Arthroplasty

Knee replacement surgery, also called arthroplasty, was first performed in 1968. Since then, improvements in surgical materials and techniques have greatly increased its effectiveness. Total knee replacements are one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine.

Knee replacement surgery is usually necessary when the knee joint is worn or damaged to the extent that your mobility is reduced and you experience pain even while resting. If your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury, it may be hard for you to perform simple activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. You may even begin to feel pain while you are sitting or lying down.

If nonsurgical treatments like medications and using walking supports are no longer helpful, your orthopedic may consider total knee replacement surgery. The operation is a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain, correct leg deformity, and help you resume normal activities. Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient's pain and disability, not age.

Your orthopedic surgeon evaluates several components:
· Your medical history: Gathering information about your general health and about the extent of your knee pain and your ability to function.
· Physical examination: This will assess knee motion, stability, strength, and overall leg alignment including knee range of motion, movements, deformation degree and pain intensity.
· X-rays: These images help to determine the extent of damage and deformity in your knee.
· Other tests: Occasionally blood tests, or advanced imaging such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your knee.

Before the operation, you will be evaluated by an anesthesiologist and a cardiologist to assess your heart condition for the operation. Epidural anesthesia is performed during the operation.

The operation takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. Your orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone, and then position the new metal and plastic implants to restore the alignment and function of your knee. After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room, where you will remain for several hours while your recovery from anesthesia is monitored. After you wake up, you will be taken to your hospital room.

The day after the surgery, you will begin walking and overall hospital stay is 3-4 days.

Exercise is an important part of recovery and you will be asked to walk as much as you can. Your stitches will be taken out 15 days after the surgery and 4-6 months later, you will return your daily life.