FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got questions? We've got knees covered

Thinking about knee replacement? Wondering what makes a personalized knee different?

We’ve pulled together the most common questions—so you can get straight answers, feel more confident, and take your next step with clarity.

A real Personalized Knee® experience

About Zimmer
Biomet

 

We’ve always believed that better movement means a better life. That’s why, for nearly a century, we’ve been focused on helping people move better and feel better—through innovative medical technology.

As a global leader in knee replacement surgery, our goal is simple: help people get back to doing what they love by reducing pain and improving function. And it’s working—more than a million people worldwide have taken steps toward improved mobility with support from our innovative products.

Because in the end, it’s never just about the technology. It’s about what it makes possible.

Zimmer Biomet is a medical technology manufacturer and does not practice medicine. All questions concerning your individual health and treatment must be directed to a doctor.

The Persona® Knee Implant

 

The Persona Knee implant is designed to optimize fit and function. It consists of three components: one that attaches to your shin bone (tibia), one that connects to your thigh bone (femur), and a bearing positioned between them to fill and balance the joint space. Together, these parts help replicate the fit and shape of your natural knee.

Does your skin react to certain metal jewelry? Good news: the Persona Knee has an option called Persona SoluTion which is specially designed to minimize the most common metal sensitizers (nickel, cobalt and chromium)—making it a potential choice for patients with metal sensitivities.

Be sure to talk to your surgeon to see if it is the right choice for you.

The Personalized
Knee® system

 

Great question! The surgeon is always in control—the ROSA Robotic System is simply a smart assistant. It provides real-time data and helps your surgeon plan and execute precise movements, based on your unique anatomy, to achieve the best possible alignment during surgery.

The mymobility app guides you step-by-step through your recovery, helping you track your progress, learn personalized exercises, and stay on course with the plan your surgeon created for you. It also keeps your surgeon and healthcare team updated with important information about your recovery.

The Persona Knee is one of the leading implants among orthopedic surgeons in the United States.

Some surgeons may use different systems based on their training or preference, but use our “Find a specialist” button to find a Personalized Knee specialist in your area to learn more.

Joint pain &
treatment

 

X-rays and MRIs can tell your surgeon a lot about your knee but they don’t make the decision for surgery on their own.

Knee replacement is typically recommended based on a combination of imaging and symptoms—like ongoing pain and limited movement that don’t improve with other treatments.

  • X-ray: Shows bone structure and joint space, helping confirm signs of advanced osteoarthritis
  • MRI: Offers a more detailed view of cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissue—useful for spotting issues that X-rays can’t catch

Some injections offer only temporary relief and may need to be repeated over time, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Corticosteroid risks can include temporary soreness at the injection site (typically resolves within 48 hours). Repeated shots may damage cartilage and weaken nearby tendons/ligaments. Cortisone injections are usually avoided within 3 months of joint replacement surgery. Common side effects of hyaluronic acid injection include pain, swelling, and stiffness in and around the joint. Lubrication injections may not work for everyone.

Have you tried Gel-One® Cross-linked Hyaluronate injections? Gel-One is a single-injection treatment designed to help with knee pain from osteoarthritis. It’s a solid option for people who haven’t gotten much pain relief from things like physical therapy, NSAIDs (e.g., Advil®, Aleve®), or even plain old acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®).

Ask your doctor for more information.

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Different brands have varying dosing schedules, with some involving weekly injections over 3-5 weeks, while others (like Gel-One) provide a single injection that can last up to six months.

Explore your options and find a doctor near you who offers The Gel-One Cross-linked Hyaluronate injection by Zimmer Biomet.

Find a doctor


Indications For Use

Gel-One Hyaluronate is indicated for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to non-pharmacologic therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or simple analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen.

Important Safety Information
Before using Gel-One Hyaluronate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to hyaluronan products, cinnamon, or products from birds such as feathers, eggs, and poultry. Gel-One Hyaluronate is only for injection into the knee, performed by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. You should not receive Gel-One Hyaluronate injection if you have a skin disease or infection around the area where the injection will be given. Gel-One Hyaluronate has not been tested to show pain relief in joints other than the knee and for conditions other than OA. Gel-One Hyaluronate has not been tested in patients who are pregnant, mothers who are nursing, or anyone under the age of 21. You should tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or if you are nursing a child. Talk to your doctor before resuming strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activities after treatment. The effectiveness of repeat treatment cycles of Gel-One Hyaluronate has not been established. The side effects most commonly seen after injection of Gel-One Hyaluronate in the clinical trial were knee pain, swelling, and/or fluid build-up around the knee. These reactions are generally mild and do not last long. If any of these symptoms or signs appear after you are given Gel-One Hyaluronate or if you have any other problems, you should call your doctor. Ask your surgeon if you are a candidate and discuss potential risks.

For additional information, call 1-800-447-5633, or visit www.zimmerbiomet.com. Gel-One® is a registered trademark of Seikagaku Corporation.

Avascular necrosis (AVN), or osteonecrosis, is a condition in which the blood flow to a specific part of the knee bone is interrupted, resulting in the deterioration of bone tissue.

AVN can progress silently, often showing no noticeable symptoms until the condition is already advanced. This highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and accurate diagnosis.

When is knee replacement needed?

Surgical approaches are typically considered for AVN when noninvasive treatments no longer effectively control the condition. Options may include core decompression, bone grafting, or total knee replacement.

When AVN severely compromises joint integrity, leading to chronic pain, limited motion, or disruption of daily routines, surgical intervention may be warranted.

Total joint replacement is generally considered when the joint structure is significantly compromised and non-surgical options have proven ineffective. Symptoms often include persistent discomfort, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life from AVN progression.

Total knee
replacement
surgery

 

Knee replacement surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to perform, but times can vary depending on the surgical plan designed by your doctor.

Most patients will be advised to place as much weight on the operated leg as they can comfortably tolerate after surgery, using a walker or cane for support. It’s important to consider both your pain level and comfort, along with your surgeon’s specific instructions.

Following surgery, most patients begin with a walker to help them get around. As strength builds, balance improves, and pain decreases, they typically transition to using a cane. When they’re ready, they can move away from using a cane altogether. The timing of this transition varies from person to person—some may do so in as little as two weeks, while others may need six weeks or more.

Gentle movement encourages blood flow and helps prevent fluid buildup in the leg. While walking is beneficial, it's also important to incorporate other strategies to manage swelling, such as elevating the leg, applying ice, and wearing compression stockings.

Modern implants can provide long-term pain relief and better function for the knee joint. Complications can occur, and longevity can be affected by your weight, activity level, social habits, and underlying disease. Research shows that about 82% of total knee replacements last up to 25 years.

Recovery

 

Recovery time can vary from person to person after total knee replacement, but most people are able to return to normal daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks, and resume driving around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. There can be mild to moderate swelling for about 3-6 months after surgery.

Ask your doctor when it’s safe to bathe—this will mostly depend on your type of wound closure and dressing. If you have absorbable stitches with a waterproof dressing, showering may be okay. But if you have staples and a bandage, you’ll likely need to wait. When you do get the go-ahead, stick to tray-type shower stalls instead of baths to avoid sitting in a tub, soaking the incision, or climbing in and out.

Support tools like canes, crutches, walkers, and sturdy handrails help keep you steady as you regain strength after surgery. Stairs can be tricky early on, and a fall could set back your recovery. Your care team will guide you on which aids are best for you—and when you’ll be ready to move without them.