Knee Replacement Surgery & Recovery

Expert Knee Replacement Surgeons in Merrimack Valley

At Orthopaedic Surgical Associates (OSA), our board-certified, fellowship-trained knee replacement surgeons are highly experienced in both total and partial knee replacement procedures. We offer the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive knee replacement and outpatient (same-day) knee replacement surgery, to patients in Merrimack Valley at our convenient locations in Chelmsford and Westford.

Whether you’re suffering from arthritis, a knee injury, or other degenerative joint conditions, our team is dedicated to helping you restore mobility, relieve pain, and return to your active lifestyle. We take a comprehensive and personalized approach to care—guiding you through every step of the process from consultation through recovery.

Why Choose Orthopaedic Surgical Associates for Knee Replacement Surgery?

We’ve been serving the Merrimack Valley community with high-quality joint care for more than three decades. In addition to exceptional surgical care, we prioritize recovery and patient education to help you heal confidently.

Fellowship-Trained Surgeons: Our knee replacement specialists have advanced training in joint replacement surgery and perform hundreds of procedures each year with excellent outcomes and low complication rates.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: We use modern surgical techniques that help reduce pain, minimize tissue damage, and accelerate recovery.
Comprehensive Recovery Plans: From pre-surgical education to physical therapy and pain management, we ensure patients are fully supported throughout their recovery journey.

What to Know About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a highly effective orthopedic procedure for relieving severe knee pain and restoring function. The surgery involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components (implants).

While not all patients with knee issues require surgery, knee replacement is often recommended when other treatments no longer provide relief.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The most common type of knee replacement, this procedure involves resurfacing the entire knee joint with prosthetic components.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): For patients with damage confined to one part of the knee, a partial replacement may be appropriate, preserving more of the natural joint.

Many knee replacements can now be performed as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Which Conditions Does Knee Replacement Surgery Treat?

The most common condition treated with knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, caused by joint wear-and-tear over time. It is most common among older adults.
Other conditions include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases
- Post-traumatic arthritis or knee injury
- Degenerative joint disease

Who is a Good Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?

While knee replacement surgery is very common, the treatment is most commonly recommended for:

Patients with severe knee damage from arthritis or injury
Patients experiencing significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility
Those who haven’t found relief through physical therapy, medications, injections, or prior surgeries

Knee Replacement Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery plays a vital role in the success of knee replacement surgery. Here’s what to expect:

Hospital Stay and Same-Day Discharge: Depending on your overall health and home support, you may be able to go home the same day or stay overnight for observation.
Physical Therapy: PT usually begins at home shortly after surgery. Most patients participate in outpatient physical therapy for 8–12 weeks, though it may not be necessary for everyone.
- We also offer access to Limber, a mobile app that connects you with a virtual physical therapy assistant and provides customized exercises to support your recovery.

Return to Driving and Work: Most patients can drive again in about 2–3 weeks after left knee surgery (as long as they’re off narcotic medications and can safely operate the vehicle). If surgery was performed on the right knee—or if the patient drives a manual transmission—we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The most common type of knee replacement, this procedure involves resurfacing the entire knee joint with prosthetic components.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): For patients with damage confined to one part of the knee, a partial replacement may be appropriate, preserving more of the natural joint.

Many knee replacements can now be performed as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day.

The most common condition treated with knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, caused by joint wear-and-tear over time. It is most common among older adults.
Other conditions include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases
- Post-traumatic arthritis or knee injury
- Degenerative joint disease

While knee replacement surgery is very common, the treatment is most commonly recommended for:

Patients with severe knee damage from arthritis or injury
Patients experiencing significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility
Those who haven’t found relief through physical therapy, medications, injections, or prior surgeries

Recovery plays a vital role in the success of knee replacement surgery. Here’s what to expect:

Hospital Stay and Same-Day Discharge: Depending on your overall health and home support, you may be able to go home the same day or stay overnight for observation.
Physical Therapy: PT usually begins at home shortly after surgery. Most patients participate in outpatient physical therapy for 8–12 weeks, though it may not be necessary for everyone.
- We also offer access to Limber, a mobile app that connects you with a virtual physical therapy assistant and provides customized exercises to support your recovery.

Return to Driving and Work: Most patients can drive again in about 2–3 weeks after left knee surgery (as long as they’re off narcotic medications and can safely operate the vehicle). If surgery was performed on the right knee—or if the patient drives a manual transmission—we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks.