Knee Prosthesis

When it's needed, what the options are, and how recovery works

What is knee osteoarthritis and what treatments are availabl

Knee osteoarthritis, or gonarthrosis, is a degenerative condition that leads to the progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage. Over time, the cartilage thins until it disappears completely, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. That’s why it is advisable to consult a knee specialist.

Main causes include:

Age and the natural wear and tear of the joint
Genetic predisposition
Previous injuries or surgical procedures
Excess weight, which increases the load on the joints
Occupational or sports activities that excessively stress the knee

Conservative treatments: what can be done before opting for a prosthesis

A knee replacement is considered only when conservative treatments are no longer effective in managing pain and mobility.

Non-surgical strategies include:

Medications: anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and injections with hyaluronic acid or PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
Targeted physiotherapy: exercise programs to strengthen muscles and improve joint function
Weight loss to reduce pressure on the joint
Orthopedic braces to stabilize the knee and relieve pain

When these approaches are no longer sufficient and pain significantly affects quality of life, knee replacement becomes the definitive solution.

Types of Knee Prostheses

The procedure involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components made of metal and polyethylene. Depending on the severity of the condition, two types of prostheses may be used.

Unicompartmental Prosthesis: when is it indicated

This is used when osteoarthritis affects only one part of the knee, usually the medial compartment. This type of surgery preserves the ligaments and allows for faster rehabilitation.

Advantages of unicompartmental prosthesis:

Less invasive, with bone preservation
Faster recovery compared to total prosthesis
More natural movement
Possibility of resuming light sports activities

This option is ideal for active patients who retain good function in the other areas of the knee joint.

Total Knee Prosthesis: when is it necessary?

When osteoarthritis affects the entire joint, total replacement becomes the only viable option. The goal is to eliminate pain and restore knee function.

Pros of total prosthesis:

Elimination of chronic pain
Significant improvement in mobility
Long lifespan: modern prostheses can last over 20 years

Before

Robotic Surgery: a more precise intervention

The use of robotic technology in orthopedic surgery enables millimetric alignment of the implant, offering several benefits. Due to its accuracy, the procedure is less invasive and results in reduced bleeding.

Additionally, postoperative recovery is typically quicker than with traditional surgery. Accurate positioning of the prosthesis improves stability and longevity of the implant, ensuring more effective long-term outcomes.

Postoperative Recovery: what to expect

Rehabilitation is essential to achieve the best outcome from the surgery. The recovery process unfolds in several stages.

In the first 24 hours, the patient is mobilized with the help of a physiotherapist.
Over the next 10–15 days, crutches are gradually phased out.
Within one to two months, patients regain autonomy in daily movements. Between three and six months, light sports activities such as swimming or cycling may be resumed.
High-impact sports like running or football are not recommended in order to preserve the prosthesis.

Prosthesis Lifespan and Life Expectancy

Thanks to next-generation materials and advanced surgical techniques, the average lifespan of a knee prosthesis is 20 to 25 years. However, implant longevity depends on several factors, such as surgical precision, proper alignment, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a correct rehabilitation program.

A balanced lifestyle, moderate physical activity, and regular check-ups help prolong the durability of the implant.

If knee pain is compromising your quality of life and conservative treatments no longer provide relief, a prosthesis may be an effective and lasting solution.

Modern technologies allow for increasingly safe and personalized procedures, ensuring shorter recovery times and better results. To evaluate the best option for your case, the first step is a specialist consultation to define the most appropriate treatment plan.

After

F.A.Q.

1. How do I know if I need a knee prosthesis?

If the pain is constant, does not improve with medication or physiotherapy, and limits your movement, you might need one. A doctor will assess whether it’s the right solution for you.

2. What is the difference between prostheses?

There are partial prostheses, which replace only part of the knee, and total prostheses, which replace the entire joint. The choice depends on the level of joint degeneration.

3. How soon will I be able to walk after the procedure?

Usually, you get up with a physiotherapist’s assistance within a day. After 10–15 days, you start walking without crutches. Full recovery takes a few months.

4. Does the prosthesis last forever?

Modern prostheses can last 20–25 years, but it depends on how you take care of your knee. Keeping a healthy weight and doing the right exercises helps preserve it longer.

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