Knee Replacement

Once you are under anesthesia the procedure itself takes apporximately 1 to 2 hours. Your orthopaedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone, and then position the new metal and plastic implats to restore the alignment and fuction of your knee.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has revolutionized knee replacement surgery. Its key characteristic is that, It uses specialized techniques and instrumentation to enable the surgeion to perform major surgery without a large incision. Mis knee joint replacement requires a much smaller incision, 3 to 5 inches, versus the standard approach and incision, which is typically 8 to 12 inches. It may lead to less pain, decreased recovery time and better motion due to less scar tissue formation.

The average hospital stay after knee joint replacement is usually 3 to 5 days. The vast majority of people have dramatic improvement. This improvement is most notable one month or more after surgery. The pain caused by the damaged joint is relieved. people are stading and moving the joint, the day after surgery. Once muscle strength is restored with physical therapy, people who have had knee joint replacement surgery can enjoy most activities (except running and jumping).

Knee joint replacement have been performed for years and surgical techniques are being improved all the time. As with all surgeries, however, there are risks (less than 2%). Since you will not be able to move around much at first, blood clots are a particular concern. Infection and bleeding also are possible, as are the risks associated with using general anaesthesia.

We now known that about 85% of the joint implants will last 20 years. Improvement in surgical technique and artificial joint materials should make these artificial joints last even longer.

Several weeks before you undergo surgery, discuss your recovery with your surgeon and care giver. Speak with your family members and/or friends about the role they will play in your recovery.