Whether you have a planned knee replacement surgery or your doctor suggested you start thinking about having one done, it is wise to know the surgery’s facts.
Knee surgery is most commonly suggested to reduce pain due to conditions like osteoarthritis. In addition to the pain, it is common for knee surgery candidates to have difficulties sitting down, getting up, walking, and going up and down the stairs.
Your doctor may also refer to knee replacement surgery as knee arthroplasty. More than 790,000 of these procedures take place in the U.S. annually.
Your surgeon will cut damaged cartilage and bone by the kneecap, shinbone, and thighbone during knee replacement surgery. They then replace this with artificial joints made from a combination of high-grade plastics, polymers, and metal alloys.
The process typically involves an incision between 6 and 10 inches long. The surgery itself takes around two hours, followed by an hour or two of recovery.
Most people who undergo knee replacement surgery will have a total knee replacement. This involves replacing the knee joint on both sides. A partial knee replacement only does so on one side, leading to a smaller incision but shorter-lasting results. It can be an option if your knee is only damaged in one spot.
The risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery are similar to those of other procedures, including blood clots, infection, and bleeding. There is also the risk of fractures and the patient not getting any relief.
There is also the potential that there will be issues with the implant or the surgery itself. Over time, as the surfaces on the implant wear down, they may get looser and not work as well. It is also possible for your knee to scar, reducing your mobility after the surgery.
