About Knee Replacement

Use this section as your guide to better understand what to expect before, during and after knee replacement surgery.

Guide to Knee Replacement Surgery

Making the Decision

• An Introduction to Knee Replacement
• Learn about the Possible Consequences of Delaying Knee Replacement
• Questions & Answers About Knee Replacement

Preparing for Knee Replacement

• Choosing a Surgeon and Starting Your Doctor-Patient Relationship
• Preparing Your Home for Your Return after Surgery
• Knee Replacement Surgery and the Hospital Experience
  

Recovery & Rehabilitation

• Managing Discomfort after Knee Replacement
• After Your Knee Replacement: Rehabilitation Begins in the Hospital
• Activities after Knee Replacement: What to Expect After You Leave the Hospital
• Post-Surgery Dos and Don'ts after Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline:

• At the Hospital
• 6 Weeks after Knee Replacement Surgery
• 12 Weeks after Knee Replacement Surgery

Women and Knee Replacement

If you are a woman considering knee replacement, you may have concerns about your treatment options  and how soon you can get back to your active life. Learn about the unique issues for women considering knee replacement surgery and find out if knee replacement might be right for you.

• Osteoarthritis Research
  Survey results show women suffer more and delay treatment longer than men with osteoarthritis (OA). Learn more about the differences between how men and women manage and treat their OA.
• What You Can Do If Osteoarthritis Is Interfering With Your Life
  
• Advanced Knee Replacement Options for Women
  Learn how a Rotating Platform knee replacement can meet a woman's unique anatomical need for knee rotation. 
• Knee Replacement - Is It Right for You?
  Use this checklist to identify how your knee pain is affecting your life and whether you should seek treatment.

Information for Family and Friends of Knee Replacement Patients

As a family member or a friend of a knee replacement patient, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Learn more about your role as caregiver and how you can connect with other caregivers.

• Taking Care of the Knee Replacement Patient
• Preparing to Accompany the Patient to the Hospital
• Communication Tips for the Caregiver
  Communicating effectively with healthcare professionals is an important part of your role as a caregiver. Learn how.
• Strength for Caring
  Find out more about this initiative to connect caregivers in an online support community.