More than 300,000 knee replacements are performed each
year. If it's successful, this surgery can allow you to
resume activities including swimming, walking
and cycling, but running
and jumping are not recommended after knee replacement
surgery. If you're considering the procedure, here are some
general prerequisites:
- Pain that limits everyday activities, limits function or
mobility
- Unsuccessful attempts at non-surgical solutions
- Knee/joint deformity
- Good general health
- 55 years or older
As with any surgery, there are risks. Those risks include
infection, nerve damage, heart attack, and stroke. Blood
clots are a common concern and blood thinner will be given to the
patients as a preventative measure. Another problem could be
nerve damage around the incision.
If you and your doctor decide to go ahead with knee replacement
surgery, a series of medical screening tests will be done.
This surgery takes about two hours, and is performed under general
anesthesia. Your knee will be placed at a 90-degree
angle. There will be an incision made between 6 and 12 inches
in length. Small amounts of the damaged bone surface are
removed from the front, end and back of the femur. The
surgeon then shapes the bone so the implants will fit properly. A
small amount of the top surface of the tibia is also removed,
making the end of the bone flat. The back surface of the
kneecap is also removed.
Implants are then attached to each of the three bones with bone
cement, pegs or screws. These implants allow the knee to move
in a way that is close to how it works normally.
In-patient recovery can take as long as three to five days, and
includes physical therapy and standing exercises. This helps
to prevent blood clots. Full recovery can take a couple
months, and depending on the patient is done either at home or a
rehabilitation facility. Periodic outpatient rehabilitation
continues for another couple of months.
Surgery isn't the only way to treat painful joints. Learn
more about muscles,
bones and joints - and the alternative treatments
available.
