Life can take you anywhere — until knee arthritis pain slows you down. Whether it’s walking, golfing, traveling, or playing with your grandkids, the activities you love shouldn’t be limited by chronic knee pain. So, what’s the solution?
For many, knee replacement surgery is an effective option to reduce pain from arthritis and continue to live an active life. The great news is that there are several different types of knee replacement surgery, as well as advanced surgical techniques that can even speed up your healing.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore treatment options or preparing for surgery, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at AdventHealth can help you understand the different types of knee replacement procedures and what to expect throughout your recovery journey.
Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery
The leading cause of knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that gradually wears down the cartilage in the knee joint. As the damage progresses, pain and stiffness can worsen over time, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.
Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
• Gradual knee pain that worsens with activity
• Knee stiffness
• Knee swelling
• Pain after extended sitting or resting
• Knee pain that continues to get worse
If you have osteoarthritis, your doctor will start by offering the most conservative treatments to alleviate your pain.
Some initial treatments for knee osteoarthritis might include:
• Weight loss
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Viscosupplementation or gel injections
If these strategies are not helpful and your condition worsens, your doctor might offer knee replacement surgery as a promising option to reduce pain and return to the active life you love again.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
Not every knee replacement is the same. While a total knee replacement restores the entire joint with an artificial implant, some patients may qualify for a partial knee replacement, which replaces only the damaged portion of the knee and preserves more of the natural joint.
What to Expect Before Knee Replacement Surgery
Once you and your surgeon have worked together to decide the right treatment plan for you, you’ll likely need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor to assess your general health and clear you for surgery. You may also need an evaluation and clearance from your dentist.
Once this step is completed, you’ll be able to schedule your knee replacement surgery appointment. You may also need a CT scan of your knee so your surgeon can more precisely customize your replacement to most naturally fit your knee anatomy and movement.
In preparation, make sure you have someone who can take you to your surgery appointment and be there as your caregiver after the procedure. This person will be able to drive you home, get any prescribed medications and help maintain your comfort after surgery.
Your medical team might also advise you to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners, NSAIDs like aspirin or other supplements) up to a week before your surgery date. You’ll also be advised to fast prior to surgery. In most cases, you can’t have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight on the night before your surgery.
Some other ways to prepare your home ahead of time include:
• Setting up your comfortable space for resting and elevating your leg
• Clearing the floor and pathways of fall and trip risks such as rugs
• Having ice packs frozen and ready for when you return home
What to Expect During Knee Replacement Surgery
Your exact recovery will depend on exactly what type of procedure you are having as well as your overall health. Some patients may have outpatient knee replacement surgery and go home the same day. This is especially true for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Other knee replacement procedures may require you to stay in the hospital from one to four days.
On the day of surgery, you’ll be prepped for the procedure and given anesthesia. Most knee replacement surgeries take about one to two hours to complete. Afterward, you’ll recover under close observation before receiving instructions on pain management, medications, physical therapy and follow-up care. To help you safely regain mobility, you’ll likely use crutches or a walker during the early stages of recovery.
What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery
Your surgeon will provide you with a follow-up appointment and a prescription for physical therapy. Physical therapy after surgery is essential to regain your strength and get optimal results from your knee replacement. Physical therapy usually begins immediately after surgery and may continue for up to six weeks.
After roughly six weeks, most knee replacements are up to 80% healed. After three months, most achieve 90% healing and by one year, most patients are back to their active lifestyle with nearly complete knee function and comfort.
Whole-Person Orthopedic Care
Our orthopedic experts offer advanced knee replacement options that put your whole-health first. To learn more about the services we offer, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.