Total knee replacement surgery involves a replacement knee joint prosthesis with three parts. The metal femoral component replaces the bottom surface of the upper leg bone (femur) and the groove where the patella (kneecap) fits.
The plastic tibial component, often held in a metal tray, replaces the top surface of the shin bone (tibia). The plastic patellar component replaces the surface of the patella where it glides in the groove on the femur.
Knee Replacement Surgery
The surgeon begins the total knee replacement surgery by making an incision on the front of the knee. After placing a cutting guide on the end of the femur, the surgeon removes several pieces of bone from the end of the femur. The surgeon places another cutting guide on the tibia and cuts the bone in the correct alignment. The surgeon also removes the cartilage on the back surface of the patella.
The surgeon then attaches the femoral component on the femur, attaches the metal tray to the top of the tibia, and attaches the plastic tibial component to the metal tray. The surgeon sizes the patellar component and puts it into place behind the patella, and then sews the soft tissues back together.
After Knee Replacement Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the hospital stay after total knee replacement may be for three to seven days. Requirements before a person who had a knee replacement can go home include getting in and out of bed by himself, bending the knee close to 90 degrees, straightening the knee fully, walking with crutches or a walker on a level surface, going up and down two or three stairs, and doing the prescribed home exercises.
A physical therapist usually sees the knee replacement patient the day after the surgery to start showing her how to use the new knee. On that first visit, the therapist may set up a continuous passive motion exercise machine to slowly and smoothly straighten and bend the knee, which encourages blood flow in the legs. The physical therapist also shows the patient a series of early post-operative exercises designed to mobilize and strengthen the muscles around the knee to get the patient ready to leave the hospital.
Home Recovery After Knee Replacement
According to the AAOS, the success of knee replacement surgery depends on following the orthopedic surgeon's home instructions in the first few weeks after surgery. For example, caring for the wound properly is important to prevent irritation and infection. And even though appetite loss is common after surgery, eating a balanced diet is important for helping tissue heal properly and restoring muscle strength.
Knee replacement recovery time generally permits returning to most normal activities of daily living within three to six weeks after surgery. Exercise is crucial for a complete recovery. The AAOS recommends that a home activity program include a graduated walking program to slowly increase mobility, a gradual return to normal household activities, and specific exercises several times a day for at least two months after surgery to restore movement and strengthen the knee.
A New Knee
Total knee replacement surgery is a major decision, though the AAOS notes that more than 90 percent of people who get the surgery have dramatically reduced knee pain and significantly improved ability to do common daily activities. A person with a knee replacement may find kneeling uncomfortable (it's not harmful) and occasionally feel some soft clicking when bending the knee or walking.
For someone considering knee replacement surgery, it's important to discuss all the options with a doctor and understand the risks and benefits. And for someone who decides on surgery, adhering to the doctor's recovery recommendations is likely to lead to a more speedy and complete recovery.
Carol Wiley - Carol Wiley is a technical writer turned licensed massage therapist turned freelance writer. Visit her freelance writing site or Massage ...
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