Knee Replacement at Mayo Clinic

Knee Replacement is a specialized orthopedic surgical procedure used to replace damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components. It may be recommended for patients with severe knee arthritis, advanced cartilage damage, significant deformity or persistent knee pain and mobility problems that have not improved sufficiently with non-surgical treatment.

Price: Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of knee replacement depends on the severity of joint damage, type of replacement, implant, surgical technique, diagnostic testing, anesthesia, hospital stay, rehabilitation and postoperative care. A personalized cost estimate is provided after specialist evaluation.

Complete Description

What Is Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged portions of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial components.

The procedure may help:

• Reduce severe knee pain

• Improve mobility

• Improve knee function

• Correct certain deformities

• Improve ability to perform daily activities

• Improve quality of life

The decision to undergo surgery depends on the patient's symptoms, degree of joint damage and response to other treatments.

Conditions That May Require Knee Replacement

Knee replacement may be considered for patients with:

• Severe osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Advanced cartilage damage

• Severe knee degeneration

• Significant knee deformity

• Certain traumatic joint damage

• Previous knee injuries

• Other advanced knee conditions

Symptoms of Severe Knee Damage

Patients may experience:

• Persistent knee pain

• Pain while walking

• Knee stiffness

• Swelling

• Reduced range of motion

• Difficulty climbing stairs

• Difficulty standing

• Difficulty performing daily activities

• Pain during rest or sleep

• Reduced mobility

Knee Arthritis Treatment

Knee arthritis can progressively damage the cartilage covering the joint surfaces.

Initial treatment may include:

• Physical therapy

• Exercise

• Weight management

• Activity modification

• Medication

• Bracing

• Injections when appropriate

• Other conservative treatments

When symptoms remain severe despite appropriate non-surgical care, knee replacement may be considered.

Types of Knee Replacement

Depending on the location and extent of joint damage, surgery may include:

• Total knee replacement

• Partial knee replacement

• Revision knee replacement

The appropriate procedure depends on the patient's individual anatomy and condition.

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement involves replacing damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components.

It may be recommended when arthritis or other disease has extensively affected the knee.

The implant and surgical technique are selected according to the patient's anatomy and medical requirements.

Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement may be considered when damage is limited to one part of the knee.

This approach preserves healthy portions of the natural knee when appropriate.

Whether partial replacement is suitable depends on:

• Location of damage

• Disease severity

• Ligament stability

• Alignment

• Overall knee condition

Pre-Surgical Knee Evaluation

Before knee replacement, orthopedic specialists may evaluate:

• Knee pain

• Range of motion

• Joint stability

• Muscle strength

• Walking ability

• Previous injuries

• Previous treatments

• Medical history

• Current medications

This helps determine whether surgery is appropriate.

Diagnostic Imaging

Imaging helps evaluate the severity and location of knee damage.

Investigations may include:

• X-rays

• MRI

• CT scan

• Other specialized imaging

Imaging can help assess cartilage loss, bone changes, joint alignment and other structural abnormalities.

Knee Implant Selection

The orthopedic surgeon selects the appropriate implant based on:

• Patient anatomy

• Bone quality

• Age

• Activity level

• Joint damage

• Knee alignment

• Surgical requirements

The goal is to provide an appropriate reconstruction of the knee joint.

Knee Replacement Surgery

During knee replacement, damaged portions of the knee are removed and replaced with artificial components.

The exact procedure depends on:

• Type of knee replacement

• Extent of joint damage

• Patient anatomy

• Previous surgeries

• Overall medical condition

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

When appropriate, surgeons may use techniques designed to minimize tissue disruption.

Potential benefits may include:

• Smaller incisions

• Reduced soft-tissue disruption

• Potentially faster early recovery

The appropriate surgical technique varies from patient to patient.

Revision Knee Replacement

Patients who have previously undergone knee replacement may sometimes require revision surgery.

Possible reasons include:

• Implant loosening

• Implant wear

• Infection

• Instability

• Fracture

• Persistent pain

• Other implant-related complications

Revision knee replacement can be more complex than the original procedure.

