How Long Does a Full Knee Replacement Operation Take?
How Long Does a Full Knee Replacement Operation Take? When someone needs a new knee doctors do an operation. This is common for people with bad knees. Knees can hurt because they are old or broken. The doctor takes out the old knee parts and puts in new ones. People often want to know how long this will take.
The time it takes for a knee replacement depends on many things. Every person’s body is different. Some operations go fast while others take more time. Doctors work carefully to make sure everything goes right.
After surgery you need time to get better. You may feel good some days and not so good other days. It’s important to rest and follow what your doctor says after the operation so you can heal well.
Preparing for Surgery
Before you get a new knee there are steps to take. Your doctor will give you instructions to prepare. You may need to stop some medicines. It’s good to ask questions so you know what to expect. This helps make sure your surgery goes well.
You’ll also plan for the recovery period after surgery. Think about who can help at home when you’re back from the hospital. Get things ready in your house so it’s easy to move around. Having support is vital while your body heals.
Eating healthy foods and not smoking are parts of preparation too. Doctors say this makes healing faster and better after knee replacement surgery. Tell your doctor if you feel unwell before the operation day.
Finally learn about exercises that help with recovery later on. You won’t do these now but knowing them helps after knee surgery is done. Your body needs time taken carefully post-surgery for getting strong again.
The Surgical Procedure
A knee replacement is a careful process. Doctors start by making sure you are asleep or numb. They clean the area to stop germs from getting in. Then they cut into the knee to see all the parts that need work.
The next step is taking out the damaged pieces of your knee. This must be done with care so everything fits right later on. Surgeons then measure and cut bone for the new parts to fit well.
Once ready they put in the new metal and plastic pieces. These parts act like your real knee did before it was hurt or worn out. After checking these move right doctors close up the cuts they made at first.
This surgery often takes 1 to 3 hours from start to end. But operation duration can change based on what your knee needs. Afterward you go to a room to wake up and begin recovery period steps as planned before.
Factors Affecting Operation Time
Many things can change how long a knee replacement takes. If your knee has more damage the surgery might last longer. The type of replacement parts used also plays a role in time taken. Your overall health affects the speed too because healthy people often heal faster.
The skill and speed of your surgeon matter as well. Some doctors work at a careful but quick pace which can shorten operation duration. But even fast surgeons don’t rush if it means less safe work.
Unexpected issues during surgery could add time. These are rare but they do happen sometimes. Always know that safety is most important when you get a new knee not just how fast it goes.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After knee surgery your body needs time to heal. This period is known as the recovery period. You will likely stay in the hospital for a few days. Nurses and doctors will watch over you. They make sure your new knee is starting to heal right.
Once home rest is key for healing well after surgery. You should keep the knee raised sometimes to help with swelling. Pain medicine helps too if you feel hurt or uncomfortable at first.
Rehabilitation exercises start soon after surgery. These are small moves that help your knee get strong again slowly but surely over weeks or months. A physical therapist teaches these exercises and tells how often to do them.
Eating good foods and staying hydrated are important too during this time. Your body uses a lot of energy to repair itself after an operation like this one on your knee.
Follow all post-surgery care instructions from your doctor closely so everything heals right, which helps avoid problems later on with your new knee part inside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I stay in the hospital after knee replacement surgery?
Most people stay 1 to 4 days depending on how fast they recover.
When can I start walking after my knee surgery?
You might walk with help the day of your surgery or the day after as your doctor says is best for you.
Can I skip rehabilitation exercises if I feel good?
No, these exercises are vital. They make sure your knee heals strong and works right.
These answers are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
