Knee Replacement Surgery

Expert Knee Replacement Surgeons on the North Shore

At Sports Medicine North (SMN), our board-certified, fellowship-trained knee replacement surgeons are leaders in the field of knee surgery and recovery. We offer state-of-the-art options including minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, robotic-assisted knee replacement, and outpatient same-day knee replacement procedures. With convenient locations in Peabody, Beverly, Newburyport, and Gloucester, we provide expert, patient-centered orthopedic care across the North Shore.

Whether you’re managing knee arthritis, recovering from an injury, or experiencing chronic knee pain, our team is dedicated to restoring your function and improving your quality of life. We take a comprehensive approach to knee replacement and recovery, offering personalized care and support to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Sports Medicine North (SMN) for Knee Replacement Surgery?

We’ve been a trusted provider of joint care for the North Shore community for nearly 30 years. In addition to delivering world-class surgical outcomes, we’re known for our thoughtful, patient-focused approach to knee replacement recovery.

Fellowship-Trained Surgeons: Our surgeons have advanced fellowship training specifically in knee surgery and perform hundreds of knee replacements each year. Our outcomes are excellent with low complication rates.
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Techniques: We use the latest surgical techniques to reduce tissue trauma, shorten recovery time, and improve the precision of implant placement.
Comprehensive Recovery Plans: From your first consultation through your post-operative rehab, we’re with you every step of the way to ensure you’re informed, comfortable, and confident in your recovery journey.

What to Know About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement is a highly effective orthopedic procedure for patients with severe knee pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility due to joint damage. During the surgery, damaged portions of the knee joint are removed and replaced with a durable, prosthetic implant designed to restore function and relieve pain.

Not every patient with knee pain needs surgery, but for those who do, there are several surgical options and approaches available depending on your condition, activity level, and overall health.

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 due to arthritis or injury.
Patients who experience severe knee pain and swelling to the point where everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up are painful and difficult.
Patients who have not responded to other treatments like physical therapy, medications, injections, or other surgical procedures.

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 due to arthritis or injury.
Patients who experience severe knee pain and swelling to the point where everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up are painful and difficult.
Patients who have not responded to other treatments like physical therapy, medications, injections, or other surgical procedures.

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.