I had a total replacement of my left knee almost 16 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Surgeon said my knee had been bone-on-bone for about 6 years when they replaced it.
The surgery was in very late January and I started bowling again in April. My left leg is my "slide leg" and was taking all my weight during follow-through.
Finding a good surgeon and following what your after-surgery therapist tells you is the key. Do what the therapist tells you to do but don't overdo it.
My surgeon used a replacement knee that he designed -- it acts like a natural knee and permits some 'rotation' of the knee joint rather than just acting as a hinge.
I was told no kneeling, running or jumping on the new knee. But I could walk and climb stairs again without constant pain.
Oh yeah, you won't get through the X-ray scan at the airport anymore.
