What Does Knee Replacement Surgery Involve?
What Does Knee Replacement Surgery Involve? Knee replacement surgery is a common fix for a worn-out knee joint. It lets people walk again without the bad pain they had before. When you talk to your doctor they will tell you all about what happens during and after the surgery. If you have this operation it can make life feel better and let you move more easily.
Getting ready for your knee operation means following some simple steps from your doctor. You may need to rest or take certain meds before the big day comes. The doctor’s team will help make sure everything goes well in the hospital room where it happens.
Once it’s done getting back on your feet takes time and work with health helpers like nurses or physical therapists. They show you how to get strong again so that walking feels good as new. This recovery part lasts different times for each person but follows basic steps everyone must do.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a big deal for your body. It’s when doctors fix up your knee joint by taking out the bad parts and putting in new ones. This helps get rid of pain and makes walking easier. The main goal here is to give you back a good quality of life.
The procedure starts with a cut over your knee to reach the joint. Doctors then take out the damaged bone and cartilage from your thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap. They replace these with an artificial joint made of metal or plastic pieces that work like a real knee.
After they put in this new joint it’s time for stitches or staples on your skin so it can heal right. You’ll stay at the hospital where nurses look after you as you start to get better. In those first days moving may be hard but it gets easier soon.
Recovery means lots of rest at first followed by slowly getting back into action. You will work with people who teach exercises to help make your knee strong again. With their help most folks find themselves walking fine before long!
Preparing for
Before you have knee replacement surgery there’s a bit to do. Your doctor will give you a list of steps to get ready. This could mean stopping some meds or getting tests done. These things help make sure the surgery goes smooth and safe.
You might need to clean your skin with special soap before the day comes. This helps keep away germs that could cause problems after the cut is made. It’s also good to eat healthy foods and not smoke for a while before going in.
Your home should be easy for you to move around in when you come back from the hospital. Think about putting things within reach so you don’t have to bend down or climb up too much right after your surgery. You may want someone like family or friends around who can help out too.
Lastly pack a bag for your stay at the hospital with all you’ll need like clothes and toiletries. They’ll tell you how long they think you’ll be there but it’s always best to prepare extra just in case. Now breathe deep – getting these details set means less stress when it’s time for your procedure!
The Procedure: What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a step-by-step process that takes a few hours. First you’ll get medicine to make you sleep so you won’t feel pain during the surgery. Your doctor will then make an incision in your knee to see the joint. They are very careful to keep everything clean and safe.
Next they remove the damaged parts of your thigh bone and shinbone. They shape these bones to fit the new metal or plastic parts they’re putting in. These parts are made to act like your real knee joint. A special glue or cement holds these new pieces in place.
At last, after checking that all fits well and moves right, they close up the cut with stitches or staples. You go off to rest while the doctors watch how you do for a bit before waking up fully. Once awake your journey towards walking again starts with taking it easy at first!
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement Surgery
Once knee replacement surgery is finished the real work towards healing begins. You’ll wake up in a recovery room with nurses to check on you often. They make sure your blood pressure and breathing are okay. Pain meds help keep you comfy as you start to feel again.
The first step in rehabilitation is getting out of bed – this may happen within one day after surgery. A physical therapist will guide you through gentle exercises right away. These moves help blood flow and can stop clots from forming in your legs.
You might use a walker or crutches at first when moving around. Your therapists will set goals for each day to get stronger bit by bit. Eating well helps too – good food gives your body what it needs to heal fast.
In weeks therapy gets more active with walking and bending drills that boost muscle strength around the new joint. It’s important not to rush; healing takes time but most people see big improvements every week.
Finally follow-up visits with your doctor track how well everything inside heals up over time. They’ll watch for signs that show if the artificial parts are staying put like they should be or if extra care is needed as part of post-surgery care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the surgery take?
Most knee replacement surgeries last between 1 to 2 hours. Your time in the operating room may vary based on specific needs.
Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery?
You'll have some discomfort but your care team will give you meds to manage it. They aim to keep you as comfortable as possible.
How soon can I walk after knee replacement surgery?
Many people start walking with help within a day after their operation. Your therapist will work with you to make a safe plan.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
