Joint Replacement Explained: What to Know About Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery
If you or someone you love has been struggling with persistent joint pain, especially in the knees or hips, that no longer responds to medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, this article is for you. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea of joint replacement or already facing a recommendation from your doctor, understanding what the surgery involves, when it’s appropriate, and what to expect during recovery is critical.
This guide breaks it all down in simple, clear language to help you make informed decisions. By sharing this article, you’re not just helping yourself, you could be giving someone else the clarity, confidence, and comfort they need to take the next step toward a pain-free life.
Joint Replacement
Joint pain can be life-altering. It can creep in quietly, making everyday tasks slightly more uncomfortable, or arrive suddenly and limit your ability to walk, sleep, or even sit without discomfort. For many individuals, particularly those struggling with severe arthritis or injury, joint replacement surgery, often involving the knee or hip, becomes a crucial step toward restoring quality of life.
But what exactly is joint replacement surgery, when is it necessary, and what does recovery involve? This article breaks it down in clear, simple language to help patients and caregivers understand the process and make informed decisions.
When Is Joint Replacement Surgery Needed?
Joint replacement surgery is rarely the first step in treating joint problems. Most people start with non-surgical treatments like medications, physiotherapy, weight management, and activity modification. These can help relieve pain and improve mobility for many. However, when these treatments no longer offer relief, and joint pain continues to worsen, affecting sleep, limiting mobility, and making daily tasks unbearable, surgery may become the next logical step.
The most common reason for joint replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage in joints to wear down over time. As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub directly against each other, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and a grinding sensation during movement. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, fractures, avascular necrosis, osteonecrosis, bone tumours, or past infections (septic arthritis), may also damage the joint enough to require surgery.
Doctors typically consider surgery when the patient reports persistent, severe pain that limits everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair. Pain that continues even at rest or during sleep is a serious indicator. X-rays may show a complete loss of cartilage, often described as “bone-on-bone” contact. There may be visible swelling or deformity, limited range of motion, instability in the knee or hip, and in many cases, a noticeable decline in mental well-being due to the frustration and limitations caused by chronic pain.
Delaying surgery when it’s clearly needed can lead to worsening joint degeneration, weakening of surrounding muscles, permanent deformity, and lower success rates for surgery later on.
What Happens During Joint Replacement Surgery?
Joint replacement, also known as arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged portions of the joint and replacing them with prosthetic components made from metal, plastic, or ceramic. The goal is to mimic the natural movement of the joint and restore function while relieving pain.
There are two main types of joint replacement:
- Total joint replacement, where the entire joint surface is replaced.
- Partial joint replacement (also called joint resurfacing or hemiarthroplasty) where only the damaged part of the joint.
Before the procedure, patients undergo a full medical evaluation. This may include blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to assess the condition of the joint and surrounding tissues. Depending on the patient’s health, the surgical team may recommend stopping certain medications and adjusting the management of chronic conditions like diabetes. Smoking cessation is strongly advised, as smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of post-surgical complications.
During surgery, patients receive either general anaesthesia (to make them fully unconscious) or regional anaesthesia (which numbs the lower half of the body while keeping the patient awake). Surgeons carefully remove damaged bone and cartilage and then attach the prosthetic parts to the bones using special cement or a process that encourages the bone to grow into the implant.
In recent years, some hospitals and clinics, have begun using robotic-assisted surgery. This technology helps guide the surgeon’s tools with remarkable precision, allowing for more accurate implant placement. Early studies suggest that robotic assistance may lead to better joint alignment and more natural movement after surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: What to Expect
Recovery from joint replacement surgery is a gradual journey. While many people can begin walking with assistance within a day or two of surgery, full recovery can take several months, and in some cases, up to a year.
The first few weeks are typically focused on pain management, wound care, and regaining mobility through carefully structured exercises. Physical therapy begins almost immediately after surgery and is one of the most crucial parts of recovery. Through physiotherapy, patients rebuild strength in their muscles, restore joint flexibility, and learn safe ways to move around. At first, most patients use crutches or a walker to help support their movement. Over time, they transition to walking independently.
Most patients can resume many of their normal activities within six weeks, though high-impact activities may still need to be avoided for a longer period. During this recovery phase, consistent communication with your physiotherapist and orthopaedic surgeon helps ensure any complications are caught early and addressed effectively.
Post-surgical risks exist but are relatively rare. These include blood clots, nerve damage, infection, and loosening or wearing down of the prosthetic joint over time. Some individuals may eventually need a revision surgery if the implant wears out or causes discomfort years later.
Patients should be especially vigilant for symptoms like fever, increased redness or warmth at the incision site, unusual swelling, foul-smelling discharge, or new pain in the legs, all of which could signal infection or blood clots. Immediate medical attention is required if any of these symptoms occur.
Important Factors to Consider Before Surgery
While joint replacement surgery has an excellent success rate, it’s important for patients to prepare properly to get the best results. People with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare team to control blood sugar levels before surgery, as uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of infection and poor healing. Overweight patients are strongly encouraged to lose some weight before surgery, not only to improve healing but also to reduce strain on the new joint afterwards. Smokers are advised to quit well in advance of the procedure.
The decision to undergo surgery should always be made in collaboration with a healthcare provider, after a careful discussion of the risks, benefits, and the individual’s specific situation. This shared decision-making process ensures the patient feels empowered and fully informed.
Why Choose Nuffield Clinic for Your Joint Replacement Surgery?
For patients considering joint replacement surgery, Nuffield Clinic offers some of the most trusted, advanced, and patient-centred care available. With a team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists, Nuffield Clinic provides comprehensive support from initial consultation through to full rehabilitation.
Their use of cutting-edge techniques, ensures precise, efficient procedures tailored to each patient’s anatomy. Moreover, their integrated recovery programs include personalized physiotherapy, ongoing monitoring, and lifestyle guidance, all aimed at helping patients return to their daily lives stronger, faster, and with less pain.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with chronic joint pain and considering surgery, a consultation at Nuffield Clinic could be the first step toward a brighter, more mobile future.
Joint replacement surgery is not a quick fix, it’s a carefully considered decision often made after months or years of coping with joint pain and limited mobility. But for those who qualify, it can offer a life-changing opportunity to regain independence, sleep peacefully, and enjoy everyday activities again.
As a physical therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the difference this surgery can make, especially when supported by expert care and committed rehabilitation. If you’re considering joint replacement, take time to explore your options and seek care from a facility like Nuffield Clinic, where your recovery is as important as the procedure itself.
