Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure done to restore function and relieve pain to a degraded knee joint. It involves using artificial prosthesis to replace the bones that form the knee joint. The procedure is done under either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
After the total knee replacement surgery, the patient stays in the hospital for a few days and will be prescribed pain medication to relieve any discomfort. A physical therapist is also recommended to guide the patient on how to exercise the new knee. Most activities can be resumed within three to six weeks after the procedure.