A knee replacement is usually carried out under spinal anaesthetic. This means you’ll be awake during the operation but the anaesthetic blocks feeling from your waist down. It can also be done under general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep. Your surgeon will make a cut down the front of your knee so they can access your knee joint. They will remove the damaged ends of your shin and thigh bone. The ends of the bones will be shaped and measured precisely so that the artificial knee joint can be fitted. The back of your kneecap may also be replaced if needed. Your surgeon will then close your wound with stitches. It will be dressed and bandaged tightly to reduce swelling. Knee replacement surgery usually takes up to two hours.