One of the most popular orthopedic surgeries done around the world is knee replacement. It is a good way to treat people with serious knee arthritis, injuries, or long-term joint problems. But when people are thinking about having this surgery, one of the questions they usually have is, “How long is knee replacement surgery?” The answer depends on a number of things that can change how long the procedure takes in total, both in the operating room and while the patient is recovering.
- Type of Knee Replacement Surgery
Full knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and revision surgery are the different kinds of knee replacement treatments. A total knee replacement typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. In contrast, a partial knee replacement may take less time—often around 45 to 60 minutes—because only a section of the knee is replaced. On the other hand, a revision knee replacement, which involves correcting or replacing a previous implant, is usually more complex and can extend well beyond two hours.
- Patient’s Overall Health and Medical History
The patient’s general health significantly influences how long the surgery may take. Individuals with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity may require more cautious monitoring and a slower surgical process. Preexisting conditions can also lead to additional steps during anesthesia administration or recovery, extending the total time in the operating room. Furthermore, patients on blood thinners may need extra care to control bleeding, which can also prolong the procedure.
- Surgeon’s Experience and Technique
The amount of time the surgery takes depends a lot on how skilled and experienced the orthopedic surgeon is. A surgeon with a lot of experience who has done hundreds of knee replacements is likely to be able to finish the surgery faster without sacrificing quality or safety. Modern methods like minimally invasive surgery or computer-assisted navigation may also make the process more accurate and cut down on the time it takes.
- Complexity of the Case
Every knee is different. Some patients have more bone loss, scar tissue, or deformities that need to be addressed during the operation. In such cases, the surgeon may need to spend more time preparing the bone or correcting alignment before inserting the implant. Bone grafting, ligament balancing, or dealing with unexpected anatomical challenges can all increase the overall surgical time.
- Use of Technology and Implants
Modern advancements in surgical technology, such as robotic-assisted systems, can either reduce or extend the time in the operating room depending on the equipment used and the surgical team’s familiarity with it. While these tools often provide improved accuracy and better patient outcomes, they may involve longer setup times. Similarly, custom implants made for individual patients may streamline the operation or, if improperly fitted, cause delays.
- Anesthesia and Preoperative Preparation
Before the actual surgery begins, patients undergo anesthesia—either general or spinal—which adds time to the overall surgical process. Positioning the patient, sterilizing the area, and ensuring all tools and equipment are ready also contribute to the length of the procedure. This preoperative phase can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes before the first incision is even made.
Conclusion
After surgery, how long does it take to heal? The short answer is that it usually takes between one and two hours, but the whole process can take several hours, from the anesthesia to the recovery room after the surgery. The total length of time depends on things like the type of surgery, the patient’s health, how difficult the surgery is, and the tools that are used.
Understanding these variables can help patients better prepare mentally and physically for the procedure. It’s always best to have a thorough discussion with your orthopedic surgeon to gain clarity on what to expect for your unique case.
