Overview:
Knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers. In determining whether a knee replacement is right for you, an orthopedic surgeon assesses your knee's range of motion, stability and strength. X-rays help determine the extent of damage.Your doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.
When Surgery Is Recommended?
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery. People who benefit from total knee replacement often have:
What happens during the procedure?
Most
knee replacement surgery is performed under a combination of general
anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and spinal (epidural) anesthesia.
You will also receive at least one dose of antibiotics to
reduce the risk of infection.
During the procedure, the
surgeon will remove bone and diseased cartilage from where your thigh
bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) meet at your knee
joint.
Those
surfaces are then replaced with a metal implant. A piece of special
plastic is normally used to replace the backside of the kneecap and
finally, this same plastic material is placed in between the two metal
parts.
This
gives both bones of your knee joint smooth surfaces again so they can
flex and bend more freely and painlessly.
After
surgery
Most
patients spend 2–3 nights in the hospital following a total knee
replacement.
The
doctor will prescribe pain medication and
will monitor you for complications.
Shortly
after your operation, a physical therapist will start helping with the
following: weight-bearing
therapy, including standing and walking
a
combination of physical and occupational therapy to help you adapt to
your new knee
You
will need to continue these exercises at home.
When
you are able to perform certain tasks, such as getting out of bed alone
and using the bathroom, you will be able to go home.
You
may need to use a cane or walker for a short period of time after your
operation.
Total knee replacement recovery
Most
of your recovery and rehabilitation will be at home after you leave the
hospital. Some people need home health care or
assistance.
Your
doctor will most likely prescribe physical therapy at a local clinic
for continued rehabilitation. The physical therapist at this clinic will
suggest exercises you can do at home.
Everyone
recovers differently, but most people are allowed to return to driving
by the end of 4 weeks.
It may be a good idea to prepare your home for your return before having surgery.
Preparing for surgery
Some weeks before the procedure, your surgeon will take you through a preoperative evaluation, or pre-op.
- your
overall health
- your
medical history
- any
medications and supplements you use
- any
specific concerns you may have
They will also do the following:
Carry out tests to check that you are ready for the procedure and assess for possible complications. These may include kidney and lung tests.
Ask you to sign a consent form and provide details of emergency contacts.
Let you know of any preparations you should make before the day. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medications temporarily.
Total knee replacement cost
Cost can vary, depending on where you have the procedure and your overall health at that time.
If you have other conditions that are not related to your knees, they may affect the procedure and cost as well.
- your
hospital stay
- physical
therapy in the hospital
- therapy
during your recovery at home
- follow-up
appointments and care
- getting
help at home
- transportation
costs
Risks of the procedure:
The replacement knee joint may become loose, be dislodged, or may
not work the way it was intended. The joint may have to be replaced
again in
the future.
Nerves or blood
vessels in the area of surgery may be injured, resulting in weakness or
numbness. The joint pain may not be relieved by surgery.
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Results
Knee
replacement surgery
For
most people, knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility
and a better quality of life. And most knee replacements can be expected
to last more than 15 years.
Three
to six weeks after surgery, you generally can resume most daily
activities, such as shopping and light housekeeping. Driving is also
possible at around three weeks if you can bend your knee far enough to
sit in a car, if you have enough muscle control to operate the brakes
and accelerator, and if you're not still taking narcotic pain
medications.
After recovery, you can engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, golfing or biking. But you should avoid higher impact activities — such as jogging, skiing, tennis and sports that involve contact or jumping. Talk to your doctor about your limitations.
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