectations. I am able to walk without limitation and no pain at all. Iwould highly recommend anybody who is thinking of going through with this to do so, it changes your life.

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Rapperman said on 08 January 2013

Hi Susie52. I had my right knee done 23 Oct 2012 and had exactly the same worries as you. As to the sensitivity, I rub bio oil into the scar and it has helped greatly with the sensitivity although I cannot yet wear jeans. Another help is to rub across the scar tissue to de-sensitise the scar. As for staples coming out worry ye not it was fine with me although I shared your concerns. The muscles are tight at first as you have described but if you work at it they will loosen up. I am now walking well and even tried a bit of golf but my knee said too soon too soon. Keep at it.

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bionic knee said on 06 January 2013

I had a total knee replacement nearly 4 years ago. I understood the importance of the physio so I paid for private physio for 2 and half years. I can now walk my dogs happily for 2 hours and have zero pain in that knee. I have never recovered the full bend in my knee but can straighten it. I found by being brave and stretching the scar, once fully healed, it helped to make the knee more flexable. Also if you are experiencing pain it is probably from the ligaments and tendons being forced to move in the proper way and not the way we all have got used to while walking a limp. Stick at the exercises and go swimming that is great exercise with no weight baring involved. I also went to the gym to strenghten my operated leg. It is well worth it.

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Susie52 said on 10 December 2012

I am 59 and had a total knee replacement on 17 Nov 12. It all went well and I have had little pain, although sometimes it feels like I have a big elastic band round my knee. The only problem, which is probably quite minor, is I had my staples out last week and I'm worried about bending my knee in case the healing scar breaks open. I a sort of hopping about trying not to bend it. The scar is also very sensitive, I can't get my jeans on. Has anybody had the same problem or am I just being a wuss.

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Grannyof4 said on 29 November 2012

I had my first knee replacement 8 days ago and never realised how hard it was going to be. I had a hip replacement in August and that was a doddle compared to knees. I have a fairly high pain threshhold but never thought it would be tested this much. I would like to point out that you do not have to be awake during the operation if you have a spinal block. I was terrified at the thought of th block but was persuaded to give it a go and it was fine. I was also sent gently to sleep via a drip. You come round much quicker than a GA. I am hoping that in a few weeks I will have forgotten how I feel at the moment. I have got to go through it all again at the end of February!

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GrannyPat said on 18 October 2012

I had my first total knee replacement in early September 2012. Now at 6 weeks I'm able to walk about in the house without sticks and only one stick outside (a confidence thing) although I find it difficult to walk very far yet. The pain is getting better every day and I do my exercises as instructed by the physios at the hospital. To anyone worried about having a spinal injection - don't worry at all! I was terified but everything went extremely well - I was allowed to take my iPod into the theatre and apparently sang all the way through the operation - Surgeon said he had never heard such bad singing!! So dont be scared there is no bigger coward than me and I coped well. Other knee to be done as soon as I can fully straighten my knee again - no problem with the bending.

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olive77 said on 04 October 2012

Hi. My dad is having a knee replacement next week under an epidural so will be awake. Does the hospital provide ear plugs to drown out the sound or is it worth taking a music player in?
Im very worried - Thank you

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Scroober said on 01 October 2012

I have been diagnosed as needing surgery due to Arthritis. This has been refused by the Warwickshire pct as I am overweight. I was told to exercise to reduce my weight, which I am unable to do due to the Arthritis. My doctor recommended gastric band surgery to reduce my weight this was also refused by the pct as they said I was not overweight enough and that I should exercise instead. I am now condemned to living with the pain, due to the intransigence of an accountant.

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polycarpusT said on 03 July 2012

I had my left knee TKR in December 2004. Back to work after 6weeks and generally all has been good. However, I am currently experiencing incredible pain in the same knee, and I am beginning to suspect that I may have a joint failure. Medical investigations start on Thursday 5th July 2012. Watch this space!

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get physio said on 01 July 2012

I had knee replacement surgery nearly 8 weeks ago on the NHS , out of hospital in 3 days . The physio visits at the hospital is very limited ( not their fault but due to number of patients), I would highly recommend finding a physio who is an expert post knee & hip operations. They really get your knee range moving a lot quicker than the exercises that are in the booklet ,that you are given. My first visit to physio was after 3.5 weeks and after a few visits my knee improved 3 fold. Nearly back to normal , still get pain in the knee , which is expected until it completely settles in , money well spent.

