Knee Replacement - Everything you need to know

There are many misconceptions about what a 'knee replacement' actually is. What happens during the surgery? How long will a knee replacement last? Do I need a knee replacement? How long does it take to recovery from a knee replacement? What does the evidence say about different technologies used for knee replacement? Find out answers to all these questions and more in this comprehensive educational video.

Dr Matthew Hutchinson is an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in knee replacement using 3D patient specific technology.

[carolyncook]

Sending patient home same day or next day is a crime. My mother had both knees replaced at same time at age 82 and made a full recovery for one reason….she spent a week in hospital receiving daily intensive PT and pain control, then 3 weeks of in-patient rehab with more intensive PT and continuing pain management. All of her equipment, such as walker, cane, bedside commode, passive exercise machine, ice machine, was delivered and paid for by insurance. Today hospitals in US discharge you as soon as you wake from anesthesia and doc allows you about 10 days of strong pain meds. Ridiculous. Patient is pretty much on own to do exercises and fight through pain. The focus is not on patient recovery but on increasing profit for insurance providers. American health care has been broken for a very long time. I am not afraid of the TKR surgery….I am worried about the limited support resources available to me post surgery. Very informative video doctor. Thank you.

[stevefirth]

I had two total knee replacements at the age of 70. It changed my life. My knees are totally pain free, which they hadn't been for 20 years before my surgery. The operations were easy (I was out for the whole thing). My surgeon and the hospital (HSS) was very clear that physical therapy was key to my complete recovery. Once everything (tendons, ligaments, and muscles) healed and range of motion was restored, i was pain free and have been so ever since (I am 78 years old). I ski as often as I can and am a road cyclist that logged 4700+ miles last year; all knee-pain free. If your surgeon recommends total knee replacement surgery, do it. Best medical decision I've ever made.

[trudietilton]

This is the best knee replacement video I have ever seen.

[atphoenix]

I will have knee replacement surgery left knee on April 8th. I live in the US. I have arthritis (for 11 yrs), bone on bone, bone spurs, two shredded miniscus, torn acl. I had miniscus repair 11 yrs ago.
Your video is very informative and I will bombard the surgeon with many questions at pre-op in March. Thank you so very much❤

[jhask]

USA patient of TKR at 6 weeks post op and I’m doing above average but always have thoughts and questions. This video is one of the BEST I’ve seen. Thank you for all the information in such a clear manner!! God bless you!

[gailkemp]

I had my knee replacement in 2009 at the age of 59 I am now 72 and been pain free all these years and I walk 5to6 miles a day pain free. I had my replacement at home in Canada 🇨🇦 Jim.

[nickmail]

It was a long video, but I watched every minute and may re watch it before I see my surgeon again next week, it was completely informative throughout and has answered nearly all my worries. I am 59 and having my right knee done on the 10th November. Very grateful for you spending your time to make the video.

[thalassophile]

I am 57 yo female and am 3 weeks PO. Recovery going well so far. Your video is spot on.

[trishruscak]

This was an absolutely informative video with everything you need to know about total knee replacement. I learned so much. Wish I had found this prior to my surgery. It’s been two weeks for me . The doctor and PT says I’m doing quite well. I can walk around the house without a cage or cane, pain during the day is manageable with Tylenol. This video helped me with what to expect, realistic timeline for healing as well as doing my part to promote success. My doctor did go over some of these things, but hearing information from you, now that I can calmly receive it, has great lowered my anxiousness and anxiety. Thank you Dr Hutchinson.❤😊😊

[JAIPaul-qmkr]

I just had a Total knee replacement at St Mary's Hospital. My doctors are amazing. As I'm healing I find that keeping the leg cool helps with swelling. I desperately recommend

[billagnor]

Hi Dr. Hutchinson, I am 82 and have had both hips joints replaced and now I am getting ready to do each knee separately. Your video is the best and most informative data that I have encountered. With both of my hips being replaced 5 days apart and I received 4 weeks of hospital rehabilitation in 1995 in the USA. I had an excellent recovery. Now in 2024 there is no hospital rehabilitation in the US and after surgery and a few hours you go home and start to see a visiting therapist for 1 hour three times a week, so you are very much on your own. Your video was most helpful and at this point I would sure like to be doing this surgery at your hospital with you doing the work. Again thanks for the great video. -- Bill

[rckannan]

From the USA. Very informative, Dr. Hutchinson. My surgeon also spent time with me to explain what he does and what I can expect. My surgery is due in 2 weeks and I am totally confident that it would be the best thing to do at my age (77). I used to walk 2 km a day six days a week and that was cut down to 2 km a week for the past two years. I am looking forward to my "normal" life. Thank you for your presentation. Goodday, mate!

