Knee replacement surgery, or a knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces all or some of a damaged knee joint. The goal of this surgery is to relieve pain and restore function. Arthritis is the most common reason people need this surgery, but it may also be recommended for other knee-related conditions. Here’s more information on knee replacement surgery and how to prepare for getting one:
Evaluations and Tests
Before scheduling the surgery, your surgeon will require a comprehensive medical evaluation to make sure you are a suitable candidate. This process confirms that you are healthy enough for the procedure and subsequent recovery. These evaluations typically include a physical examination to assess your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength. This is the time to ask your surgeon any questions about your treatment.
Your surgeon may also order several diagnostic tests before your knee replacement. Blood tests provide a baseline for your overall health, and imaging studies like X-rays or an MRI can help the surgeon examine the extent of the knee damage. A heart health test, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), may be necessary to assess your cardiovascular fitness for surgery. You might also need to see your dentist for a cleaning and check-up, as this helps reduce the risk of infection traveling from the mouth to the new knee joint.
Surgery Walk-through
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure, but you will typically need to fast for approximately 12 hours prior. Be sure to inform your provider and surgeon about all the medications and over-the-counter supplements you are currently taking. Certain medications or supplements may need to be discontinued before your surgery.
On the day of the procedure, you will be given anesthesia to prevent pain during the operation. The surgeon will make an incision over the front of your knee to access the joint. Damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are carefully removed, along with a small amount of underlying bone. These surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components that recreate the joint’s surface, and implants are typically made of:
- Metal Alloys
- High-grade Plastics
- Polymers
The surgeon will replace the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) heads with metal implants, and insert a plastic spacer between them to create a smooth gliding surface. The undersurface of the kneecap (patella) may be replaced or reshaped, depending on the specific case.
Post-surgery Expectations
Recovery from knee replacement surgery is a gradual process that requires commitment and patience. Immediately following the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area as the anesthesia wears off, but many people can go home within a day or two. Most individuals resume their regular activities within six weeks, and a full recovery takes around a year after your procedure.
Most patients begin physical therapy soon after the surgery. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to help restore movement and strengthen the muscles around your new joint. You will be encouraged to start walking with the assistance of a walker or crutches.
Pain management is also a key part of the initial recovery period. Your care team will provide medication to manage discomfort, and you will transition to over-the-counter pain relievers as you heal. Full recovery takes time, but consistent participation in physical therapy will help you return to your normal daily activities.
Contact a Knee Replacement Surgeon
Preparing for a knee replacement involves medical evaluations, understanding the surgical process, and committing to a structured recovery plan. This information provides a general overview, but your own experience will be unique to your health and specific circumstances. For personalized advice, contact an orthopedic surgeon for a consultation today.
