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.
