Total Knee Replacement

Preparing for Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Preparing for total knee replacement surgery is crucial for achieving the best outcomes and ensuring a smooth recovery. By following specific steps before your procedure, you can enhance your experience and support a faster rehabilitation process. Here’s how to prepare effectively:

Medical Tests and Assessments

Undergoing thorough evaluations such as blood work, X-rays, and a complete health check ensures your body is ready for surgery. These tests provide detailed insights into your condition and allow your healthcare team to plan effectively and address any potential risks. Your surgeon will also review your current medications to avoid any interactions that might affect the surgery or recovery process.

Physical Conditioning

Strengthening the muscles around your knee before surgery can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Your doctor may recommend specific exercises or physical therapy to enhance muscle support and joint stability. Maintaining an active lifestyle within your comfort limits helps prepare your body for post-surgical rehabilitation and recovery.

Home Preparation

Creating a safe and accessible home environment is essential for a comfortable recovery. Arrange frequently used items within easy reach, remove tripping hazards, and consider supportive aids like grab bars or walkers. Ensure you have help for daily activities, especially during the initial recovery phase.

The Total Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure

Total knee replacement surgery is a carefully executed procedure designed to relieve chronic knee pain and restore movement by replacing the damaged knee joint with a durable artificial implant. This surgery is ideal for individuals suffering from advanced arthritis or severe knee damage that hinders daily activities. Here’s an overview of the process:

Anesthesia

To ensure the patient’s comfort, an anesthesiologist administers either general or regional anesthesia. This step minimizes pain and keeps the patient relaxed throughout the procedure.

Incision and Access

The surgeon makes a precise incision over the knee to access the joint. This provides a clear view and sufficient space to perform the replacement accurately.

Damaged Joint Removal

The damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint are carefully removed. This step is critical for creating a stable surface to fit the new implant.

Implant Placement

The artificial knee implant, typically made from metal and durable plastic components, is positioned and securely attached to the prepared bone surfaces. The implant mimics the natural movement of the knee joint, providing smooth and pain-free mobility.

Closure and Recovery

After ensuring the implant is securely in place, the incision is closed. Post-surgery, patients are closely monitored and begin a structured recovery plan, including physical therapy to regain strength, mobility, and full joint functionality.

Risks of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement surgery, while highly effective, comes with potential risks, including infection, blood clots, and implant issues over time. At Sunway Medical Center, we minimize these risks using advanced techniques and comprehensive care.

Infection

Infection is a potential risk after total knee replacement surgery, occurring at the surgical site or deeper within the joint. Infections can present within days or weeks following surgery, but in some cases, they may develop months or even years later. Symptoms of infection include redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and fever. Minor infections may be treated with antibiotics, but severe infections could require additional surgery to remove infected tissue or even replace the implant.

Blood Clots

Total knee replacement surgery increases the risk of blood clots, particularly in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). This risk arises from decreased mobility immediately after the surgery. Blood clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), causing serious complications. Symptoms include swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the leg. To reduce this risk, doctors may prescribe blood-thinning medications, encourage early movement, and recommend leg exercises.

Implant Issues

Over time, the artificial knee joint may wear out, loosen, or fail, particularly in younger, more active individuals. This can lead to pain, instability, and reduced joint function. In such cases, revision surgery to replace the worn or loose implant may be necessary. While advances in implant technology are improving durability, following the recommended activity guidelines is crucial to prolong the lifespan of the implant.