What you’ll read in this blog:
- What is a knee prosthesis?
- Partial or total knee replacement: what’s the difference?
- When do you need a knee prosthesis?
- What are the pros and cons of a knee prosthesis?
- First try without surgery
- MotiMove: moving before or after knee surgery
- Frequently asked questions about knee prostheses
MotiMove is a movement app to reduce pain, download now!
What is a knee prosthesis?
A knee prosthesis is an artificial joint that replaces your knee when your own joint is too worn out due to osteoarthritis. If the cartilage has completely disappeared, bone rubs against bone, which causes a lot of pain and limits movement.
Surgery to place a prosthesis can then be a solution. This usually happens only when nothing else helps anymore.
Partial or total knee replacement: what’s the difference?
Partial knee prosthesis (unicondylar prosthesis)
With a partial knee prosthesis, only one part of the knee is replaced. This is done only if the wear is on one side of the knee, usually the inside.
Advantages:
- Smaller procedure
- Faster recovery
- More of your own knee is preserved
- Lower risk of complications
Total knee prosthesis (total knee replacement)
With a total knee prosthesis, the entire knee joint is replaced. This is done if the wear is on multiple sides of the knee, or if the entire joint is severely damaged.
Advantages:
- Good pain relief
- Suitable for severe or widespread wear
- Long-lasting result (10–20 years)
When do you need a knee prosthesis?
A knee prosthesis is only considered when other treatments no longer help enough. Your doctor looks at:
- How severe the osteoarthritis is
- How much pain you have
- Whether you can still move and function
- Whether you’ve already tried treatments such as physiotherapy and exercises
You can also do things yourself to postpone or even avoid surgery. See it as a last step, not the first.
What are the pros and cons of a knee prosthesis?
Pros:
- Less pain
- Greater freedom of movement
- Better walking, cycling, or climbing stairs
- Quality of life often improves
Cons:
- A knee prosthesis is not a real knee – it feels different
- You need a long rehabilitation (usually 4 to 6 months)
- Complications can occur (such as infection or loosening)
- You may no longer be able to do certain movements (for example, kneeling)
First try without surgery
Did you know that you can often do a lot yourself to reduce pain? Think of:
- Targeted exercises to strengthen your muscles
- Healthy eating and possibly losing weight
- Painkillers or an anti-inflammatory as a temporary solution
- Using a brace or walking stick
By tackling these things seriously, you can sometimes postpone surgery for years or even avoid it altogether.
MotiMove: moving before or after knee surgery
Whether you want to delay surgery or already know you’re getting a prosthesis, moving is always important.
The MotiMove app helps you stay active safely, with:
- Exercise videos specifically for knee osteoarthritis
- Facts about pain and recovery
- An easy way to track your progress
Frequently asked questions about knee prostheses
Which is better, a partial or total knee prosthesis?
That depends on how much wear you have. If the wear is on one side of the knee, a partial prosthesis is often enough. Is the entire knee worn out? Then you usually get a total prosthesis.
How long does a knee prosthesis last?
A knee prosthesis lasts on average 15 to 20 years. In younger people it can sometimes wear out sooner. That’s why surgery is often postponed as long as possible in younger people.
Is a knee prosthesis always necessary with osteoarthritis?
No, many people with knee osteoarthritis can live for years without surgery, with the help of exercises, lifestyle changes, and pain management.
How do I prepare for a knee prosthesis?
Start with light exercises, like those in the MotiMove app. Healthy eating, losing weight, and quitting smoking also help with better healing after surgery.
How long does recovery from knee surgery take?
Recovery takes an average of 3 to 6 months. For cruciate ligament it lasts 12 months. During that time you do exercises to make your knee stronger and more flexible. Some people recover faster, others take a bit longer.
Sometimes a new knee is needed, but start by moving
A knee prosthesis can bring a lot, but it’s a big step. Fortunately, there are many ways to do something yourself first. With the right exercises, guidance, and commitment, you can keep your knee healthy for longer.
Download MotiMove and work step by step toward less pain, stronger muscles, and more control over your knee complaints. Before, after, or without surgery.