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Originally published October 13, 2025
Last updated October 13, 2025
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A knee replacement is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. Doctors perform an estimated 790,000 total knee replacements each year, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
But is it the right move for you? Stephen Owens, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with USC Orthopaedic Surgery, part of Keck Medicine of USC, who also provides services at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, says he works with patients to evaluate the degree and frequency of their pain levels when deciding whether they would benefit from a knee replacement.
“You obviously want to exhaust all conservative modes of treatment first before embarking on a surgery,” he says. “But a knee replacement is a highly successful procedure that can really be a life changer for people.”
Dr. Owens says the primary reason patients get a knee replacement is to relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the joint breaks down from regular wear and tear.
“Patients may feel pain from normal daily activities and during sleep, and it can limit their exercise tolerance,” says Dr. Owens, who is also a clinical assistant professor for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Another common reason for knee replacement surgery is post-traumatic arthritis, especially among athletes. Injuries such as ligament or meniscus tears may damage knee cartilage, Dr. Owens explains. This can lead to post-traumatic arthritis over time.
“A lot of people are into sports, and injuries occur. Post-traumatic arthritis is probably the second biggest reason why we do knee replacements.”
Rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, can also cause knee joints to break down.
Since a knee replacement is a major surgery, orthopedic specialists typically recommend trying less invasive options first to target pain. “Especially if a patient has mild arthritis, we will first opt for more conservative treatment like physical therapy and injections to treat their joint pain,” Dr. Owens says.
If the pain persists, a partial or total knee replacement is often the next step. The surgeon removes the damaged portion of the knee and replaces it with an implant made of metal and plastic.
As Dr. Owens explains, arthritis can affect the inner, outer and front of the knee. A partial knee replacement can be a good option for a patient whose arthritis is isolated to just one area. “But if the arthritis affects more than one compartment, then I usually encourage people to consider a total knee replacement,” he says.
A knee replacement surgery takes only a few hours, and most people go home the same day. However, patients may be kept overnight in the hospital if they have a serious comorbidity like cardiovascular disease.
Patients may heal from a partial knee replacement in three to four weeks, but the recovery for a total knee replacement is longer. “It takes about three months before patients are able to engage in more recreational activities and to feel more normal,” Dr. Owens says.
In the days immediately after the procedure, patients are encouraged to ice regularly and keep the knee elevated to reduce swelling and pain. The next phase of recovery is focused on range of motion.
Dr. Owens says he urges most patients to begin physical therapy no later than one week post-surgery to prevent stiffness in the knee. “You really want to get moving to get your strength back and work on balance. Mentally, physical therapy can also give patients confidence that they are making progress.”
However, the most common mistake Dr. Owens says patients make after a knee replacement is trying to be too active too soon. He warns that attempting to return to your normal routine right away can lead to increased swelling and stiffness and delay recovery.
Patients who undergo a partial or total knee replacement can expect the implant to last about 30 years. “The materials that we use nowadays are so resistant to wearing out that they really last a long time,” Dr. Owens says.
He says improved techniques and materials also mean many orthopedic surgeons are more willing to perform a knee replacement on younger patients than they were in the past.
“We are not going to rush someone in for a knee replacement,” Dr. Owens emphasizes, “but if they have arthritis, have exhausted all other modes of treatment and would benefit from a knee replacement, then I do it. Here at Keck Medicine, we perform it on people even in their early 40s.”
The advancements have also meant high success rates. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, fewer than 2% of patients experience complications like a joint infection.
“Arthritis can affect your ability to walk, exercise, travel and do the things you want to do,” Dr. Owens adds. “If the pain is affecting your quality of life, then a knee replacement can be a great intervention and provide a lot of benefits.”
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