Knee Replacement Surgery: Price, Healing Time, Discomfort, and Other Details
Total knee replacement surgery, also known as knee replacement, is a common procedure in the United States, with approximately 700,000 operations performed each year. This surgical procedure can significantly enhance a person's ability to engage in activities such as walking, bicycling, golf, tennis, and swimming.
The first total knee replacement surgery was performed in 1968, and since then, advancements in technology and techniques have led to improved outcomes. However, it's crucial to understand that replacement knees can wear out, and over half of knee replacements are still functioning 25 years later.
Preoperative evaluation, or pre-op, is a critical process that occurs some weeks before the procedure. During this time, the surgeon assesses the patient's overall health, medical history, medications, and concerns.
The surgery itself involves removing bone and diseased cartilage from the thigh bone and shin bone, and replacing them with a metal implant and special plastic. This is typically performed under a combination of general anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and spinal (epidural) anesthesia.
After surgery, patients receive pain medication and undergo physical therapy to help with weight-bearing therapy, standing, walking, and adapting to the new knee. Most patients spend 2-3 nights in the hospital following a total knee replacement.
Pain management after knee replacement surgery is of utmost importance. Patients will receive medication to help manage pain. It is crucial to communicate with the doctor about the effectiveness of the medication and any adverse effects.
Most people are allowed to return to driving by the end of 4 weeks after surgery. Exercise plays a key role in preventing knee damage, supporting the knee during treatment, and recovery, both before and after surgery. After knee replacement surgery, a physical therapist will provide an exercise protocol for the patient to follow, including walking and strengthening exercises to speed up healing and return to normal daily activities.
There are potential complications after knee replacement surgery, such as infection, blood clots, continuing pain, stiffness, and the need for additional surgery in the future. It's important to discuss the benefits and risks with a healthcare provider before deciding to go ahead with knee replacement surgery.
Weight management is crucial for managing osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, but more information about the link between weight and OA is not provided in this paragraph. The American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation recommend additional exercises for managing OA of the knee, such as walking, cycling, strengthening exercises, water exercise, tai chi, and yoga.
Bilateral knee replacement, where both knees are replaced at the same time, can be a good option for those with OA in both knees, as it means only going through the procedure and recovery process once. However, rehabilitation will likely take longer and more help during recovery will be needed.
Partial knee replacement, where only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, has advantages such as a smaller incision, less loss of bone and blood, and a faster recovery compared to total knee replacement.
The cost of knee replacement surgery can vary depending on location, health, and additional costs for hospital stay, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, and transportation. Before deciding to go ahead with knee replacement surgery, it is important to consider these factors and discuss them with a healthcare provider.
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