Knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee replacement or arthroplasty, can help relieve pain and restore function in severely damaged knee joints. During the procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage of the femur, tibia, and patella resurface, cutting the damaged areas and replacing them with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-quality plastics, and polymers.
The orthopedic surgeon will be the person that can determine whether a knee replacement is right for you. The surgeon will assess your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength.
There are several reasons for the knee joint to be damaged. There are various types of arthritis, among which we can find, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, or Traumatic arthritis.
In all these cases the goal when getting knee surgery is the same, to relieve the knee pain, which usually we have not been able to control using any other treatment.
The average cost of a knee replacement in the U.S is $35,000
MedicW price in Mexico is $12,900, which represents a 63% savings
Check our knee replacement surgery prices by country
Surgery duration, about 2 hours
Duration of hospital stay: It requires to stay at the hospital several days (likely a couple of days), depending on the case
Step 1: Knee incision
An incision is made in the front of the knee, usually 4 to 10 inches long. In this way, the surgeon can access the kneecap (kneecap)
Step 2: Rotating the kneecap (patella)
For the surgeon to gain visibility and access to perform the surgical procedure, the surgeon will rotate the kneecap
Step 3: Preparing the thighbone (femur)
The damaged area is measured and carefully cut with special equipment. The end of the femur is modified to fit the first part of the artificial knee
Step 4: Implanting the femoral component
The femoral component joins the recently cut and adapted area of your femur
Step 5: Preparation of the tibia
Following a procedure similar to that of the femur, the damaged area of ??the tibia is removed and replaced on the surface to fit the artificial tibial component
Step 6: Implanting the tibial component
Two implants must be done during this step, the first one is called the tibial tray. When the tray is in place, the surgeon will fit a polyethylene insert that lies between the tibial tray and the artificial femoral component. This last part is the one that supports your body while using your knee
Step 7: Adjusting the kneecap (patella)
If the patella needs adjustment to fit with the rest of the implant, it gets adjusted
Step 8: Finalize the procedure
Before finalizing the procedure, the surgeon will ensure that the implant works correctly, observing the positioning, size, and alignment. Once this review is done, the surgeon will close the incision and prepare it for recovery.
This procedure requires anesthesia, your input could be used to help determine whether to use general anesthesia or a local one (Spinal anesthesia)
Fasting for around eight hours is usually what you would be asked to do, prior to the surgery
You should notify your doctor about any allergies that you might have and any medication that you are taking
Sometimes, it will be possible for you to meet your physical therapist prior to the surgery
Usually, you will be given antibiotics to help prevent post-surgical infection
Given the recovery period, it is usually recommended to do as many of the following adjustments at your home as possible, for after the surgery:
Remove loose cords and rugs
If you have a low toilet, you might want to get a toilet-seat riser with arms
Climbing stairs can be challenging, it would be preferable to create a living space on one floor
Showering can be challenging, you might want to install safety bars and get a bench for your shower
Usually, you will be given antibiotics to help prevent post-surgical infection
Surgery duration is around 2 hours
You might get an IV line
A urinary catheter is used on some occasions
Excessive hair from the surgical area will be clipped off
The anesthesiologist will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery
If needed, a drain might be placed in the incision to remove liquid
After the surgery:
You will be taken to a recovery room for observation, usually, for one to two hours
You will be taken to your hospital room, where you will be encouraged to start to move foot and ankle, this will increase your blood flow to your leg.
Your pain will be controlled with medication so that you can participate in the exercise
You will be given an exercise plan to follow both in the hospital and after discharge
Once at home, it is really important to follow all doctor´s guidelines, such as:
The surgical area needs to be clean and dry
Avoid driving until the doctor advises you differently
Do the exercises prescribed by your doctor
Results:
Between three to six weeks is usually what it takes to resume most daily activities
Until you get to a full recovery, it might take several months, but knee replacements are expected to last for more than 15 years
After recovery, you can engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, golfing, or biking
MedicW Care team can help you with any question you might have .
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