Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone and resurfacing them with highly polished metal implants and a durable plastic spacer. The kneecap is also resurfaced with a plastic implant to prevent pain and allow for a smooth range of motion.
What are the indications for surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is treatment for knee arthritis that has not responded to any other conservative care (activity modification, exercise, NSAIDs, injections). The goal of surgery is to improve pain and quality of life.
What will happen during the surgery?
The surgery will take approximately 1 hour from start to finish. An overview of the steps is below:
Patients will be put to sleep in the operating room under spinal or general anesthesia.
An incision is made over the affected knee to expose the knee joint. Then, the damaged portions of the femur, tibia, and patella bones are cut at appropriate angles using specialized jigs. This removes the damaged cartilage and any bony growths, as well as creates a smooth surface on which the implants can be attached.
New polished metal implants are then placed onto the freshly cut surfaces of the femur and tibia. They are secured with by either press-fitting them into the bone or using bone cement.
The patella is also resurfaced with a smooth small plastic implant.
Finally, a plastic insert is placed between the femur and tibia to create the new smooth gliding surface for movement.
Local pain medication is injected around the knee to help with pain after the surgery. The incision is carefully closed, and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.
Patients will awaken in the recovery area and then be transferred to our orthopedic unit to work with physical therapy.
What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery, including bleeding, infection, fracture, stiffness, blood clots, and nerve or muscle damage. However, these complications are typically rare and can be managed with appropriate care and follow-up. Overall, knee replacement surgery is a well-established procedure that has helped many people improve their quality of life and regain their mobility.
What will happen after surgery?
Most patients will be discharged home the same day. Patients will receive detailed instructions about their recovery after hip surgery. After discharge, patients will have home physical therapy visits and be seen in the clinic for their first follow up at 2 weeks. For more specific information about recovery after total knee replacement, see the handouts below:
