Surgery is usually considered when severe arthritis still limits daily life after non-surgical care, when the knee truly locks, or for some ligament and meniscus tears in active people. Keyhole (arthroscopic) washouts for arthritis are no longer recommended: trials showed no lasting benefit.
Common operations
| Operation | For |
|---|---|
| Total knee replacement | Severe arthritis across the joint |
| Partial knee replacement | Arthritis on one side only |
| Osteotomy | Younger patients, arthritis on one side, bow legs |
| Meniscus repair | Repairable tears, mostly younger people |
| ACL reconstruction | Unstable knee, active lifestyle |
Knee replacement facts
- Usually very good pain relief for severe arthritis
- Recovery takes months; full benefit up to a year
- Some people still have pain after replacement
Questions to ask before you agree
- Have I tried a full 3-month exercise program with a physiotherapist?
- Would weight loss or a brace change things for my knee?
- Could injections such as PRP or stem cells help me delay surgery?
- What happens if I wait?
A second opinion on your MRI costs nothing here: send it for a doctor review. See also alternatives to knee replacement.