Every year, knee surgeons perform thousands of joint replacements. CureConsult has come up with a guide to give you the important pieces you need before your knee replacement surgery. In this guide, we have discussed: How to prepare for your knee surgery? What to expect before, during, and after surgery? How to recover fast?

Overview of total knee replacement surgery

During total knee replacement surgery, the damaged portion of your knee is removed and replaced with an implant. Implants are made of various materials like steel, titanium, chrome, cobalt or polyethylene. The choice of implants differs from person to person. Different parameters like age, activity level, body type and the strength of bone tissue are considered by your surgeon before picking an implant for surgery. 

There are four main types of knee replacement surgery

Bilateral knee Replacement or Double knee replacement surgery: There are two types of Bilateral knee replacement surgery-a) Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement b) Staged bilateral knee replacement. 

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  • Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement: When both of your knees get a replacement at the same time, the surgery is called a simultaneous bilateral knee replacement

  • Staged bilateral knee replacement: When each knee is replaced at a different time, it’s called a staged bilateral knee replacement

• Unilateral knee replacement: Single knee replacement is called unilateral knee replacement.

• Revision knee replacement- This procedure is performed if you have severe arthritis or if you’ve already had more than one knee replacement surgery.

• Partial knee replacement surgery-This surgery is performed when arthritis affects the only side of the knee. Partial knee replacement can be performed through a smaller incision than is needed for total knee replacement. 

• Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: This type of knee replacement surgery is performed by making a small incision and inserting a tiny camera, called an arthroscope into the knee. The knee replacement surgeon will view the inside of the joint on a screen/monitor. This surgery is also called as knee keyhole surgery.

• Kneecap replacement surgery-In this surgery, your knee replacement surgeon will replace only the under-surface of the kneecap.
  
  

How do you prepare for knee replacement?

Before knee replacement surgery, you will undergo several weeks of physical therapy. The goal before knee replacement surgery is to reduce pain and swelling, restore your knee’s full range of motion and strengthen muscles. 

• You will be asked to undergo an X-ray or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to get an image of your humerus

• You will be asked by your doctor to quit smoking and stop blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

• You may be asked to go into alcohol withdrawal days before the surgery to avoid life-threatening complications like seizures or tremors 

• You will be asked to stop eating and drinking after midnight before the day of operation

What happens during knee replacement surgery?

Knee surgeries are carried out in the presence of anesthesia. During knee replacement surgery, your knee surgeon will take the damaged cartilage from the knee joint and replace it with an implant/artificial joint. The artificial joint is made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.  The surgery lasts about two hours. After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room for one to two hours. You’ll then be taken to your hospital room, where you’ll likely stay for a couple of days. To ease you from the pain, medications will be prescribed by your best knee replacement surgeon in Bangalore. This knee surgery is also called knee arthroplasty. 

What can you expect after knee replacement surgery?

• You will be on crutches and not allowed to bear weight on your knees

• Your doctor may incorporate the usage of continuous passive motion machine

• You may have significant pain after your procedure

• You might have some fluid draining from your incision

• You will be advised to start Physiotherapy about a week after knee surgery and continue for the next few months. 

• Your recovery time may vary from two months to 12months, depending upon your condition

• You will be asked to avoid any kind of strenuous activity for some weeks

What are the potential risks involved with knee replacement surgery?

The possible complications associated with knee surgery include:

• Bleeding and blood clots

• Continued knee pain

• Disease transmission

• Knee stiffness or weakness

• Loss of range of motion

• Improper healing 

However, most anterior cruciate ligament surgeries are known to yield excellent results and restore full knee stability.

Lifestyle changes: 

Your knee doctor will recommend you to incorporate lean protein (red meat, chicken or fish), dairy, and fresh citrus.