Knee replacement, done the modern way
Total, partial, and outpatient knee replacement with rapid-recovery protocols — designed to relieve arthritis pain and restore confident movement.
Relief from knee pain, built around you
Knee arthritis can make even simple activities painful. When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, knee replacement is a proven way to reduce pain and restore function so you can move comfortably again.
Dr. Harb offers both total and partial knee replacement, using detailed preoperative computer templating to plan each procedure around your specific anatomy. For the right candidates, a partial replacement preserves healthy tissue, and outpatient surgery allows you to recover at home.
Dr. Harb cares for patients from across the greater Washington, D.C. region — including Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Olney, Silver Spring, Clarksburg, Frederick, McLean, Arlington, and the rest of Northern Virginia — with offices in Washington, D.C. and Germantown, MD.
You may be a candidate if…
- Knee pain that limits walking, stairs, or daily activities
- Stiffness, swelling, or a knee that gives way
- Pain that persists despite medication, injections, or therapy
- X-rays showing advanced arthritis or cartilage loss
Surgical options for the knee
Total Knee Replacement
Resurfacing of the worn knee joint with a durable implant to relieve arthritis pain and restore smooth, reliable movement.
Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement
When arthritis affects only one part of the knee, a partial replacement preserves healthy bone and ligaments for a more natural feel.
Outpatient Knee Replacement
Modern pain-management and rapid-recovery protocols allow many patients to recover at home the same day.
Robotic & Computer-Navigated Knee Replacement
Technology such as OrthAlign assists in aligning the implant accurately to your unique anatomy.
Common reasons for knee replacement
Knee osteoarthritis
The most common reason for knee replacement — progressive cartilage loss.
Inflammatory arthritis
Rheumatoid and other autoimmune arthritis affecting the knee.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Joint damage that develops after a prior knee injury or fracture.
Meniscal & cartilage damage
Worn or torn cushioning that contributes to pain and arthritis.
Knee deformity
Bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment that overloads the joint.
Failed prior surgery
Pain or instability after earlier knee procedures or implants.
What to expect after surgery
Every recovery is personal, but our rapid-recovery program is designed to get you moving safely and confidently.
The first days
Standing and walking begin the day of surgery, supported by a clear pain-management plan and home instructions.
The first weeks
Consistent physical therapy restores motion and strength as you rebuild your daily routine.
Getting back to life
Most patients return to low-impact activities and hobbies, with follow-up care guiding each milestone.
Take Dr. Harb's knee replacement handbook home
The same step-by-step guide Dr. Harb gives his patients — a complete companion for preparing for surgery, navigating recovery, and getting back to an active life. Yours to download, read, and bring to your consultation.
Download the Knee Replacement GuideWhat's inside
- Step-by-step preparation before surgery
- What to expect the day of surgery
- Week-by-week recovery milestones
- Pain management and medications
- Returning to activities you love
Knee replacement FAQs
Have a question that isn't answered here? Dr. Harb will walk through everything during your consultation.
What is the difference between a total and partial knee replacement?
A total knee replacement resurfaces the entire joint, while a partial (unicompartmental) replacement treats only the damaged section, preserving healthy bone and ligaments. When arthritis is limited to one compartment, a partial replacement can feel more natural and recover more quickly.
What is computer-navigated or robotic knee replacement?
These technologies, such as OrthAlign, give Dr. Harb real-time data to align and position your implant precisely to your individual anatomy. Better alignment can improve how the knee feels and functions over time.
Will my knee feel normal again?
The goal of knee replacement is to relieve arthritis pain and restore reliable, comfortable movement. Most patients return to the activities they enjoy, though a replaced knee may feel subtly different from a natural one.
How long is the recovery after knee replacement?
Many patients walk the same day and progress steadily over the following weeks with physical therapy. Returning to most daily activities commonly takes several weeks, with continued gains over the first few months.
Is knee replacement available as an outpatient procedure?
Yes — with modern pain-management and rapid-recovery protocols, many healthy patients are able to return home the same day. Dr. Harb will help determine whether outpatient surgery is appropriate for you.
Talk with Dr. Harb about your knee
Find out whether knee replacement is right for you and what a personalized recovery plan could look like.