Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee pain can slow everything down when simple movement becomes difficult, and surgery is the next step after other treatments fail. Choosing where to have this done isn’t just about saving money or picking the closest option. It’s about getting results. Biruni Hospital brings together experienced surgeons and modern facilities that many trust, in Turkey, which has become known for offering quality care at reasonable costs.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery ?

Knee replacement surgery removes the damaged parts of the knee joint and replaces them with artificial components. This surgery is done when the knee is too painful or no longer functions properly because of arthritis or injury. The aim is to reduce pain and restore knee movement.

Key points about the surgery

• Removal of worn bone and cartilage from the knee.
• Replacement with metal and plastic parts to mimic knee function.
• Use of either regional or general anesthesia.
• Surgery lasts about one to two hours.
• Pain management and early movement are critical after surgery.
• Physical therapy begins shortly after surgery to restore strength.
• Hospital stay usually lasts two to five days depending on recovery.

What are the different types of Knee Replacement Surgery?

There are several ways to replace a knee depending on how bad the damage is and what the patient needs. Each type comes with its own steps and reasons to choose it.

Total knee replacement

This is when the whole knee joint is replaced. The surgeon removes all the worn out bone and cartilage from the thigh bone, shin bone and sometimes the kneecap. Then metal and plastic parts are put in to take their place. It’s usually done when the whole knee is bad and needs fixing. This surgery takes longer to recover from but can relieve pain and get movement back.

Steps and details

• Doctors do scans and check the patient’s health before surgery.
• The patient gets anesthesia either to sleep or numb the lower body.
• The surgeon makes a big enough cut to see the whole knee joint.
• Removes damaged bone and cartilage from all knee parts.
• Fits metal and plastic pieces carefully.
• Tests knee movement and alignment before closing up.
• Closes the cut and cleans the area.
• Controls pain and helps patients start moving early.
• Starts physical therapy soon after surgery.
• Patients stay in the hospital for usually two to five days.

Partial knee replacement

Here only one part of the knee is fixed. Usually it’s the inside, outside or under the kneecap. The rest of the knee stays untouched. This surgery means smaller cuts and quicker recovery but it only works if damage is limited. The surgeon needs to be sure only one area is bad before doing this.

Steps and details

• Detailed scans to find the damaged part.
• Anesthesia to numb or put the patient under.
• Smaller cut over the damaged section.
• Removes worn bone and cartilage just from that part.
• Puts in partial metal and plastic implants.
• Checks knee moves and lines up well.
• Closes the cut and manages wound care.
• Controls pain and encourages early movement.
• Physical therapy tailored to faster recovery.
• Usually a shorter hospital stay than full replacement.

Patellofemoral replacement

This one targets the front of the knee under the kneecap. Only the damaged cartilage there is taken out and replaced. The rest of the knee stays as it is. This surgery is less invasive and keeps more of the natural knee. It’s for people who have arthritis or damage just in this area.

Steps and details

• Imaging tests to confirm damage is only in the kneecap area.
• Anesthesia given as needed.
• Cut made at the front of the knee.
• Removes damaged cartilage from kneecap and groove it moves in.
• Places special implants designed for that area.
• Make sure the kneecap moves smoothly.
• Closes the incision and cares for the wound.
• Pain management after surgery.
• Physical therapy focused on kneecap motion.
• Short hospital stay and quicker recovery.

Robotic knee replacement

This method uses a robot controlled by the surgeon to make cuts and place implants very precisely. The robot helps reduce mistakes and improves how well the parts fit. It can be used for full or partial replacements but needs special machines and training.

Steps and details

• Detailed 3D scans to map the knee before surgery.
• Anesthesia given.
• Small cuts to insert robotic tools.
• The surgeon guides the robot to remove the damaged bone exactly.
• Robots help put implants in the right place.
• Check knee movement and alignment.
• Closes the cuts and cares for wounds.
• Controls pain and starts physical therapy early.
• Hospital stay is similar to traditional surgery.

Robotic physiotherapy

This is rehab using robots to help move the knee and build strength after surgery. Machines guide controlled movements and support muscles. It can help speed up recovery and make exercises more accurate. This is useful for patients who need extra help regaining function.

Steps and details

• Therapist assesses the patient's movement and strength.
• Make a rehab plan using robotic devices.
• The patient does assisted knee movements with the robot.
• Progress is monitored and exercises adjusted.
• Focus on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility.
• Helps with balance and relearning to walk.
• Regular checks by the physiotherapist.
• Combines robotics with regular therapy exercises.
• Frequency depends on patient goals.
• Supports long term knee function.

What preparations are needed before Knee Replacement Surgery ?

Getting ready for knee replacement isn't just about showing up on the day of the procedure. There’s real groundwork that needs to be done. The body has to be ready, the home has to be ready, and the mind too.

1. Medical evaluation and testing

You don’t go into surgery blind. The team needs to know exactly what they’re working with. That means blood work, imaging, maybe even a heart check if needed. They’re not just making sure the knee needs replacing they’re making sure the rest of you won’t get in the way of healing. If there’s diabetes, a blood pressure issue, or a recent infection, they’ll catch it early. That’s how they avoid setbacks after the procedure.

