Knee Replacement Surgery (also known as knee arthroplasty) is a surgery which is performed when the knee cartilage is worn out and causes discomfort during every day activities. During knee replacement surgery, a surgeon replaces the damaged areas of the knee joint with an artificial knee called a prosthesis. Bilateral knee replacement surgery is when both knees are replaced simultaneously. This type of surgery is recommended more for elderly patients whose knees have been exposed to more wear and tear.
Deciding about the Treatment
Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, traumatic) is the leading degenerative knee disease leading to the need for knee replacement surgery. Knee fractures, as well as some types of knee conditions can also lead to knee joint degeneration. The doctor will consider total knee surgery when alternative methods such as changes in activities, mild painkillers, and physiotherapy have been exhausted. Depending on your age and the damage to the tissue, the doctor may suggest partial knee replacement instead of a total knee replacement.
Duration of Stay
6 days in the hospital, 15 days outside the hospital
Pain management is an important part of the recovery process. Pre-operative education regarding pain, discomfort, medication and other pain management techniques is important for a smooth recovery. To keep the joint flexible, building strength and increasing the range of motion are necessary and can be accomplished by participating in physical therapy and other exercise programs. A positive attitude and a solid support network (friends, family and/or patient groups) will do wonders to help a knee replacement patient through the recovery process.
Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, traumatic) is the leading cause degeneration of the knee joint. Fractures of the knee, sports injuries as well as some types of knee conditions can also lead to knee joint deterioration. The doctor will recommend total knee surgery when alternatives such as mild painkillers and physiotherapy stop being effective. Depending on your age and the damage to the tissue, the doctor may suggest partial knee replacement instead of a total knee replacement.
There are some criteria which have to be considered before bilateral knee replacement surgery can be attempted:
The patient for whom bilateral knee replacement has been recommended will have to undergo several preoperative tests and medical evaluations:
During the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon will make an incision in the knee area. The doctor will surgically remove the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and resurface the knee joint with the prosthesis. The knee prosthesis is usually made up of metal and plastic, and sometimes ceramics. The cemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with surgical cement.
Post surgery the patient will have walk with crutches or walker for 3-4 weeks. A physiotherapist will work with the patient and recommend several exercises strengthen the knee. The patient will not be able to perform much strenuous activities post surgery and is recommended to follow a systematic exercise plan after the stitches come out.
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Q.1 How long will the knee take to heal completely?
A. The patient will have to use crutches or walker for up to 4-6 weeks after surgery. If the patient follows an exercise regime, this will help heal the muscles and tendons and restore full mobility to the knee within 3 months.
Q.2 How long will surgery last?
A.2 Surgery usually takes from 1.5 – 3 hours.
Q.3 How much pain will I experience after surgery?
A.3 Post surgery the pain will only last 3-5 days.
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