Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure to replace a damaged knee joint with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components. This surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe knee pain and mobility problems caused by arthritis, injury, or other conditions that affect the knee joint.
The knee replacement surgery typically takes between one to two hours to complete and is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the knee to access the joint, remove the damaged cartilage and bone, and replace it with an artificial joint.
Pre-Surgery Procedure During Your Hospital Stay
- Once settled, you’ll meet an anesthesiologist. They, along with the surgeon, will discuss and pick the right anaesthesia for your knee replacement surgery.
- Once done, the surgeon will come and mark the area to perform the surgery on your body. At this point, they will answer anything you ask them.
- After you sign the consent form, they will perform the surgery. The surgery time differs based on the type of surgery you have.
Post-Surgery: What Happens Immediately After The Surgery?
After the surgery, your surgeon will first talk to your care circle (friends or family). You must stay in the recovery room after surgery for at least one or two hours. This is when you’ll come to your senses and may feel vague and tired.
The post-surgery care team will apply a bandage (a large dressing) over the cut area (incision) and some portion of your leg. During the surgery, the surgeon may position a small drainage tube to enable smooth drainage of blood that accumulates in your joint post-surgery.
Post-Surgery: The Next Couple of Days In The Recovery Room
During the recovery phase after surgery, you’ll have an IV inserted into your vein. Until you’re capable of drinking on your own, the hospital will feed you fluids via the IV. You can continue your normal diet within a day or two after the surgery.
For urine drainage, the surgeon may insert a Foley catheter into your bladder. They typically remove it the day after the knee replacement surgery. If you feel trouble urinating after catheter removal, ask the nurse for help. The nurse can help you go to the bathroom so that you urinate normally.
After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor their recovery and ensure that there are no complications. Meanwhile, there are several procedures that patients should follow to ensure a successful recovery.
During the recovery, the surgeon or an experienced nurse will help you learn how to prevent blood clots:
- They may ask you to wear specialised compression stockings to lower the risk of blood clots and enhance blood flow in the legs.
- They may also prescribe blood-thinning medicines for a while to further lower the blood clot risk.
- They will teach you leg exercises, like moving your ankles down and up, etc.
During the hospital stay after surgery, the healthcare team will also teach you the steps to use a spirometer. Additionally, they will help you learn coughing and deep breathing exercises.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications for pain management. During surgery, you may get the medication via a special tube inserted in the back, oral pills, or an IV. To prevent the risk of any infection, the doctor may also prescribe you some antibiotics.
The Healthcare Team Will Motivate You To Start Walking & Moving
During the surgery day, your healthcare providers will help you switch from your bed to a chair. If you feel like walking, you can try it. To start moving again and learn self-care, the hospital will ask you to work with specialists.
- An occupational therapist will help patients with hip replacement learn the steps to perform normal day-to-day activities.
- A physiotherapist will help patients with knee replacement learn some exercises and how to use crutches.
Although it may seem like a lot of hard work at first, the faster you learn, the faster your recovery. On the second day after surgery, you’ll return to your normal life again.
After undergoing surgery, many surgeons recommend the use of a Continuous Passive Motion Machine (CPM) to their patients. This device helps patients bend their knees, gradually improving the amount and rate of bending over time. Utilising a CPM can aid in a faster recovery, as well as reduce pain, risk of infection, and bleeding.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery, as previously stated, is a minimally invasive procedure that typically does not require excessive concern. However, it is critical to seek treatment at a reputable and well-established hospital to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Max Healthcare is one such renowned facility that provides exceptional knee replacement surgery services.
Max Healthcare boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced surgeons from across the globe who offer the best possible surgical treatment for knee arthritis. With its world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art technologies, and expert surgeons, Max Healthcare is the ideal destination for knee surgical treatment.