2. Physical conditioning

It’s not about turning into an athlete overnight, but the stronger your leg muscles are before surgery, the more support they can offer the new joint afterward. The physical therapist might give you simple stretches or strengthening moves. 

You don’t need fancy machines, just time, a bit of consistency, and the willingness to put some effort in now so that walking later doesn’t feel like a battle.

3. Medication management

Some drugs can cause problems on the operating table. Others can mess with healing. That includes painkillers, blood thinners, herbal supplements, anything that’s going into your system needs to be checked. 

The surgeon and anesthesiologist will usually go over your full list and decide what to stop and what to keep. Getting this part right avoids issues you don’t want to deal with when you’re recovering.

4. Nutritional preparation

Food affects healing more than most people think. If your diet is off, recovery slows down. Proteins repair tissue. Vitamins like C and D support healing. If your levels are low or you’re not eating right, they might give you a plan or supplements. It’s not about going on a crash diet, it's about giving your body the basics it needs so the new knee can settle in properly.

5. Home and support arrangements

The first few weeks after surgery will be frustrating if your home isn’t ready. Chairs might feel too low. Stairs could become a problem. The rug in the hallway might become a trap. Getting the space ready, clearing clutter, setting up a sitting area that’s easy to get in and out of, keeping essentials within reach can mean the difference between a smooth recovery or constant irritation. And having someone around to help, even just for a few days, takes a huge load off your back.

6. Mental and emotional readiness

A lot of people underestimate this part. Surgery is hard enough, but recovery is slower than you think. There are limits. There’s pain. Progress won’t be perfect. If you know that going in, it’s easier to keep your head straight when the hard days hit. Some people talk to others who’ve had the surgery. Some ask their surgeon for details not just about the procedure, but what the weeks after really look like. That’s how you set expectations that won’t disappoint you later.

What happens after Knee Replacement Surgery?

Healing after knee replacement doesn't follow a set schedule. Some things go fast, some things stall. What matters most is knowing what to expect and understanding that recovery doesn't always feel like progress, even when it is. The road is broken into phases, not just by time but by what the body is trying to figure out in each stretch.

Short term healing period

The first few days and weeks aren’t about pushing forward, they're about getting stable. The body reacts to what just happened, and you start learning how to move again, carefully, while managing pain that doesn’t always behave.

Monitored closely by nurses and staff in the first 48 hours for blood pressure, heart rate, and surgical bleeding.

What happens during this period

• A drain may be left in the knee to pull excess fluid and prevent pressure build up
• Strong painkillers are common at first, then gradually scaled back as pain lessens
• Blood thinners and leg pumps are used to prevent clots, which is a real risk early on
• You’re usually up and standing with a walker within 24 hours even if it feels unnatural
• A physiotherapist will start guiding you through basic leg lifts and range of motion work
• The surgical dressing is changed regularly to avoid infection and monitor for fluid leaks
• Bruising and swelling build over the first week and often feel worse before they get better
• Ice and elevation become part of the daily routine to keep inflammation in check
• It’s hard to sleep normally, especially if the leg feels hot, heavy, or sore at night
• You’ll likely need help with showering, using the bathroom, and even getting dressed
• First follow-up happens about two weeks in, mostly to check the wound and remove stitches
• By the third week, many people are off narcotics and moving to milder pain meds
• Stiffness becomes the new challenge once initial pain starts fading

Long term recovery and rehabilitation

This is the phase most people underestimate. You’re up and walking, but that doesn’t mean you’re done. The knee might be metal, but everything around it the muscles, the balance, the confidence still needs to catch up. And that takes time that can’t be rushed.

What happens during this period

• Physical therapy becomes the backbone of daily life for at least the first 3 months
• Strength work for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves is repeated constantly
• Swelling can still show up deep into the second month especially after increased activity
• Most people move from walker to cane to independent walking over 6 to 8 weeks
• Light household tasks resume in about 4 weeks but anything with stairs or kneeling takes longer
• By month 3, you're probably walking farther but still noticing fatigue after longer days
• Some activities like driving return earlier if the right knee wasn’t operated on
• Full range of motion isn't guaranteed but gradual gains can continue for a full year
• Scar tissue buildup can limit flexibility if rehab isn’t consistent
• Sleeping improves once the leg regains strength and nighttime spasms settle down
• Sports like swimming and cycling are encouraged after the 3 to 4 month mark
• High impact sports and deep squats should be avoided permanently to protect the implant
• Regular orthopedic follow-ups track how well the implant is holding position
• Some stiffness may always remain but often becomes barely noticeable with time

Knee Surgery as a Solution to Chronic Instability and Pain

Choosing knee replacement surgery at Biruni Hospital in Turkey means placing your trust in expert care focused on restoring your mobility and improving your quality of life. While recovery requires patience and commitment, the skilled team and advanced facilities ensure the best possible outcome. With Biruni Hospital you are not just getting surgery you are taking a confident step toward lasting relief and renewed function.