Knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing treatment for those suffering from severe knee pain and limited mobility. This common procedure is carried out on thousands of patients each year, helping them to regain a better quality of life.
Prior to undergoing a knee replacement, it helps to know what to expect. In this blog, you’ll discover the answers to the most asked questions about the surgery. This includes what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Before knee replacement surgery
Prior to having knee surgery, you should try to keep yourself as fit and healthy as possible. This means maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Avoid shaving or waxing the area where the incision will be made, and if you smoke, make sure you quit a few weeks before the surgery.
These recommendations will help to reduce the risk of complications, as well as aid in the recovery process. Mr Punwar will be able to give you specific pre-op care advice you can follow to prepare for the procedure. His expert team are always on hand to answer your questions.
During the procedure
During a total knee replacement procedure, also known as knee arthroplasty, the damaged or worn out knee joint will be replaced with an artificial implant made of metal and plastic components.
The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic and will take around 90 minutes to complete. Your surgeon will make an incision on the front of the knee, before removing the damaged cartilage and bone.
The ends of the thigh and shin bone are then prepared to fit the new artificial joint. Mr Punwar only uses modern implants that have an excellent track record.
The implant is positioned and secured in place before the incision is closed with stitches or clips. Then, a surgical dressing is applied to keep the wound clean and to minimise infection. You will be given antibiotics before your surgery and several doses following the procedure to give you the best coverage.
Recovery after knee replacement surgery
The recovery process after a knee replacement surgery can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of surgery performed. In general, it typically takes up to six weeks to fully recover and to return to normal activities.
Immediately following the surgery, you will need to stay and be monitored in the hospital for a few days to manage pain and begin physical therapy. Pain and swelling can be eased with medication, ice, and elevation. After a couple of weeks you will be booked in for a wound check to ensure the skin incision has healed properly.
After being discharged from the hospital, patients typically attend physical therapy sessions 2-3 times a week for a total of 4-6 weeks. You will also be given exercises to do at home. It may take a few weeks, but you may be able to start putting weight onto the knee in as little as a few days.
It is also important to note that knee replacement surgery does not necessarily restore the knee to its normal function. This means you may have some limitations when carrying out certain activities. Mr Shah Punwar will give you plenty of after-care advice. He will let you know what kind of activities you should avoid and what kind of activities you can do.
If you have more questions about what to expect from total knee replacement surgery, book a consultation with Mr Shah Punwar now. He has carried out hundreds of knee replacement surgeries and can answer any questions you have.
