If your doctor has recommended you undergo knee replacement
surgery, you may be wondering what to expect after the operation. The
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports 90 percent of patients
that have knee replacement surgery experience a dramatic improvement in
their activity levels and a significant reduction in pain. It is one of
the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed today.
What is Involved in the Surgery?
During
surgery your doctor will replace the knee joint with a mechanical
implant. This surgery is known as a total knee replacement (TKR), or a
total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The joint of the knee is removed, the
bones are prepared for the implant, and the implant is then placed. This
surgery is done under general anesthesia and can last several hours. As
with all major surgery it does carry some risk, but your doctor will
discuss your risks before you make the decision to have the surgery.
Success
rates are very high for TKR, and it is considered safe and effective.
Most patients are between the ages of 50 and 70, and over 50 percent are
women. Many studies have shown that TKR remains effective for over 10
years which means this surgery can give you long term relief from knee
pain due to osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions.
Right After Surgery
Your
recovery begins right after surgery. You will be up and walking with
the aid of a device such as a walker or crutches within 24 hours. This
is so that you can start to use your new knee right away and speed the
healing process. You will work with a physical therapist in the hospital
and receive pain medications. You may use a continuous passive motion
(CPM) machine in the hospital and you may have one for home use after
your discharge. This machine moves and flexes your knee joint to help to
improve mobility and circulation. If used soon after surgery it
discourages the development of scar tissue which prevents stiffness.
Week 2 and Beyond
When
you are discharged from the hospital you should be able to move around
fairly easily. You may or may not still need crutches, and you should be
experiencing much less pain. Your physical therapist will prescribe
exercises and activities for you to do to strength your knee. These are
to achieve the following goals:
- Increase the strength of your knee through a set exercise and walking regimen
- Reduce swelling and inflammation
- Increase your range of motion so that you can walk up and down stairs
- Return to everyday activities
By week 12 you should be able to perform most activities
without pain. The key to this is to keep up with your physical therapy.
Physical therapy is a key component, if not the most important factor,
to your recovery. The exercises and activities prescribed by your
therapist will strengthen the muscles and tissues around your knee and
increase flexibility.
Knee replacement surgery has a high success
rate, but it will only be a complete success if you keep up on your
physical therapy. Most patients get over 10 years of relief from TKR. If
you are experiencing knee pain, talk to your doctor about your
treatment options. If he or she recommends TKR know that it is a safe
and effective surgery, and the success rate is very high.
