Is knee pain preventing you from enjoying simple activities like walking or climbing stairs? You’re not alone! If nonsurgical treatments haven’t provided relief, it might be time to consider knee replacement.

What is Knee Replacement?

A knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in a knee joint damaged by arthritis or injury. Interestingly, it might be more accurately termed a knee “resurfacing” because only the surfaces of the bones are actually replaced. It’s one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine!

Why Choose Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended when other treatments have failed to alleviate chronic knee pain. Your surgeon will likely suggest this option based on the severity of your knee condition and how much it impacts your daily life. I can tell you from experience, it’s amazing to see patients regain their mobility and quality of life after this procedure!

Preparing for Your Knee Replacement Journey

How Do I Prepare for Surgery?

Proper preparation is key to a successful outcome after knee replacement. Make sure you follow your knee surgeon’s specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines:

• Inform your surgeon about any medications you’re taking.
• Complete all pre-surgery lab work.
• Arrange for a support system to help you during recovery.
• Prepare your home for a comfortable recovery period.

What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?

The surgery usually takes about  to  hours. You’ll typically be admitted to the hospital on the day of your operation. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect:

1. Anesthesia: You’ll receive either general anesthesia (you’re asleep) or a spinal anesthetic (you’re awake but numb from the waist down).
2. Incision: The surgeon makes a cut down the front of your knee, usually about  to  inches long, to access the kneecap.
3. Patella (Kneecap) Rotation: The surgeon moves the kneecap to the side to expose the knee joint.
4. Femur Preparation: The damaged bone and cartilage from the end of the femur (thighbone) are carefully measured and cut away using special instruments. The end of your femur is then cut and resurfaced to fit the femoral component.
5. Femoral Component Implantation: The metal femoral component is attached to the end of your femur and sealed into place using bone cement.
6. Tibia Preparation: The surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage from the top of the tibia (shinbone) and shapes the bone to fit the metal and plastic tibial components.
7. Tibial Tray and Insert Placement: The tibial tray is fitted to the tibia and secured with bone cement. A plastic insert is then placed between the tibial tray and the femoral component to provide a smooth gliding surface.
8. Patella Resurfacing (If Needed): The surgeon may flatten the patella and fit it with a plastic component to ensure a proper fit.
9. Alignment and Testing: Your surgeon will bend and flex the knee to ensure the implant is working correctly and that alignment, sizing, and positioning are suitable.
10. Closure: The incision is closed with stitches or staples, bandaged, and you’re prepped for recovery.

Partial Knee Replacement

It’s worth noting that a partial knee replacement might be an option if you have arthritis in only one part of your knee. In this case, only the bones on the affected side are replaced. The cut will be smaller, and recovery is typically quicker.

After Your Knee Replacement

After the operation, you’ll be closely monitored in a recovery room. You may receive medication to help with the pain. In some cases, your leg may be placed in a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, which gently bends and flexes your new knee while you are lying down.