For 80–90% of people who have total knee replacement, the new joint should last about 20 years, and it may well last longer.

If you’ve had a partial knee replacement, you’re more likely to need a repeat operation – about 1 person in 10 needs further surgery after 10 years.

The chances of needing another operation is greater if you’re overweight and/or involved in heavy manual work.

Revision surgery

Some people need a repeat knee replacement operation on he same knee. This is called a revision. The repeat operation is more difficult than the first, but the techniques are becoming more routine and more successful all the time. If you’re having a second or third operation on the same leg, your surgeon may suggest using the more complex knee replacement components rather than the standard type.