Disadvantages of knee replacement surgery include risks like infection, blood clots (DVT), nerve damage, and implant issues (loosening, wear), requiring potential revision surgery, alongside significant recovery time, persistent stiffness/pain for some, high costs, and potential long-term limitations, making it a major procedure with potential for complications despite high success rates.
Surgery complications: Knee replacement is an established, routine procedure with a very high success rate. However, no surgery is without risks (such as infection, blood clots, and collateral damage to nearby issues). Serious complications occur in less than 2% of knee replacement surgeries.
The biggest complaint after knee replacement is often residual stiffness and limited range of motion (difficulty bending or straightening the knee), closely followed by ongoing pain, despite high success rates. Patients frequently underestimate the importance of diligent physical therapy and the length of the recovery process, which are crucial for overcoming stiffness and achieving a successful outcome.
But as with any medical procedure, it's important to understand the possible risks of having knee replacement surgery. The good news is that knee replacement surgery is generally considered a safe procedure. Complications are very rare.
5 things you probably don't know about getting a knee replacement
The results of our study show that, despite engaging in SDM, a significant proportion of patients (50.9%) experienced decisional regret following total knee arthroplasty. This finding is consistent with other studies that have reported dissatisfaction rates ranging from 42.1% to 65% [8,9]. However, Bourne et al.
Knee replacement alternatives: genicular artery embolization (GAE) GAE is one of newest treatment options if you're seeking non-surgical knee replacement alternatives.
There is no set age cutoff for a knee replacement, as each patient's case is different. Before surgical intervention becomes an option, other less invasive treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy should be explored.
In some cases, knee pain relief can be achieved without surgical intervention. Sometimes, knee injuries or pain are effectively addressed with bracing, medication, and lifestyle changes. For those with arthritis, physical therapy or steroid shots may help relieve symptoms.
Before surgery, low-impact exercises are essential. Activities like swimming and cycling can strengthen muscles without stressing the knee. Stretching exercises also help enhance flexibility, which is important for recovery.
Medical experts find that it's generally OK to kneel after healing from a partial or full knee replacement. However, most people have difficulty kneeling after knee replacements and find it painful, so physical therapy and guidance can be helpful to work toward it in the weeks and months after surgery.
Here are some of the most common types of pain patients may encounter during recovery from knee surgery:
Recovering from a knee replacement is hard work and can take months, but it's worth it. Most people who have a knee arthroplasty have significantly less day-to-day pain and are able to move better than they could before the surgery.
Fact: There can be dangers of delaying knee replacement surgery. Delaying recommended joint replacement surgery can prolong pain and disability, and may also increase the risk of other chronic health problems, due to lack of mobility.
Post-surgical knee stiffness, often referred to as “arthrofibrosis,” is one of the most reportedissues following procedures such as total knee replacement or ACL reconstruction. It occurs when scar tissue forms around the knee joint, restricting your range of motion.
The Surgical Procedure
The surgical team will replace the damaged knee with a prosthetic. The duration depends on the type of replacement being done. As mentioned before, a total knee replacement typically takes about 1 to 3 hours to perform, while a partial knee replacement procedure typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
If you're dealing with a fresh knee injury—especially one with knee swelling or sharp pain—it's important to give your knee a break. Rest doesn't mean total inactivity, though. It just means avoiding high-impact movements or weight-bearing exercises for a few days.
Here are seven simple ways to keep your joints lubricated as you get older.
The #1 mistake making bad knees worse is excessive rest and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to weaker supporting muscles, stiffness, and a vicious cycle of more pain; instead, gentle, consistent movement (like walking, swimming) is crucial to strengthen the joint and improve function, though it must be balanced with avoiding activities that cause sharp pain. Other major errors include ignoring pain signals, carrying excess weight, wearing unsupportive shoes, and poor movement patterns, says Parkside Sports Physiotherapy and Coastal Empire Orthopedics.
Research suggests that up to one-third of those who have knees replaced continue to experience chronic pain, while 1 in 5 are dissatisfied with the results.
The University of Chicago Medicine began a pilot study in 2022 on genicular artery embolization (GAE), a unique treatment designed to delay or even prevent knee replacement surgery. The procedure works by sealing off problematic arteries that grow into the knee joint, causing inflammation or compression.
Knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is usually necessary when the knee joint is worn or damaged to the extent that your mobility is reduced and you experience pain even while resting.
"Cartilage has practically zero regenerative potential in adulthood, so once it's injured or gone, what we can do for patients has been very limited," said assistant professor of surgery Charles K.F.
As of 2025, PRP has moved beyond being an experimental therapy. It is now recognized as one of the leading biologic options for knee osteoarthritis. Ongoing studies are exploring how PRP can be combined with stem cell therapy or other regenerative techniques to further enhance outcomes.
For many patients, knee osteoarthritis can be managed effectively without surgery. Non-surgical treatment options, including physical therapy, weight management, bracing, medications, and injections, can help reduce pain and improve knee function.