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alicia grace said on 24 April 2012

it is now 6 months since i had my new knee,i made a comment just 4 weeks after having it done, it is now brilliant i can walk really fast,run up stairs and do a really busy shift in the cafe where i work without any pain at all, i did have some muscle pain,especialy in my shin but i found the more i walked the better it got it bends and twists now like a normal knee and i would say it has changed my life 150% people told me it was good but i did not think it was this good ,i have had no problems since day 1 i would say to anyone thinking about it go for it ,it is worth it,

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Fox1 said on 09 April 2012

I am having a simultaneous bilateral knee replacement surgery in two months time. Has anyone had this done I know it will be painful but I am looking forward to the end result

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kbaruin said on 03 April 2012

Hi There,

My mum is 52 now. She is suffering from severe knee pain. I donno what the problem is called i mean the medical name of her problem. she did not had any accidents for this pain. The pain is only on one of her knee joints. Doctors say the knee joint started to get worn off(wearing off) and at initial stage. She is a bit over weight. She started on loosing weight but with the pain, its becoming difficult for her. One of the doctors suggested partial knee replacement, but she is worried if it could worse her present situation as she is ok doing her daily activities. Please if anyone could suggest options, or tips, it will be very helpful to make the decision for her.

Thanks in Anticipation

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decorator said on 27 February 2012

i had a left knee replacement in december 2011. i had a slight infection a few weeks after the op,which i had anti biotics for and that soon cleared up.After 3weeks i was walking a mile aday,after 6weeks i now walk 2miles.and do a few miles on the excercise bike.The excercise stiffens the leg up and the replacement feels tight.But most of the pain seems tobe soft tissue above and to the side of the operation.I have also had pain with my other knee,most people think this is due to putting weight on the other leg.But would recomend you get it done,although it is not a quick process.

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micktek said on 07 February 2012

Micktek
Had first knee replacement July 19 2010, full recovery took about a year.
Second knee replaced August 2011, on track for the same level of recovery as first knee.
Found that a reasonable recovery took about 3 months, and then almost a year before the knee completely settled down.
I go to the gym (treadmill, cycle, cross trainer and rowing) 2 - 3 times per week and find that this really helps.

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nanny digby said on 27 January 2012

I have had two total knee replacements,1st feb 2010 and 2nd jul 2010,both times although different pain relief used post op am now reaping the benefits.I must say a big Thank you to The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for the excellent care given to me both times.I don't tend to kneel on hard surfaces as it doesn't feel right no actual pain,have had some problems with my feet from now walking properly but am having physio which is helping.I must say you must do your exercises as this will help keep you mobile and strengthen your knees.I won't say it wasn't without pain after the op but my Hospital had dedicated pain nurses who did their upmost to make you comfortable.I do get the odd tenderness from time to time but no arthritic Pain!!! I do have Arthritis elsewhere hips ,back etc so expect I shall be back in Hospital again,but am not worried.By the way my age was just before my 60th when I had the ops.I do hope this has been of help to someone.

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alicia grace said on 19 November 2011

i had a knee total replacemet on 14th october 2011 and after 4 weeks i am feeling fine.i can walk without a stick now and i can carry out houseold chores as normal without lifting,i am reall y pleased with the whole operation right from coming round from the general anesthetic to now i have felt no pain,only on paracetamol now,i can walk round the shops for at least half an hour and feel fine,my leg bend was 90 degrees the day after my op and it is getting better, i am really pleased i had it done and i am looking foward to getting back to work after christmas without any pain,the pain before the op was really bad,had me in tears,i would recommend it to anyone, dont be scared.i know its easy to say,i was, but i cannot fault the treatment i have had.read all about it and ask people about their experiences and you will fell alot better and confident.one tip i have is when having a shower if you cannot climb in your bath,un hook the shower head and stand in a kids paddling pool next to the bath with a bath mat in it,this way you do not have to climb and can hold onto the sink.

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katiecrunch said on 25 October 2011

I am a 53year old woman i had my 1st knee replacement 9 years ago and is having a full revision of that knee in 3 weeks time i would be greatfull if anyone could give me advise and what u expect thankyou xx

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freelander2011 said on 15 October 2011

my son is 24 and very tall and skinny, he has dislocated his knee a few times over the years, he is now having physiotherapy but the excersises are making it worse and he is getting pains at the top of his leg and he has been told he is double jointed,
he is having a lot of time off work which they aint happy about, do you think he will need an operation at his age ?

