Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial implant. The surgery can relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve overall joint function.

Why Would I Get This Surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery can help with conditions that keep the knee from functioning correctly, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Damages joint cartilage
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Causes joint inflammation
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Joint damage following an injury
• Avascular necrosis: Joint deterioration caused by a loss of blood supply
• Severe knee deformities: Affects joint function due to misalignment

How Can This Surgery Help Me?

By replacing the damaged joint with an artificial implant, total knee replacement surgery can help eliminate pain, restore mobility, and correct joint dysfunction.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

Total knee replacement surgery can be performed using:

• General anesthesia: You will be asleep during the surgery.
• Regional anesthesia: Your surgeon will use a nerve block to numb the area below the waist. You will not be fully awake, but in a sleepy “twilight” state.  You won't feel anything during the procedure.

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgery, total knee replacement carries some risk of complications, including:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Implant failure
• Need for revision surgery in the future
• Nerve damage
• Reduced range of motion/knee stiffness

What Will My Recovery Involve?

Recovery after total knee replacement surgery is a process that involves:

• Hospital stay: Some patients are able to go home the same day, but other patients stay anywhere between 1-3 days; some patients may stay longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure and overall health.
• Pain management: Nerve blocks and medications can help control discomfort as you recover.
• Physical therapy: These exercises are designed to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Most patients return to normal activities within 3-6 months, depending on factors like overall health and adherence to the rehabilitation program.

What Improvements Can I Expect?

After total knee replacement surgery, patients can expect significant pain reduction and improved joint function and mobility. Many patients are able to return to a more active lifestyle.

What Are My Alternative Treatment Options?

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Pain medications
• Physical therapy and exercise to improve strength and flexibility
• Supportive devices (braces and canes)

Surgical Treatments

• Partial knee replacement: Replaces only one component of the knee with an implant
• Osteotomy: Realigns bone to relieve pressure on the damaged knee joint
• Arthroscopic knee surgery: Uses a minimally invasive approach to address cartilage or meniscus tears, but does not help with arthritis damage

What Is the Outlook for Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

The overall success rate of total knee replacement surgery is high; most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility.

How Long Will My Implant Last?

Implants used in total knee replacement can last 20 years or longer, depending on factors like your activity level and overall health.