Knee Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

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What is knee replacement?

Knee joint replacement is a type of operation performed on the knee to remove its damaged or arthritic parts and replace it with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The prosthetic is designed to move like a regular, healthy joint so that you can go back to your everyday activities without pain.

How “bad” does my knee pain have to get before considering joint replacement?

Undergoing surgery is a personal decision that only you can make, but an orthopaedic evaluation can help determine your pain levels and let your doctor see how your pain affects your daily life. Experiencing knee pain continuously every day without relief can possibly lead to “staying off” the joint, and will often weaken the muscles around it, so it will become even more difficult for your shoulder to move.

If treatment options like medication and physical therapy can no longer relieve your pain, it may be time to consider a joint replacement surgery.

What is minimally invasive (MIS) knee joint replacement?

During a minimally invasive knee replacement, the surgeon is able to perform major surgery with smaller incisions due to specialized techniques and instrumentation. Thus, it is considered “minimally invasive” and will cause less trauma to the soft tissues. MIS knee surgery is a “step forward” in regards to total knee replacement, for a number of reasons: with a minimally invasive surgery, your hospital stay will probably be shorter, you’ll recover faster and also have less scarring as you’ll have fewer or smaller cuts. However, MIS can only be performed in certain cases and is not the right surgery for every type of pain. Your orthopedic specialist will work with you and your pain to determine what operation fits your needs.

Are there risks associated with MIS surgery?

Though the MIS knee replacement technique uses smaller incisions and is significantly less invasive than total knee replacement, it is still a major surgery. Every major surgical procedure, including total joint replacements, comes with risk for certain complications, but thankfully most can be avoided or treated.

What will I need to know about postoperative recovery?

Post-OP joint replacement surgery hospital stays vary depending on individual medical status and type of insurance coverage. You can expect to stay for around four days, including the day of the surgery. On the first day post-surgery, you will likely start physical and occupational therapy that consists of several brief sessions a day.

A case manager will be assigned to you for your rehabilitation routines, and will determine if you should recover at home (which most people will do) or if you should move to a rehabilitation facility to receive specialized help. If you’re advised to go to another facility, the staff will help you with exercises that will enable you to move with a safe level of dependence so you can return to your home. Expect a stay to take around three to five days.

What can I expect in the first days after I’m discharged?

Feeling shaky and uncertain after being discharged is completely normal, as you’re still getting used to walking again. But practicing and participating in a routine will help you exercise your knee joint and gain confidence — this time, with less pain too! You may need to take some painkillers while you heal, and will probably need a walker or crutches for around six weeks, as well as need to use a cane for another six weeks or so. Keep in touch with your doctor, orthopedic surgeon, and case manager so you can ask questions, discuss any concerns as well as report how your joint is recovering.

When will I be able to go back to a normal daily routine?

Individual results will vary. Be sure to follow up with your doctor and orthopaedic specialist on their advice and recommendations.

How long does a knee replacement last?

Joint replacements are very successful surgeries that millions of Americans undergo every year (1). However, over the years the prosthetic may suffer from wear and tear and become loose and may require a revision or repeat surgery to be performed. The artificial joint’s longevity depends on both age and activity level. The orthopedic industry is tirelessly working to improve joint replacement technology and extend the life cycle of artificial joints, especially as the amount of younger and more active people who receive total joint replacement increase.

What happens during knee replacement surgery?

During total knee replacement surgery, the knee is flexed while the leg is suspended. One muscle is separated so that the thigh bone (or the femur) will be exposed, and the shin bone (or tibia) will follow. The damaged surfaces at the end of the femur are trimmed so that the thigh bone can fit inside the replacement knee joint. The tibia is then cut flat across the top, and a hole in the center is formed to hold the shin bone’s component. The knee cap will also be trimmed and attached to a patellar (small bone in front of the knee joint where the thigh bone and shin bone meet) component, if it’s needed.

The knee’s alignment, function and stability will be checked at various points during the surgery for any adjustments that need to be made. The artificial joint components will then be cemented into place, and any contracted ligaments will be released. The midvastus muscle is reconstructed, and then the incision will be closed, and with that the surgery is complete.

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