Total Knee replacement
What is a knee replacement?
Over 90 percent of people who undergo knee replacement surgery say it improves their pain.
There are different types of knee replacements. Options include:
- total knee replacement: the whole knee is replaced
- partial knee replacement: only the affected part of the knee is replaced
- bilateral knee replacement: both knees are replaced at the same time
In most cases, people have knee replacement surgery because they have OA. Total knee replacement is a very commonly performed operation. Every year, surgeons perform approximately 700,000 of them in the United States.
What happens during the procedure?
Most knee replacement surgery is performed under a combination of general anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and spinal (epidural) anesthesia. You will also receive at least one dose of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove bone and diseased cartilage from where your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) meet at your knee joint.
Those surfaces are then replaced with a metal implant. A piece of special plastic is normally used to replace the backside of the kneecap and finally, this same plastic material is placed in between the two metal parts.
This gives both bones of your knee joint smooth surfaces again so they can flex and bend more freely and painlessly.
After surgery
Most patients spend 2–3 nights in the hospital following a total knee replacement.
The doctor will prescribe pain medication and will monitor you for complications.
Shortly after your operation, a physical therapist will start helping with the following:
- weight-bearing therapy, including standing and walking
- a combination of physical and occupational therapy to help you adapt to your new knee
You will need to continue these exercises at home.
When you are able to perform certain tasks, such as getting out of bed alone and using the bathroom, you will be able to go home.
You may need to use a cane or walker for a short period of time after your operation.
Total knee replacement recovery
Most of your recovery and rehabilitation will be at home after you leave the hospital. Some people need home health care or assistance.
Your doctor will most likely prescribe physical therapy at a local clinic for continued rehabilitation. The physical therapist at this clinic will suggest exercises you can do at home.
Everyone recovers differently, but most people are allowed to return to driving by the end of 4 weeks.
Preparing for surgery
Some weeks before the procedure, your surgeon will take you through a preoperative evaluation, or pre-op.
They will ask you questions about:
- your overall health
- your medical history
- any medications and supplements you use
- any specific concerns you may have
Total knee replacement cost
Cost can vary, depending on where you have the procedure and your overall health at that time.
If you have other conditions that are not related to your knees, they may affect the procedure and cost as well.
When considering the cost of the procedure, you should also consider additional costs for:
- your hospital stay
- physical therapy in the hospital
- therapy during your recovery at home
- follow-up appointments and care
- getting help at home
- transportation costs
Exercise
Exercise plays a key role in preventing knee damage, supporting the knee during treatment, and recovery.
Exercise can help prevent joint damage by:
- strengthening the muscles around the knee
- helping you maintain a healthy weight
This is true both before and after surgery, whether for the natural or the artificial knee.
Chronic pain and mobility issues can increase the risk of social isolation. Joining an exercise class may be a good way to connect with other people, some of whom may have similar health issues.
Physical activity can also help you feel good and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.
Which exercises?
GuidelinesTrusted Source from the American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation strongly recommend exercise for managing OA of the knee.
Activities that may prove useful include:
- walking
- cycling
- strengthening exercises
- water exercise
- tai chi
- yoga