A patient specific knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged knee is replaced. The procedure typically takes two to three hours. You will stay in the hospital for one to four days, depending on the complexity of the procedure. After the surgery, you will need to learn how to care for your wound and get dressed. Your physiotherapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your knee. Around six weeks after surgery, you will be able to stop using crutches or a frame to walk. You can then drive.
Almost all knee replacements last about 15 to 20 years, but some people may experience early failures. Early failures can occur for a variety of reasons, including infection, loosening of the implants, fractures in the bone around the implants, or instability. If your knee replacement fails early, you may need a revision. The first two weeks of recovery are the most stressful. The second few months are usually painless. However, you may develop new pain types or experience a relapse in your knee.
The day before surgery, you will be taken to the hospital and given sedative medication. Your surgeon will take detailed X-rays of your knee to determine the level of damage and irregularities. You may ask questions at this stage. After the X-rays, your knee will be marked for the operation. The National Joint Registry measures the outcomes of knee replacement surgeries and is constantly collecting information on them. You can contact the National Joint Registry for more information.
During this procedure, surgeons cut away portions of bone and cartilage. They then implant metal implants that imitate the shape of the original femoral condyles. Sometimes, the surface of your kneecap is also cut away and replaced with polyethylene implant. These procedures are usually accompanied by significant pain and discomfort. This is the most common type of knee replacement. If you have had previous joint replacements, a long stem knee replacement will be more effective.
After your surgery, you will need to undergo considerable physical therapy. Your surgeon will design an exercise program for you. There are risks associated with every medical procedure, including blood clots, infection, and bleeding. If you are concerned about your risk of complications, don't be. Studies have shown that less than two percent of 600,000 knee replacement patients experience serious complications. But, if you have any concerns, discuss these with your healthcare provider before the surgery.
The surgery requires several weeks of recovery. It is recommended to limit physical activity for at least six weeks after the procedure. After six weeks, you may return to work. For example, if your job requires manual labor, you can usually resume normal work within six to eight weeks. However, if your job requires heavy lifting, you should discuss lighter alternatives with your doctor. Lifting anything heavier than a few pounds can cause problems for your knee. If you have had a previous knee replacement, you should avoid doing heavy lifting during this time.
While knee replacement may be the best solution for your knee pain, not everyone will qualify for it. Moreover, patients who are overweight and have restricted range of motion are not recommended for this procedure. Instead, they may benefit from physical therapy, exercise, and weight loss. For example, weight loss and exercise are proven ways to relieve pain and restore range of motion in the knee. However, if you are in your fifties, you may be a good candidate for a knee replacement surgery.
The risks associated with total knee replacement surgery include nerve damage, infection, and pain. You can also experience stiffness, instability, and pain after the surgery. In rare cases, the replacement joint does not last a lifetime and you may need further surgery. However, overall risks are lower than five percent. The risks are still significant, but they are relatively minor. The risk of these complications depends on your medical history and the complexity of your knee problem. Your doctor will explain any possible complications and the associated risks before the surgery.
Knee replacement is a common procedure performed for people who are suffering from severe pain due to knee arthritis. This type of surgery is called a total knee replacement (TKR) and involves removing damaged cartilage and replacing it with a man-made joint. Knee replacement is an effective option for people who cannot bend their knees or do other activities that require high-impact movement. In addition to this, 90 to 95 percent of total knee replacement patients continue to function well ten years after the surgery.