How is a Knee Replacement Performed?
How is a Knee Replacement Performed? Knee replacement is a surgery that helps many people every year. It can make it easier for them to walk and move around. If your knee hurts a lot this might be good news for you. The process may seem big, but with the right care team, you will get through it.
Doctors do this operation when your knee has worn out or been hurt too much. They take out the bad part and put in a new part made by people. This new part lets you move more easily and without pain.
After getting a new knee you need time to heal and get strong again. You’ll work with experts who will help guide you along the way. Their job is to make sure you can use your knee well again after the surgery.
How is a Knee Replacement Performed? Preparing for Surgery
Before your knee replacement surgery there are key steps to get ready. First you will meet with an orthopedic surgeon to talk about the procedure. This is a good time to ask any questions you have. They will check your health and make sure surgery is safe for you. You might need some tests like blood work or X-rays.
Next it’s important to plan for after the surgery too. Think about where you’ll heal and who can help at home. Set up a place in your house that’s easy to move around in. Gather things like ice packs and pillows that will help keep swelling down.
You should also stop taking certain medicines before the operation if your doctor tells you so. Some can cause problems during or after surgery. It’s best to follow all of their advice closely for a smooth process.
Lastly, exercise can be very helpful before getting a new knee joint—it makes muscles stronger! Your doctor might suggest simple workouts that are safe to do now. Doing these exercises helps prepare your body and could lead to better results from the knee replacement.
How is a Knee Replacement Performed? The Surgical Procedure
Knee replacement surgery starts with a clean and safe room. Doctors wear special clothes to keep germs away. You will be asleep so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Medicine called anesthesia makes this happen. Once it works the surgeon can begin their task.
The surgeon first makes a cut over your knee to see inside. They take care of your skin and muscle while doing this step. Then they look at the bones in your knee joint very closely. They remove the damaged parts of these bones next.
After taking out what’s bad they get ready for the new part—your artificial knee. This piece is shaped like your real knee but made from strong materials that last long time. It’s put into place where your old bone used to be.
The new joint must fit perfectly so doctors check it many times during surgery. They bend and straighten your leg to make sure everything works right. When they know it’s good they close up the cut with stitches or staples.
Finally, after all is done, you are taken to a room to wake up slowly and safely from anesthesia. Doctors watch over you as you start coming back from sleep; nurses help too. They all work together so that soon enough you’re able to leave bed and begin walking again on that brand-new knee!
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After knee replacement surgery recovery time can vary for each person. The first few days after the procedure you’ll likely stay in the hospital. Nurses and doctors will watch how you’re doing closely during this time. They want to make sure your pain is under control and that your new joint is working right. You might see a physical therapist very soon to start moving.
Once you go home that’s when real healing begins. Your doctor will give you a plan to follow for taking care of your knee. This often includes exercises that help get strength back in your leg muscles. It’s normal to have some pain or swelling, but if it gets bad, tell your doctor right away.
Rehabilitation plays a huge role in getting back on your feet fast and safely too! Regular visits with a physical therapist are common. They teach ways to move so as not hurt yourself while healing happens. They also set goals with you; these help keep track of progress over weeks or months until full health returns. Remembering why rehab matters so much can be good motivation when things feel tough along the way!
Potential Risks and Complications
Knee replacement surgery, like all major procedures, comes with its own set of risks. It’s crucial to know these before going into the operation. While most people have good results some may face problems. Infections can happen at the surgery spot or deep around your new joint. Blood clots are another risk that doctors take seriously.
To prevent complications your healthcare team will act fast and use care during and after surgery. They give you medicine to lower the chance of blood clots forming in your legs or lungs. If an infection does begin they treat it quickly with antibiotics to stop it from spreading.
Sometimes the new knee might not work as well as planned right away. Your joint could feel stiff or not bend fully; this is often part of healing though. If there’s a loud noise when moving the knee or pain that lasts long time tell a doctor. These signs could mean more treatment is needed to get things just right.
Another rare but serious problem is when the implant breaks down over time or loosens up in your body. Regular check-ups help catch this early if it happens so doctors can fix it. Your bone health plays a big role here too. Keeping bones strong helps keep implants secure for years!
Lastly, nerves around your knee might get hurt during surgery by mistake; this doesn’t happen much though. Such injuries usually heal on their own but may need extra care if they cause numbness or weakness in your leg. Always discuss any concerns about risks with surgeons. They’re there to make sure you feel safe and informed every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does knee replacement surgery take?
The procedure usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours depending on your specific case.
When can I walk after knee replacement surgery?
Most patients are encouraged to start walking with assistance within the first day after surgery as part of their recovery process.
Will I need physical therapy after my knee replacement?
Yes physical therapy is a vital part of rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the joint.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