[jamescostello]

I'm 2.5 years out from a TKA with the Mako Robotic System and I couldn't be more happy. No pain and very strong. Still some minor limitations but not bad. Want a successful surgery? Do this. Lost weight. Do the pre-surgery exercises. Continue to lose weight. Do the post surgery exercises and therapy. Walk. Don't sit around. It's gonna hurt. Get off the narcotics as soon as you can. Lose more weight. Your attitude will play the biggest part in your success.

[marywhitener]

Had a right knee replacement on July25th 2022 . From really day one post - op my knee waned to buckle . Did have manual repositioned several weeks later, this problems continued . Fluid was drawn from the knee to check for infection, no infection . plans made at present for a revision of my knee in June of 2023 . My knee was I bad shape before surgery was done, did have several falls before surgery, causing me to start using a walker . Some days I can hardly walk because the left knee is have pain due to the right knee not working right . I do have osteoporosis . My surgeon has never did a MRI and making a model of the knee to refer back to when surgery is being done sounds like s great idea . This is the hardest surgery I have ever been thru . And frankly worried about this revision to my right knee, if this don't work out . I am only 66 year s old, I'm not wanting the last year to end up as I am now . My surgeon stated that my muscles was very tight back of my right knee and tried to strengthened them the best he could . Back in late November of 2022 I was trying to walk when my knee popped real loud with pain on right side of my right knee, Saw my surgeon and x- rays was done piece of my bone broke, yes it did depressed me . I do the best I can in worst shape now, I need everyone to pray for me that I will get better . Wish you was a surgeon in America . My surgeon does knee replacements for many people, but I'm the first of his patients that he has to be revision on . What advise could you give me ?

[mtgne]

Very thx, great interpretation! I'am from Czech republic and I'am 70.
I've been sporting all my life. I'm faced with the decision to undergo a knee replacement.

[pamdemaray]

I got to spend 1 night in the hospital and only because I'm on a C Pap . Im 3 weeks out and it's truly been horrible. I think I cry 5 out of 7 days . I'm doing my PT, but it's been a huge challenge. My knee feels so tight stretching it is rough . I question my decision and pray it will get better in the coming months . My daughter and my friends have taken turns caring for me. I keep ice packs on it because of the swelling, but it's only temporary. Your video was great, and I ignored the music and focused on what you said. Thank you for your time and knowledge. I definitely learned a lot .

[geckoproductions]

My doc sez DaVinci robot makes him much more precise in prosthetic fitment. I had my knee done Dec 2021 and now it works great with no pain at all. Used same drug regimen in Texas as Dr. Hutchinson recommends. Went home day after surgery. Took a couple of weeks to get over the surgery, per se. Started PT and rehab after a week. Had great physical therapist, which in my opinion is as important as the surgeon. Made rapid incremental improvement to strength and range of motion, tapering off as time passed. Get a good doc with lots of experience, use the robot, take the drugs as directed, and get a good physical therapist. If you do those things I think you be happy you did it--i know I am. Mike in South Texas

[katpiotrowski]

I wish you were in the United States. I WISH I had watched this before my recent knee replacement surgery. You, sir, provide detailed knowledge of everything related to knee replacement surgery.. I experienced a tremendous amount of pain afterwards because frankly the doctors goals here is to NOT provide pain medication after a couple of weeks. Completely ludicrous and stalled my initial PT. I finally found a compassionate pain management specialist that provided enough relief for me to get aggressive in my PT. At going on 4 week mark after surgery I am “caught up” in my PT. But the process has been unnecessarily painful. My suggestion to anyone with a low pain tolerance is to get the aftercare sorted out well before surgery. Thank you for this excellent video.

[marilynhouck]

Thank you for taking so much time to explain all the details we need to consider. I am going into surgery next week and am so concerned....no actually, terrified. There is a fear that something unexpected will fail me and I will not be mobile again. Not being able to walk is so scary. I hope my physician turns out to be as careful and thoughtful with me as Dr. Hutchinson is with his patients. They are planning on sending me home on the same day as the surgery and I am living alone. All of this is a bit much for me. But I am encouraged by this doctor and all of the reviews everyone took the time to post. For those of us just getting started with the process, thank you all and I wish you well.

[tryonco]

Great video… best I’ve seen, and I’ve seen many. Wish me luck… bilateral knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning! I’ll b e in a physical therapy rehab hospital for 7 days afterwards to get me on the best regiment for recovery. 😊