Knee surgery Cleveland, also called knee arthroplasty, is a common procedure that can provide substantial pain relief and improve quality of life. During surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with artificial parts made of metal and plastic.
Total knee replacement is one of the most effective surgical procedures available. It restores normal function and reduces pain in people with severe arthritis.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a combination of medications that provide sedation, pain control, and breathing assistance. It is a safe, reliable way to provide comfort and support for patients who undergo surgery.
Your anesthesiologist will evaluate you and the surgery to choose the best type of anesthesia for your needs. They will also monitor you during the operation and in recovery, to make sure your health is protected.
Spinal Block: The most common technique for regional anesthesia is a spinal block. It involves injecting a numbing medication into your back and letting you sleep.
A spinal block can be uncomfortable, so your anesthesiologist will monitor you to make sure you don’t feel any pain. You’ll still be able to move your legs until the numbing medication wears off. The anesthesiologist can also give you more numbing medicine if needed. They can also place a breathing tube or cuff on your chest to help you breathe. After surgery, you’ll stay in a recovery area with a nurse who will be monitoring your condition and giving you pain medications as needed.
Surgery
Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from your knee joint, and replacing them with man-made pieces. The parts are made from metal and strong plastic. The lower end of the thigh bone (femur) and the upper end of the shin bone (tibia) are replaced, along with the back side of your kneecap, or patella.
During surgery you'll be given medicine to make you sleep so you won't feel any pain. The surgery can take a couple hours.
Risks of surgery include infection, nerve injury and damage to arteries. These usually improve in time and most people experience a reduction in pain and loss of function after surgery.
You'll also be given a list of instructions to help you stay well during your recovery. You'll be asked to keep the wound clean, use ice packs to reduce swelling and take prescribed pain medicines as recommended by your doctor.
Recovery
The recovery process for knee surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Some types of surgery, such as partial or total knee replacements, have longer recovery times than others.
For these surgeries, the first few days after surgery may be spent in the hospital, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). During this time, the person takes medication to manage pain and prevent blood clots.
After a few days, the patient is discharged and begins returning home. The hospital provides a walker or crutches to help patients move around at home.
It is also important to keep up with physical therapy and rehabilitation appointments. This helps the knee to recover from surgery and strengthens muscles and tendons.
The physical therapist will encourage you to walk 10 minutes at a time, and to try to walk unassisted. This will help increase blood flow to your knee and promote healing.
Post-operative care
Post-operative care following knee surgery includes medicines to control pain and other treatments to keep you well. Depending on your type of surgery, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for a few days.
During your stay, your doctors and physical therapists will teach you specific exercises that help you strengthen the muscles in your knee. These exercises, combined with plenty of rest, are essential to healing.
If you’re discharged from the hospital, your doctor will have provided you with instructions for recovering at home and will be available to answer questions. For example, make sure you have a sturdy chair with a back and armrests and a footstool to elevate your leg after sitting down.
Ideally, your new knee should be in proper alignment and functioning by six weeks after surgery. However, it can take longer than that to heal. Fortunately, patients who adhere to their recovery plan and follow their surgeon’s guidelines tend to recover more quickly than others.