Knee Replacement Surgery

When a knee is so severely damaged by disease or injury, a knee replacement surgery may be considered. Approximately 381,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the US. The most common age for knee replacement is between ages 60 to 80 years old.

Who might be a candidate for knee replacement surgery?

The most common condition that results in the need for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. In addition, fractures, torn cartilage, and/or torn ligaments also can lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint over the years, thus requiring knee replacement surgery.

The decision to go through painful knee replacement surgery is a joint decision between you and your physician. Other, alternative treatments may first be used, including assistive walking devices and anti-inflammatory medications.

What happens before knee replacement surgery?

In addition to a complete medical history, your physician may perform a complete physical examination, including x-rays, to ensure you are in good health before undergoing surgery. In addition, you may also meet with a physical therapist to discuss rehabilitation after the surgery and undergo blood tests (or other tests).

How is a knee replaced during knee replacement surgery?

Although each procedure varies, generally, knee replacement surgery usually lasts about two hours. After the damaged bone and cartilage of the knee is removed, the orthopaedic surgeon will place the new, artificial knee in its place.

The two most common types of artificial knee prosthesis used in knee replacement surgery are cemented prosthesis and uncemented prosthesis. Sometime, a combination of the two types is used to replace a knee. A knee prosthesis is made up of metal and plastic. A cemented prosthesis is attached to the bone with a type of epoxy. An uncemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with a fine mesh of holes on the surface, in order for the bone to grow into the mesh and attach naturally to the prosthesis.

While undergoing knee replacement surgery, the patient may be under general anesthesia or awake with spinal or epidural anesthesia.

After knee replacement surgery:

Knee replacement surgery usually requires an in-hospital stay of several days. Even while in the hospital, the patient usually begins physical therapy exercises to begin regaining range of motion in the knee. Physical therapy will continue at home. Pain medication also will be administered to keep the patient comfortable.

The incision will have stitches or staples that will be removed after a few weeks.

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The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

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