Partial and total knee replacement surgery involves replacing all or part of a damaged knee joint with an artificial knee implant. It treats pain and other symptoms caused by arthritis, injury, or other musculoskeletal conditions.
UPMC experts provide comprehensive knee care, including partial and total knee replacement surgery. Our team will develop a treatment plan that reduces your symptoms, restores your mobility, and improves your quality of life.
Partial knee replacement involves replacing one part of your damaged knee with an artificial implant. Depending on which area of your knee is damaged, your surgeon may replace only your kneecap, or the inside or outside parts of your knee.
Total knee replacement involves replacing all parts of your damaged knee with an artificial implant.
There are two types of knee replacement surgical procedures:
Knee replacement may be recommended to treat:
You may need partial or total knee replacement surgery if you have damage to your knee joint caused by arthritis, injury, or another health condition.
Arthritis is the most common condition causing knee damage. It causes the cartilage that provides cushioning between the bones in the knee joint to break down.
Without the cushioning that cartilage provides, bones rub together. This rubbing causes pain, inflammation, and reduced joint mobility, which can lead to problems with walking and performing everyday activities.
You may be a candidate for partial or total knee replacement surgery if you have:
Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of partial and total knee replacement surgery with you.
Partial knee replacement surgery may be right for you if only part of your knee is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Total knee replacement surgery may be right for you if you have damage to all parts of your knee joint, or if the damage is severe. Your surgeon may also recommend total knee replacement if you have an injury caused by a fall or other accident, or if you have a tumor or bone disease that has caused knee damage.
Alternatives to partial and total knee replacement surgery include nonsurgical treatment, such as:
As with any surgical procedure, partial and total knee replacement surgery has some risks.
Knee replacement surgery risks include:
Before your procedure, you will meet with your care team and have a physical exam. Your care team will talk with you about how to prepare for your procedure, including what you might need to help you recover safely at home.
Your care team may order tests, such as:
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:
On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
You may need to stay overnight in the hospital after your knee replacement surgery. However, in some cases, knee replacement surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.
Your doctor will let you know if you will need to stay overnight in the hospital or if you will be discharged the same day. If you stay overnight, you should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes.
Whether you stay overnight or are discharged the same day, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after discharge.
Total knee replacement procedures usually take one to three hours. Partial knee replacement procedures usually take one to two hours.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will meet with your care team for final preparations.
You will receive an IV in your hand or arm. You will have either general anesthesia to put you to sleep or an epidural to prevent you from feeling pain below your waist.
After you are positioned on a procedure table, your doctor will:
After your procedure, your surgeon will place a bandage over your incision and make sure your condition is stable.
After your procedure is complete, you will be monitored in the recovery area. Your care team will encourage you to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible. If you are staying overnight in the hospital, you will be transferred to your hospital room.
If you are having outpatient knee replacement surgery, your doctor will let you know when it is safe for you to go home. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.
Before you go home, your doctor will tell you:
Most people who require an inpatient hospital stay are discharged after one night.
If you need additional recovery time before you return home, you may be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation unit or facility for several days or weeks. Inpatient rehabilitation provides physical and occupational therapy to improve your strength, range of motion, and confidence in performing everyday activities as you recover.
Most people can resume their normal activities within three to six weeks after partial or total knee replacement surgery.
You will need to avoid activities such as driving, cycling, or running for several weeks after your knee surgery. Even after you are completely healed, your doctor may advise you to avoid high-impact activities, such as jumping or contact sports.
You should let your surgeon know if you have:
If symptoms are severe — or if you experience chest pain or shortness of breath — call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
Most people experience pain relief and improved mobility after partial and total knee replacement surgery, allowing them to live active lives and participate in activities they enjoy.
Partial and total knee replacement surgery are highly successful procedures, with most knee replacements lasting many years and providing permanent symptom relief.
However, you may need revision surgery if:
When you choose UPMC for partial and total knee replacement surgery, you will receive:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-04-01.