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sweetlouise said on 12 October 2011

I'm a 38 year old woman looking at knee replacements (one this year, and one next year) due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. There is some concern as to how long they will last for me, but they are currently so bad there is no choice. Any advice from anyone who's been through this procedure would be appreciated.

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sweetlouise said on 12 October 2011

I'm a 38 year old woman looking at knee replacements (one this year, and one next year) due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. There is some concern as to how long they will last for me, but they are currently so bad there is no choice. Any advice from anyone who's been through this procedure would be appreciated.

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jomc20 said on 04 September 2011

It is good to hear that some people have such successful knee replacements but these reports of remarkably quick and relatively pain-free experiences may cause disappointment and worry to those who take longer to recover. Maybe age is a factor, but my mother who had a knee replacement a few years ago, took about a year to recover and suffered a lot of pain as her body seemed not to accept the alien implant. Her second replacement of the other knee about a week ago is causing a lot of pain. She is 80 but slim and very fit (she swims in the sea all summer!) We hope that once she recovers her quality of life will be much improved but this is major surgery and it is quite normal to have swelling and pain initially. The surgeon managed to correct a quick noticeably sideways bend in her leg at the same time as replacing the knee.

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RedRoverOne said on 24 July 2011

I had a total knee replacement in August 2007 at the Northampton General Hospital. As my femur was somewhat bent as the result of a previous accident many yearsago it took a special skill to correct the alignment of my leg.
I had a general anasthetic felt no pain, on day three I passed the physiotherapy tests and was allowed home, the following day with the help of crutches I walked to the shops and back about half a mile, A week later I drove back to North Wales to where I had recenty moved.
I received excellent treatment and I can honestly say that it has transformed my life, after a few weeks I discarded my stick, I can now at the age of 73 lead an active life and walk as far asI want.
I would like to reassure anyone facing a total knee replacement to go ahead and not worry about it, it was one of my better decisions.

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picken said on 20 February 2011

I'm a candidate for TKR but concerned about a repeat of a bad experience a year ago during knee arthroscopy. They used a tourniquet round my thigh. This damaged the long saphenous vein. I had massive internal bleeding. This was unrelieved and took months to disperse. The pain was intense for several weeks. My concern is that a tourniquet would be used for knee replacement, with risk of the same vein damage.

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chrixa said on 14 February 2011

I had my first knee replaced when i was 58, and the second 1 done 2 years later,both have been very successful and great as no more pain after surgery with both i was back driving again after 8 weeks and working as a carer,i would reccommend it to anyone and hope it is as succesful as mine have been,just one thing can anyone who has had them replaced lneel on them?i can but with a little difficulty but glad to say that is only a small problem.

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idewar05 said on 04 February 2011

Further to my comments dated 16 November last year, I can confirm my second knee replacement was also extremely successfull. Twelve weeks on, my only difficulty was getting out of the house due to the heavy snow but now, doing well. Walking a mile a day with no stick and looking forward to summer! Once again, my appreciation to the NHS and the team at Goole!

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sobergirl said on 06 January 2011

I am a 60 year old woman and had total knee replacement done on 22nd October 2010 . I am still in a lot of pain at times and also after exercise pain can be really bad. Haven't been out much due to the weather as frightened in case I fall so don't know if maybe that has slowed my recovery.

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idewar05 said on 16 November 2010

Contrary to the above comment, at age 64 I had my first knee replacement at Goole District Hospital on June 23rd 2010. The operation was a great success and recovery much quicker than I anticipated. Now, pain free in one knee and a 'bend' of 124 degrees, I will be having the second knee replaced tomorrow, a mere 21 weeks later. Yes, there are days when the new knee twinges; but it doesn't feel 'alien' to me and the lack of constant pain is worth the effort. I recommend this surgery, and Goole Hospital, to anyone considering TKR's. Thank you NHS

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micktek said on 24 October 2010

I am a 59 year old fit and healthy male who underwent total knee replacement on July 19th 2010. Made a good recovery from surgery according to surgeon and physio. Still suffering from pain, the pain is not from the knee it is from both sides of the knee, the pain can be quite strong and is worse after exercise, I am being told that this is normal. The new knee feels very mechanical and alien to my body, it also feels very loose and is constantly clicking and cracking, surely this cannot be considered a good recovery ?

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