The two most common types of anesthesia used for knee replacement surgery are spinal or epidural anesthesia (you are awake but feel nothing below your waist) and general anesthesia (you are asleep throughout the entire procedure). The worn-out ends of the bones in the knee joint are removed, and fitted metal and plastic prostheses are used in their place. There are two types of knee replacements: total and partial. Depending on how badly your knee has been hurt, Total knee replacements are the most common.
How long does a knee replacement procedure last then? What must you keep in mind at this time? Learn more in the article below.
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What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery replaces parts of injured or worn-out knee joints. The procedure may improve the knee’s functionality and reduce pain. Damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with plastic and metal components during the procedure.
A surgeon will assess the strength, stability, and range of motion of your knee to determine whether a knee replacement is the best option for you. X-rays can be used to determine the degree of damage. Your age, weight, level of activity, the size and shape of your knees, and general health will determine the best artificial joints and surgical procedures for you.
Arthritis pain relief is the most frequent justification for knee replacement surgery. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs and getting up out of chairs.
How Long Does Knee Replacement Surgery Take?
Total Knee Replacement
In a total knee replacement, the knee joint is replaced on both sides. The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours:
- To access your kneecap, your surgeon makes a cut along the front of your knee. In order for the surgeon to reach the knee joint behind it, this is then shifted to the side.
- The damaged ends of your thigh bone and shin bone are cut away. To fit the prosthetic replacement, the ends are precisely measured and shaped. To ensure that the joint is functioning properly, a dummy joint is placed. The final prosthesis is fitted after corrections are made and the bone ends are cleaned.
- The end of your thigh bone is replaced by a curved piece of metal, and the end of your shin bone is replaced by a flat metal plate. These are either treated to encourage your bone to fuse with the replacement parts or fixed using a special bone “cement.” A plastic spacer is placed between the pieces of metal. This functions similarly to cartilage to lessen friction as your joint moves.
- Depending on the need for replacement, the back of the knee cap may also be replaced.
- A dressing is placed on the wound after the wound has been stitched or clipped shut. In rare cases, a splint is used to keep your leg immobile, but you’re usually encouraged to move your knee as early as possible.
Especially when bending your knee, you’ll probably still find it challenging to move after your operation. Due to the scar, kneeling might be challenging.
Partial (half) Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement might be an option if only one side of your knee is hurt. Because there is a smaller cut and less bone is removed, this procedure is easier. Most people with osteoarthritis—about 1 in 4—can use it.
Less time spent in the hospital and less time recovering are benefits of partial knee replacement. It is also uncommon to require blood transfusions. With this kind of joint replacement, your knee may move more naturally and you may be able to engage in more physical activity than you could with a total knee replacement.
The type of surgery your doctor plans to perform on you and why they believe it is the best option for you should be discussed with your doctor.
How Long Will You Need Therapy After Knee Replacement Surgery?
One to Three Weeks After Surgery
Your physical therapist will concentrate on helping you manage pain and regain your footing during the initial weeks following knee replacement surgery.
You’ll start working on a daily routine of strengthening and flexibility exercises with your physical therapist. You’ll practice walking, standing up from a sitting position, and bending your knees during this time.
During this phase of physical therapy, you should be able to walk for at least 10 minutes without stopping, bend your knees at a 90-degree angle, and fully straighten them.
Four to Six Weeks After Surgery
You’ll notice an increase in knee strength after about a month. Additionally, as the pain and swelling in your knees subside, you’ll feel more comfortable.
Depending on the type of knee replacement you had and how your recovery has been going, you may rely less or not at all on certain assistive devices.
More low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and longer walks might be introduced by your physical therapist during this stage of physical therapy. Your endurance will be improved with the hope that you can resume your regular daily activities.
Seven to 12 Weeks After Surgery
Two months after recovery, you’ll probably notice you’re much more mobile than you were the first few weeks after surgery.
You’ll perform harder exercises that improve your strength and mobility during this last stage of physical therapy. This probably entails harder strength and aerobic workouts.
Your physical therapist will also instruct you on how to modify any high-impact hobbies you have so you can continue to engage in them safely while you heal.
12 Weeks After Surgery and Beyond
Around 12 weeks after surgery, the number of in-person physical therapy sessions may start to decline as you get stronger and feel more comfortable moving with your new knee. You must nonetheless keep up your home physical therapy exercises.
To help you achieve your goals of getting back to your regular activities and hobbies, our physical therapists at TRIA will develop customized home routines for you. These routines will be an important part of your continued recovery after a knee replacement. On average, it can take up to a year to fully recover from a knee replacement.
Conclusion
One of the best surgeries in the annals of medicine is a knee replacement. Through knee replacements, more than 700,000 Americans receive a new lease on life each year. For most people, knee replacements provide pain relief, improved mobility and a better quality of life. Additionally, the majority of knee replacements are anticipated to last more than 15 years.
You can typically resume the majority of daily activities, including shopping and light housework, three to six weeks after surgery. If you can bend your knee enough to sit in a car, have the sufficient muscle control to use the brake and gas pedals, and don’t require narcotic pain medication, you can also drive in about three weeks. Good luck improving your health!
