How Much Does a Knee Replacement Cost?

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries in the United States.¹ In fact, the number of knee replacement surgeries performed annually is expected to hit one million by 2040.² It can be a safe and effective way to relieve chronic knee pain and help you resume your regular activities.³

Keep reading to learn more about knee replacement surgery, including how it works, how much it costs and what to expect in recovery.

Anatomy of the Knee

Did you know that the knee is the largest joint in the body? It's no surprise, then, that you need healthy knees to perform most everyday activities. But if your knee is severely damaged, you may have a hard time simply getting out of a chair.

Here's a quick primer on the inner workings of the knee. The knee joint contains three bones:³

• Lower end of the thigh bone (femur)
• Upper end of the shinbone (tibia)
• Kneecap (patella)

The ends of each of these bones are covered with cartilage for protection and easy movement. A thin lining called the synovial membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage to reduce friction. However, disease or injury can wreak havoc on the various parts of the knee, causing pain and limited functioning.

What Is a Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is a surgery to remove damaged bone and cartilage from the surface of the knee and replace them with parts made of metal and medical-grade plastic. Also called knee arthroplasty, knee replacement surgery is designed to ease pain and improve functioning.

Most people have knee replacement surgery as a result of arthritis. The most common types of arthritis which can require a knee replacement include:³

• Osteoarthritis, an age-related condition in which the cartilage that cushions the knee wears away and the bones rub against each other (bone-on-bone arthritis).
• Rheumatoid arthritis, a disease in which the synovial membrane surrounding the knee joint becomes inflamed, leading to cartilage damage and loss (inflammatory arthritis).
• Post-traumatic arthritis, a condition that can occur after a serious injury in which fractures of the knee bones or tears of the knee ligaments damage the cartilage over time.

Should You Consider a Knee Replacement?

Your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery if you have arthritis and:

• Your knees are stiff and swollen.⁴
• You have trouble walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs.³
• You have knee pain throughout the day, even while resting.⁴
• Anti-inflammatory medications, injections and physical therapy don't provide adequate relief.³

The decision to have surgery depends on the condition of the knee, as well as your age and activity level.⁴ While most people who get a total knee replacement are between 50 and 80 years old, the surgery has also been successfully performed on teenagers.³

Different Types of Knee Replacements

There are two main types of knee replacement:⁴

• Total knee replacement
• Partial knee replacement

More than 90% of knee replacement surgeries in the U.S. are total knee replacements; 10% or less are partial knee replacements.⁵

Along with the aforementioned bones of the knee joint, there are three compartment sections of your knee: the medial (inside); the lateral (outside); and anterior (underneath the kneecap). A partial knee replacement will replace just one of these compartments, while a total knee replacement will replace all three. Note that if you have a partial knee replacement, you may still need a total knee replacement in the future.

Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries,⁴ and total knee replacement is considered the gold standard treatment for severe osteoarthritis of the knee.⁶

Benefits of knee replacement may include:

• Reduced or eliminated knee pain⁴
• Restored independence and mobility⁶
• Improved quality of life⁶

Knee Replacement Surgery Techniques

The appropriate knee replacement surgical technique for you depends on your age, weight, activity level and overall health.⁷

Minimally invasive knee replacement vs. traditional knee replacement

Minimally invasive knee replacement involves a shorter incision than traditional knee replacement — 4 to 6 inches vs. 8 to 10 inches. This procedure also requires less cutting of the tissue surrounding the knee. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery may include less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery time.⁸

However, minimally invasive knee replacement is not suitable for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you:⁸

• Are overweight
• Are very muscular
• Have had other knee surgeries
• Have a significant deformity of the knee
• Have health problems that could impede wound healing

In the long term, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are the same as those of traditional knee replacement surgery.

Manual knee replacement vs. robotic-assisted knee replacement

For a manual knee replacement, the orthopedic surgeon uses X-rays of the joint to identify the required location, size and positioning of the artificial implants. While making cuts with a handheld powered saw, the surgeon must directly visualize the edges of the bone to avoid cutting into soft tissue.⁶

For a robotic-assisted knee replacement, however, CT scan images are used instead of X-rays. The images are uploaded to a robotic software system to construct a 3D model of the knee, which provides the surgeon with real-time visualization for precise implant positioning. The surgeon controls the robotic arm, which guides bone cuts within the boundaries defined by the 3D model. This surgical technique is designed to protect ligaments and prevent damage to soft tissues during bone cutting.⁶

Ask your doctor which technique they plan to use for your knee replacement surgery.

Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement surgery costs $32,570 on average, with prices ranging from $14,188 to $49,016 or more.¹

Knee replacement cost by type and technique

Partial knee replacement surgery may cost 10% to 20% lower than total knee replacement surgery because of the shorter hospital stay required.⁹ So, based on the previous figures, the cost of partial knee replacement may range from $11,350 to $39,213 or more.

Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery may cost less than traditional knee replacement surgery as well — again, because of the shorter hospital stay required.¹⁰

Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is typically 10% more expensive than manual knee replacement surgery because of the increased operating room supply and personnel costs.¹¹ So, based on the previous figures, the cost of robotic-assisted knee replacement may range from $15,607 to $53,918 or more. In summary:

Knee replacement cost by facility

The cost of knee replacement also depends on where the surgery is performed. It is typically more expensive to have the procedure done in an inpatient facility, like a hospital, than an outpatient facility. The average cost of total knee replacement surgery is $41,620 in an inpatient facility vs. $25,100 in an outpatient facility.¹

Knee replacement cost by location¹

In addition, knee replacement surgery costs vary by location. Check out this chart of average knee replacement costs around the United States:¹

Note that these prices don't include the cost of the knee implant, which may add $6,000 to $12,000 to the cost of surgery.

