What Is Replaced in a Knee Replacement Surgery
What Is Replaced in a Knee Replacement Surgery When a knee hurts it can change how you do things every day. Over time your knee may get so bad that even walking feels hard. This is when some people think about getting their knee fixed by doctors. A new kind of joint made by humans takes the place of the old one.
The surgery for changing a knee has been done many times and helps lots of people each year. It lets you move more easily and with less pain. The goal is to make your life better by fixing what’s wrong inside your knee.
Your doctor will talk to you before they do anything to help you understand all about it. They want to make sure this is the right choice for you. If your insurance agrees they will pay for part or all of the work needed on your knee.
Preparing for Surgery
Before you get a new knee joint there’s much to do. Your doctor will set up a plan with steps to follow. They’ll tell you how to get ready for the big day. This might include things like stopping some meds or not eating before surgery.
You’ll also need to meet with your doctor for tests that help them know more about your knee. These exams make sure your heart and lungs are fit for the operation. It’s all part of getting you set up for orthopedic surgery in a safe way.
Your home should be easy to move around in after the operation too. You might need tools like grips in the shower or a chair that’s easy to get out of. Make these changes now so when you come back from surgery all is ready.
And don’t forget it’s key to ask questions if anything seems unclear at any point! It helps build trust between you and those who care for you during this time.
The Surgical Procedure
Knee replacement surgery is a careful way to give you back your mobility. It starts when you get anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Your surgeon will then make a cut over your knee to see the damaged joint parts. They are very precise and know exactly what needs to be done next.
Once they can see the knee joint they carefully remove the bad part of your bone. This makes room for the new artificial joint that will take its place. Each step in this process is important and done with great care to make sure everything fits just right.
Then comes implantation where they put in the new joint made out of strong metals or plastics. It must sit perfectly where your old bone used to be so it can move like a real knee should. After this they close up the incision with stitches or staples.
The whole thing may last a couple of hours from start to finish. When it’s done you go to another room where staff watch as you wake up from anesthesia. They want to make sure everything went well before sending you off to start getting better.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After knee replacement surgery healing starts. You might stay in the hospital for a few days where nurses help you get up and moving again. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen your leg. It’s normal to feel pain but they give you medicine to make it better.
It’s important to keep doing these exercises when you go home. They help your new joint work well and stop stiffness or swelling. Your doctor will tell you how often and how much to move at first. Gradually walking gets easier and less painful with each day that passes.
Your full recovery takes time and effort so be patient with yourself. Keep all follow-up appointments with your orthopedic surgeon too; they check on your progress. Remember getting back into life after such a big surgery is a win worth working for!
Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery can truly change your life. For starters it often leads to improved mobility. After healing many find they can move around much more easily than before. Tasks that once caused discomfort can become routine again.
Another key benefit is reduced pain. Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis can limit what you do each day and even disrupt sleep. With an artificial joint this pain is greatly lessened or may go away altogether.
An active life has lots of perks for your health in general. After surgery, when the knee moves better and hurts less, people tend to be more active. This activity is good for your heart, weight, and mood!
Surgery also means a chance at increased quality of life. Simple joys like playing with grandkids or walking in the park without hurting are precious moments regained.
Lastly consider how long these benefits last—many years for most! Artificial joints have been designed to endure a lot of use over time making them a solid investment in your future well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
The surgery typically lasts between one to two hours depending on the case.
Yes physical therapy is a vital part of recovery and helps regain strength and mobility in your knee.
Most patients are encouraged to walk with assistance within 24 hours post-surgery as part of the rehabilitation process. How long does knee replacement surgery take?
Will I need physical therapy after my surgery?
How soon can I walk after knee replacement surgery?
