Knee Replacement Benefits

When is Knee Replacement Recommended?

Understanding the Knee Joint

The knee joint is one of the most complex and largest in the body. Its four main parts are:

• Bones: Three bones form the knee joint: the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap);
• Ligaments: These connect the bones. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments are located on the sides, while the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments crisscross inside the joint;
• Tendons: These connect bones to muscles. In the knee, the quadriceps and patellar tendons are key;
• Cartilage: This acts as a cushion and shock absorber, protecting different parts of the joint. Articular cartilage cushions the ends of the thigh and shin bones, while the meniscus cartilage (a wedge-shaped piece) absorbs shock. Meniscus tears are common sports injuries;

Why Have a Knee Replacement?

Due to daily stress and its complexity, the knee can be easily damaged. The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain from osteoarthritis. Individuals needing this surgery often struggle with walking, climbing stairs, and getting up, and may experience pain even at rest.

Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery

Here are some benefits associated with partial knee replacement:

• New surgical techniques significantly reduce blood loss, minimizing the need for post-operative transfusions;
• New anesthesia techniques allow for local and regional anesthesia, significantly reducing post-operative pain;
• Physiotherapy often begins the same day as surgery, with patients using movement machines to exercise their knee immediately post-procedure;
• Partial knee replacement uses smaller incisions, often allowing patients to go home the same day;

Other advantages of modern knee replacement surgery techniques include:

• Improved range of motion;
• Early resumption of activities;
• Immediate physical therapy;
• Small incisions;
• Shorter hospital stays (one to two days compared to three to four days for traditional surgery).

Current advancements allow some total knee replacement patients to go home the same day.

What to Expect from Knee Replacement

Before the Procedure

Before total knee replacement, you'll receive an intravenous antibiotic (continued during and after surgery to prevent infection). A nerve block may numb your knee; numbness gradually fades post-procedure.

During the Procedure

Your knee will be bent to expose the joint. After a 15-25 centimeter incision, the surgeon moves your kneecap and removes the damaged articular surfaces. The artificial joint components are then attached. The surgeon tests the knee's function before closing the incision. The operation takes about two hours.

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After the Procedure

You'll spend one to two hours in recovery, then be transferred to your room for a few days. Medication will help manage pain.

You'll be encouraged to move your foot and ankle to improve blood flow, preventing swelling and blood clots. You may receive anticoagulants and wear compression stockings or boots. Frequent breathing exercises and gradual activity increase are important. A physiotherapist will guide post-operative exercises. Follow all instructions for wound care, diet, and exercise.

Results of Knee Replacement

For most, knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility, and quality of life. Most replacements last over 15 years.

Three to six weeks post-surgery, you can resume most daily activities (light housework, shopping). Driving may be possible after three weeks, depending on knee flexion, muscle control, and medication.

After recovery, low-impact activities (walking, swimming, golf, cycling) are fine. Avoid high-impact activities (jogging, skiing, tennis, contact sports). Discuss limitations with your doctor.

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