If you’ve tried physio, injections, medication or rest and nothing lasts, you’re likely at the stage where knee surgery becomes a logical next step. That can feel overwhelming, but you’re not guessing here. This page gives you clear guidance, real outcomes, and access to trusted South African knee surgeons who help people move confidently again.
If you’re preparing for knee replacement, you’ll benefit from practical prep tips, recovery guidance, and advice from people who’ve been through it.
Let’s clear the air. Fear usually comes from outdated information.
[1] Dennis DA, Komistek RD, Mahfouz MR, Haas BD, Stiehl JB. Multicenter determination of in-vivo kinematics after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Ortho Relat Res. 2003
[2] Freeman MA, Pinskerova V. The movement of the knee studied by magnetic resonance imaging. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2003;(410):35-43.
[3] Based on a retrospective study of Advance® Medial-Pivot. Macheras, G.A.; Galanakos, S.P.; Leptsos, P.; Anastasopoulos, P.P.; Papadakis, S. A. A long term clinical outcome of the Medial Pivot Knee Arthroplasty System. The Knee 24 (2017): 447-453.
Do not make decisions based on myths. Speak to a specialist who explains your options properly.
Here are trusted South African knee surgeons who can help you reclaim your life.
George Mediclinic and Geneva Mediclinic Hospitals
This is your preparation phase.
You may:
Tip: Write down your questions (your surgeon wants you to ask).
What usually happens:
Modern implants last 15–20 years for most patients.
Right after surgery:
Over the next weeks:
When pain limits the basics – walking, stairs, sleep, or daily tasks – and treatments like physio, medication, injections or bracing no longer give meaningful relief, you’re in the stage where surgery becomes the most effective long-term solution. It’s less about age and more about quality of life.
Delaying too long can make things harder. Ongoing pain leads to more stiffness, weaker muscles, reduced mobility and a slower recovery. Early intervention consistently shows better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
Most people stand or walk (with assistance) within 24 hours. Early movement helps reduce stiffness and speeds up recovery.
Most daily activities return within 4-6 weeks. Strength, balance and confidence keep improving over several months. Full recovery is gradual, and everyone progresses at their own pace.
Expect discomfort, not uncontrolled pain. Modern pain management, good swelling control and early physiotherapy make recovery far more manageable than people expect. Many patients say the pain after surgery feels different – and easier – than the pain they lived with before.
The damaged surfaces of the knee are carefully removed and replaced with a durable implant designed to restore smooth movement and stability. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and your surgical team monitors everything from start to finish.
Yes. Knee replacement is one of the safest and most successful surgeries worldwide. Complication rates are low, and advances in surgical technique and implant design have improved comfort, stability and long-term results.
Most modern implants last 15–20 years or more. Some of the newer designs have shown excellent durability past the 20-year mark in long-term studies.
Yes. Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, and golf are encouraged. Higher-impact sports can be discussed with your surgeon. Most people return to an active lifestyle they couldn’t manage before surgery.
