18 July, 2025
What does knee replacement surgery involve?

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective and common procedures for treating advanced osteoarthritis or severe damage to the knee joint, which can cause pain and significantly limit mobility. At barnaclínic+, Dr Juan Carlos Martínez, Head of the Knee Section at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and a specialist in prosthetic surgery, is one of the leading experts in this type of intervention, especially in robotic knee surgery.
What is a knee prosthesis?
A knee prosthesis is an implant that partially or totally replaces a damaged joint. In a total knee replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone in the femur and tibia are removed and replaced with metal components. Between them, a polyethylene insert is placed, which acts as a new meniscus, allowing the joint to glide smoothly.
“We place a polyhedral implant in the femur, another in the tibia and, in between, a plastic component we call polyethylene, which acts as the meniscus”
What is a knee replacement surgery like?
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, carefully positioned to restore mobility. At barnaclínic+, advanced techniques such as robotic surgery are used, allowing for extremely precise implant alignment.
“By adjusting the position of the implants in all three spatial planes, we achieve a perfectly balanced knee”
This surgical precision not only improves functional outcomes, but also reduces complications and promotes a faster recovery.
Recovery after surgery
After a knee prosthesis surgery, barnaclínic+ implements a Fast Track recovery protocol, designed to help the patient actively manage their recovery and regain mobility safely.
“This system is characterised by providing the patient with the tools to self-manage their recovery and take an active role”
Although the first year is usually a period of adaptation, the improvement in quality of life becomes noticeable within the first few months. Recovery after knee replacement surgery generally allows the patient to progressively return to daily activities.
Complications and lifespan of a knee prosthesis
One of the most concerning complications is infection. However, at barnaclínic+ a strict antibiotic prophylaxis protocol is followed, reducing the infection rate to below 2%, significantly lower than average.
Regarding longevity, it is estimated that a knee prosthesis can last between 15 and 20 years or even longer, depending on the type of implant, surgical technique, the patient’s weight and activity level. There are different types of knee prostheses and materials, tailored to each case.
When is a knee replacement recommended?
It is recommended for patients with severe joint damage, mainly due to osteoarthritis, who have not improved with conservative treatments. If you experience persistent pain, stiffness or difficulty walking, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery.
Frequently asked questions about knee replacement surgery
- How much does a knee prosthesis cost? → The price depends on the type of prosthesis, technology used and hospital stay.
- How long does knee replacement surgery take? → Approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
- What does a knee replacement scar look like? → It usually measures between 10 and 15 cm and is located at the front of the knee.
- How long does a knee prosthesis last? → Between 15 and 25 years, depending on the patient and usage.
- What are the symptoms of knee prosthesis rejection? → Persistent pain, swelling, fever, redness or instability may indicate rejection and require urgent medical evaluation.
At barnaclínic+, we have a multidisciplinary team and cutting-edge technology to ensure the best outcomes in knee replacement surgeries. If you are considering this intervention, contact us and we will help you recover your quality of life.
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