How is a Total Knee Replacement Done?
How is a Total Knee Replacement Done? A total knee replacement may sound big but let’s break it down into steps. First we prepare for the surgery with our health care team. They give us advice on how to get ready at home too. Then they do their work to fix our knee joint and help us walk better again.
After the operation recovery starts right away with support from nurses and therapists. You learn exercises to make your new knee strong and flexible over time. Each person heals at their own pace but soon enough many find relief they’ve been longing for.
Preparing for Surgery
Before you have a total knee replacement there’s key preparation to do. Your doctor will guide you through tests to make sure your body can handle the surgery. It’s important to talk about your health and any meds with them. They might ask you to stop some meds before the day of the surgery.
Your home should be ready for when you come back after the procedure. You might need items that make life easier like a chair for your shower or handrails. Plan ahead so everything is in place before you go to the hospital.
Eating well and not smoking are also big parts of getting ready for knee joint surgery. Good food helps your body heal faster after an operation. If you smoke it’s best to quit; smoking can slow down recovery.
Lastly arrange for someone to help at home once you’re out of the hospital. Having support as you heal from knee replacement is crucial. Friends or family can help with cooking and moving around until you’re more mobile again.
The Surgical Procedure
The procedure of a total knee replacement is quite detailed and precise. Your surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your knee joint and replace them with new artificial parts. This process involves cutting bone and inserting metal components to recreate the joint’s surface. They use special cement or other materials that let your bone grow into the implant.
During surgery attention to detail is key for a good fit and movement. The surgeon carefully measures your bone to match the size of the prosthetic part they will insert. They make sure everything lines up so that when you move it feels as natural as possible.
After placing all new parts in they close up with stitches or staples on your skin over the knee joint area. Then you’re moved to recovery where nurses watch over you as you wake from anesthesia. You’ll stay there until they know you’re safe to go back to a hospital room for rest before going home.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from a total knee replacement starts as soon as the surgery ends. In the hospital you’ll be encouraged to move your new joint almost right away. Nurses or therapists will help you stand and walk with support within a day of your operation.
Rehabilitation is critical for getting your knee’s strength back after surgery. You’ll work with physical therapists who teach exercises tailored to your needs. These movements aim to improve flexibility and build muscle around your new knee joint.
You should do these exercises regularly once at home for the best recovery results. It might hurt at first but this pain should get better over time with regular practice. Stick to the routine your therapist gives you even when it feels tough.
As weeks pass walking gets easier and you can take on more activity bit by bit. But keep in mind not to rush; pushing too hard could set back healing. Listen closely to what healthcare providers tell you about limits during rehabilitation.
Finally follow-up visits with your surgeon are part of good recovery care after knee replacement surgery. They check how well the joint is healing and if the prosthetic parts stay in place correctly as they should be for long-term use. If there’s an issue or question about progress they’re there to help guide further treatment options if needed.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any major surgery a total knee replacement comes with potential risks. While it’s generally safe complications can happen during or after the procedure. Infection is one risk to be aware of as it can occur around the new joint or in the wound.
Blood clots are another concern following knee replacement surgeries. These clots can form in leg veins and sometimes travel to the lungs which is serious. To lower this risk doctors may give blood-thinning medicine and recommend early movement.
Some people might experience issues with their knee joint not working smoothly. It may feel stiff or not bend as much as hoped for after surgery. Physical therapy often helps improve movement over time.
Rarely there could be damage to nerves or blood vessels near your new knee joint during surgery. If this occurs you might notice numbness or a change in feeling in your leg. Surgeons take great care to avoid these structures but it’s still possible.
Last but not least there’s always a small chance that the artificial parts wear out over many years of use. If they do break down or come loose from bone more surgery might be needed later on to fix them up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the surgery take?
A total knee replacement typically takes between one to two hours but this can vary based on individual cases.
What is the average hospital stay for a knee replacement?
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to four days after their knee replacement procedure.
Can I walk after knee replacement surgery?
Yes walking is encouraged shortly after surgery. You'll likely need support like a walker or crutches at first.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