Additional cost considerations

You may also be responsible for the following costs after knee replacement surgery:

• Physical therapy. If you're admitted to a skilled nursing facility or rehab center after surgery, you may pay more than $20,000 for inpatient care.¹² Outpatient physical therapy usually costs much less.¹²
• Prescriptions. You will probably need pain relievers and blood thinners after surgery.¹ Check to see if the medications your doctor prescribes are covered by your insurance, and ask for generic versions to lower your out-of-pocket costs.¹

Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of a Knee Replacement?

When recommended by a doctor, knee replacement surgery is typically covered by health insurance. However, depending on your health plan, you may be responsible for a deductible, copay or coinsurance.¹³

Your insurance may cover all or a significant portion of the following:¹³

• Initial appointment and evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon
• Any necessary testing and diagnostic exams
• Knee replacement surgery, including implants, anesthesia and doctor and facility fees
• Home medical equipment, such as safety bars
• Physical therapy after surgery

Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

You may need to stop taking certain medications and supplements before knee replacement surgery, and you may need to fast starting at midnight the day of surgery.

Before surgery, be sure to:⁷

• Arrange a ride home from the surgery center.
• Get crutches or a walker.
• Arrange for help with household tasks, such as cooking, bathing and doing laundry.

Preparing your home

Consider implementing the following modifications to make your home safer and easier to navigate during recovery from knee replacement surgery.³

• Create a temporary living space on one floor so you don't have to climb stairs.
• If you have a low toilet, get a toilet seat riser with arms.
• Install safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower.
• Get a stable bench or chair for your shower.
• Secure handrails along your stairways.
• Get a stable chair with a firm seat cushion and back, and a footstool to elevate your knee.
• Remove any loose carpets and cords.

What to Expect During Knee Replacement Surgery

Here's what you can expect on the day of surgery:

• You will remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown.⁷
• You will be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep or regional anesthesia to numb your body from the waist down.¹⁴
• Your surgeon will make an incision over the knee.⁷
• Your surgeon will remove any diseased and damaged bone and cartilage from your knee.⁷
• Your surgeon will implant the replacement parts into your thigh bone, shinbone and kneecap.⁷
• Your surgeon will close the incision with stitches, staples or a suture.³

How long is knee replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery takes about two hours,¹⁴ while partial knee replacement surgery takes about an hour.¹⁵ Robotic-assisted knee replacement is associated with a longer surgery time but a shorter length of stay post-surgery.¹¹

Once the surgery is done, you will move to a recovery room for a few hours while the anesthesia wears off.³ Afterward, you will either go home the same day or be admitted to the hospital for one to three days, depending on your needs.³

Knee Replacement Recovery

Motivation and participation in physical therapy is essential to recovery from knee replacement surgery.⁴ Your rehabilitation should start within 24 hours of surgery and include gentle exercises to improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles.⁴ Two or three days after surgery, you may be able to start walking with a walker, crutches or a cane.⁴ About six weeks after surgery, you should be able to walk without assistance and resume most normal activities.⁴

It takes about six months to fully recover from total knee replacement.² The recovery time for a partial knee replacement may be shorter.¹⁵ For minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, the recovery time is about two to three months.¹⁶

Is Knee Replacement Painful?

Because of the anesthesia, you should not feel pain during knee replacement surgery.¹⁴ However, you can expect some pain, swelling and bruising for several weeks afterward.² Your doctor may prescribe medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium — or possibly an opioid like hydrocodone — to relieve the pain.² Just keep in mind that narcotics are addictive and should not be taken long term.² If your pain is severe, you may be experiencing complications of surgery.² Call your doctor for treatment.²

Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery

Serious complications of knee replacement surgery occur in fewer than 2% of patients. Possible complications may include:³

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Continued pain (rare)
• Nerve damage (rare)
• Implants wearing down and loosening over time

How Long After Knee Replacement Can You Drive?

Typically, you can drive about six weeks after total knee replacement surgery, or three weeks after partial knee replacement surgery.¹⁷ That's when you should be able to bend your knee enough to get it in and out of the car and control the vehicle properly.² Before you get back on the road, make sure you're able to painlessly put enough pressure on the brake pedal to make an emergency stop.¹⁸

Can You Run After a Knee Replacement?

You may be able to run after a knee replacement, but not while your body is healing. Your doctor may recommend waiting at least six months for your knee to strengthen and stabilize. And keep in mind that high-impact activities like running can wear out the replaced joint more quickly. ¹⁹

How Long Does Knee Replacement Last?

Knee replacement implants last about 15 to 20 years.⁴ After that, general wear and tear can loosen the implants, and knee revision surgery may be required.⁴ Note that excessive weight or activity can wear down the implants, but low-impact activities like walking, biking and swimming may help prolong the life of your knee replacement.³ Check in with your surgeon periodically to ensure your knee is in good condition.¹⁴

Knee Replacement Alternatives

If the damage from arthritis is minimal or you don't have an active lifestyle, your doctor may recommend non-surgical alternatives to knee replacement, such as:⁴

• Physical therapy⁴
• Weight loss to reduce pressure on the knees⁴
• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen⁴
• Joint supplements¹
• Steroid injections¹
• Hyaluronic acid injections¹

Managing Healthcare Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your medical bills — including the cost of knee replacement surgery — consider healthcare financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Robyn Tellefsen is a freelance writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, finance and more. Her work has appeared on sites such as LoopNet, Beachside Rehab, First Horizon Bank, SoFi, A Place for Mom, American Express, Chase and more.