Non-Surgical Treatment Before Knee Replacement

Knee replacement is not always the first treatment option.

Depending on the diagnosis, specialists may recommend:

• Physical therapy

• Exercise

• Weight management

• Activity modification

• Medication

• Bracing

• Injections when appropriate

• Other conservative treatments

Surgery may be considered when these treatments no longer provide sufficient relief or function.

Knee Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plays an important role following knee replacement.

Physical therapy may focus on:

• Improving knee movement

• Building muscle strength

• Improving balance

• Restoring walking ability

• Increasing independence

• Returning to daily activities

The rehabilitation program is individualized according to recovery progress.

Recovery After Knee Replacement

Recovery varies depending on the patient's health, surgical technique and rehabilitation progress.

Postoperative care may include:

• Pain management

• Physical therapy

• Walking exercises

• Wound care

• Blood-clot prevention

• Mobility training

• Gradual return to activities

• Follow-up appointments

Potential Risks and Complications

Knee replacement is a major surgical procedure and may involve risks.

Potential complications include:

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Bleeding

• Implant loosening

• Implant wear

• Knee stiffness

• Persistent pain

• Fracture

• Nerve or blood-vessel injury

• Instability

• Other procedure-specific complications

The surgical team discusses individual risks before surgery.

Long-Term Knee Replacement Care

Follow-up after knee replacement may help monitor:

• Knee function

• Pain

• Range of motion

• Implant stability

• Bone condition

• Signs of implant wear

• Other possible complications

Follow-up recommendations vary according to the patient's circumstances.

Second Opinion for Knee Replacement

Patients who have been advised to undergo knee replacement may seek a specialist orthopedic second opinion.

The specialist may review:

• X-rays

• MRI or CT scans

• Previous orthopedic reports

• Previous treatments

• Knee function

• Proposed surgical plan

This can help patients understand whether knee replacement is appropriate and what alternatives may exist.

International Patients

International patients should provide previous orthopedic records whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• X-rays

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• Previous orthopedic consultation reports

• Surgical reports

• Physical therapy records

• Medication list

• Other relevant medical information

Benefits of Specialized Knee Replacement Care

Specialized knee replacement care may help:

• Reduce severe knee pain

• Improve mobility

• Restore knee function

• Treat advanced knee arthritis

• Correct selected knee deformities

• Improve daily physical function

• Provide individualized implant selection

• Offer revision surgery when required

• Support structured rehabilitation

• Improve quality of life

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Knee Replacement?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized orthopedic evaluation and surgical care for patients with advanced knee disorders and complex joint conditions.

Depending on individual needs, care may involve orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost depends on the patient's condition and treatment requirements.

Potential costs may include:

• Orthopedic consultation

• Diagnostic imaging

• Preoperative testing

• Knee replacement surgery

• Implant

• Anesthesia

• Hospital stay

• Medications

• Rehabilitation

• Follow-up care

A personalized cost estimate should be requested after specialist evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who may need knee replacement?

Knee replacement may be considered for patients with severe arthritis, advanced cartilage damage, significant knee deformity or persistent pain and mobility problems that have not improved adequately with other treatments.

2. Is knee replacement always necessary for arthritis?

No. Many patients can initially be managed with physical therapy, exercise, medication, weight management, activity modification and other non-surgical treatments.

3. What is the difference between total and partial knee replacement?

Total knee replacement replaces the damaged surfaces of the knee more extensively, while partial knee replacement treats damage limited to a specific portion of the knee.

4. Can a previously replaced knee be operated on again?

Yes. Revision knee replacement may be performed when an existing implant develops problems such as loosening, wear, infection or instability.

5. How much does knee replacement cost?

Price is available on request. The final cost depends on the surgery, implant, anesthesia, hospital services, rehabilitation and follow-up care required.

Product Details

Product Name: Knee Replacement

Hospital: Mayo Clinic – Rochester

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Orthopedics

Service Type: Knee Replacement

Dashboard Price: 0

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA