Yes, knee replacement is a major surgery. But the good news is that it is one of the safest, cost-effective, and consistently successful surgeries in orthopaedics.
Even long-term clinical studies suggest the same. With a success rate of over 95%, most knee replacements work for over 15 years. The best part is that the results are even better for older patients (50 to 70 years old).
This procedure usually takes around 40 minutes and requires an expert’s hands to avoid complications and enhance the success rate.
What happens during a knee replacement procedure?
Once you decide to have a knee replacement, you will go through a fitness exam. After all clearances, your doctor will give you a date for surgery and advise you on some presurgical tips, like:
• Avoiding certain medicines and dietary supplements seven days before surgery
• Quitting smoking
• Not eating anything 8 hours before surgery
• Preparing the home, like buying a cane or walker, installing safety bars in washrooms and bathrooms, arranging a stable chair for the shower, getting a toilet seat riser, and removing loose rugs from the floor.
On your surgery day, reach the hospital on time. After a thorough checkup, nurses will take you to the operating theatre. There, the anaesthesia team will have some chit-chats with you to comfort and motivate you.
After getting everything in place, your healthcare provider will start preparing for surgery. You will receive general anaesthesia. Once you are sedated, the surgeon will start the operation.
The type of procedure you will have depends on the severity of the condition, your age, and your overall health.
Types of knee replacement
The knee is the biggest joint in our body. It has three compartments: medial, lateral, and patellofemoral. In some cases of knee arthritis, only one compartment is damaged, and others are not damaged or less damaged. Such conditions require partial knee replacement.
However, in most cases, all three components of the knee joints are damaged. These cases require total knee replacement.
Total knee replacement
A total knee replacement is the most common type of knee replacement, wherein all three compartments of the knee are replaced. For this procedure, we use a muscle-sparing technique called subvastus knee incision. Due to this, we don’t have to cut the quadriceps muscle, which results in faster recovery and better strength.
After accessing the knee joint, the damaged ends of the femur and shin bone are cut with precision. Then, new parts of the artificial knee are fitted over the ends of both bones. This makes up the new knee, which mimics the natural one.
Talking about the implant, we have been using non-allergic titanium nitride implants, which have a better range of motion and durability of over 25 years.
After fixing the new knee, the surgeons put back the kneecap and other muscles into their place. The incision is then closed with stitches or clips and covered with a dressing.
After surgery, you will be taken to a special recovery room called OERU (Orthopaedic Enhanced Recovery Unit) for close monitoring. Within some time, the effect of anaesthesia will wear off and you will awake.
After two hours, you will be encouraged to walk using a walker. Gradually, you will be put on physiotherapy sessions and shifted to a general ward.
When both knees are replaced (bilateral), the usual hospitalisation period is five days. In case of one knee replacement (unilateral), you will be discharged after three days.
You will be able to walk independently within a week of surgery. You can resume other activities gradually.
Partial knee replacement
The procedure of a partial knee replacement is somewhat similar to total knee replacement. The only major difference between them is that partial knee replacement involves removing only the damaged component instead of all three components.
Are you considering knee replacement surgery?
Though knee replacement has a high success rate, it still involves some complications like infection, nerve damage, and problems with the implant, among others. That’s why choosing a certified surgeon is important. Having an experienced surgeon by your side not only reduces the risk of complications but also enhances your success rate and recovery. If knee pain has become unbearable for you, consider consulting with us.