1. Preoperative Assessment:
Physical Examination: Patients will undergo a thorough physical examination to assess their general health, including pre-existing medical conditions and medications.
Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are performed to assess the extent of knee damage and determine whether knee replacement surgery is appropriate.
2. Anesthesia Management:
Anesthesia is administered before the start of the procedure to ensure that the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Options include general or local anesthesia, such as spinal blocks or epidural blocks.
3. Incision:
Make an incision above the knee to expose the joint. The size and location of the incision may vary depending on the surgical approach chosen by your orthopedic surgeon.
4. Joint Exposure:
The surgeon carefully moves the muscles and ligaments to expose the knee joint while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
5. Bone Reconstruction:
The damaged parts of the knee joint, including the ends of the femur and tibia, are precisely removed using special surgical instruments.
6. Implant Placement:
Artificial components, usually made of metal and high-density plastic, are safely implanted into the prepared bone surface. These components may include femoral and tibial components, and possibly a patellar component.
7. Spacer Insertion:
A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to allow smooth movement of the joint and reduce friction.
8. Patellar Resurfacing:
If the patella (patella) is affected, it can be resurfaced or replaced with an artificial component to improve joint stability.
9. Wound Closure:
The incision is carefully closed with sutures or staples. In some cases, drains may be installed to prevent fluid buildup.
10. Post-operative dressing:
A sterile dressing is applied to the surgical site to protect it and promote healing.
11. Recovery Room:
The patient is taken to the recovery room and their vital functions are monitored as they emerge from anesthesia.
12. Postoperative Care:
Physical therapy begins immediately after surgery to promote joint mobility, prevent stiffness, and strengthen surrounding muscles.
Pain management is an important aspect of postoperative care, and medications are administered as needed.
13. Length of stay:
Length of stay varies depending on the situation, but is usually a few days. During this time, patients are closely monitored for signs of complications.
14. Follow-up Care:
Regular follow-up appointments will be made with your orthopedic surgeon to assess your healing progress, address any concerns, and adjust your rehabilitation plan.
Knee Anatomy
A joint is an area where two or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing bones to move. Essentially, the knee is two long leg bones joined by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The ends of the bone are covered with a layer of cartilage that absorbs shock and protects the knee.
Two muscle groups are involved in the knee. These are the quadriceps (front of the thigh), which straighten the leg, and the hamstrings (back of the thigh), which bend the leg at the knee.
Tendons are tough bundles of connective tissue that connect muscles to bones. Ligaments are elastic bands of tissue that connect bones to bones. Some ligaments in the knee provide stability and protection for the joint, while other ligaments limit the forward and backward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
The knee consists of:
Tibia. This is the tibia, the large bone of the lower leg.
Femur. This is the femur or femur.
Patella. This is the patella.
Cartilage. A type of tissue that covers the surfaces of joint bones. Cartilage helps reduce friction during movement within joints.
Synovium. Tissue that lines the inside of a joint and seals it within the joint capsule. The synovium secretes synovial fluid (a clear, sticky fluid) around the joints to lubricate them.
Ligament. A type of tough, elastic connective tissue that surrounds joints, providing support and limiting joint movement.
Tendon. A type of strong connective tissue that connects muscles to bones and helps control joint movement.Meniscus. A curved cartilage in the knee and other joints that acts as a shock absorber, increasing the contact area and deepening the knee joint.
Like any surgery, knee replacement surgery carries risks. These include:
1.Blood clots. To prevent this risk, surgeons usually recommend blood-thinning drugs. The most common place for blood clots to occur is the legs. However, they can reach the lungs and cause death.
2.Nerve injury. Nerves in the area where the implant is inserted may be damaged. Nerve damage can cause numbness, weakness, and pain.
3.Infection. Infection can occur at the incision site or in deeper tissues. Surgery may be required to treat the infection.
Implants used for knee replacement surgery are long-lasting, but they can loosen and wear out over time. In this case, further surgery may be required to replace loose or worn parts.
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure.
You will be asked to sign a consent form giving permission to perform the procedure. Please read the form carefully and ask questions if you have any questions.
In addition to a complete medical history, your doctor may perform a complete physical exam before surgery to ensure that you are in good health. Blood tests and other diagnostic tests may be done.
Tell your doctor if you have any hypersensitivity or allergy to drugs, latex, bandages, or anesthetics (local and systemic).
Tell your doctor about all the medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements you take.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of a blood clotting disorder or if you are taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) drugs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop these drugs before surgery.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Fasting for 8 hours (usually after midnight) is required prior to the procedure.
You may be given sedation to help you relax before surgery.
You can meet with a physiotherapist before surgery to discuss rehabilitation.
Please arrange for someone to help you around the house for one to two weeks after you are discharged from the hospital.
Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may request certain other preparations.
In the hospital
After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing have stabilized and you are conscious, you will be taken to a hospital room. Knee replacement surgery typically requires a few days of hospitalization.
It is important to start moving the new joint after surgery. A physical therapist will meet with you immediately after surgery to plan an exercise program. A Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) device may be used at the beginning of physical therapy. This device moves your new knee joint through its range of motion while you rest in bed. The pain will be controlled with medication, so you can participate in exercise with peace of mind. You will be provided with an exercise plan that you can continue with during your stay in the hospital and after you leave the hospital.
You will be discharged home or to a rehabilitation center. In either case, your doctor will arrange for you to continue physical therapy until you regain muscle strength and good mobility.
At Home
Once you return home, it is important to keep the surgical site clean and dry. Your doctor will give you specific bathing instructions. Sutures and surgical staples will be removed at your next visit.
You may be asked to elevate your leg or ice your knee to reduce swelling.
Take painkillers for pain as recommended by your doctor. Aspirin or certain other painkillers can increase the risk of bleeding. Always take only recommended medications.
Please notify your doctor about the following:
Fever
Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other discharge from the incision site
Increased pain at the incision site
You may return to your normal diet unless your doctor advises you otherwise.
Do not drive unless directed by your doctor. Additional activity restrictions may apply. Full recovery after surgery may take several months.
It is important to avoid falls after knee replacement surgery, as falls can damage your new joint. Your therapist may recommend an assistive device (such as a cane or walker) to help you walk until your strength and balance improve.
Making certain changes to your home can help you recover. These changes include, but are not limited to:
Adequate handrails along all stairs
Safety handrails in shower or bathtub
Shower bench or chair
Elevated toilet seat
Long-handled sponge and shower hose
Dressing stick
Sock aid
Shoe horn with long handle
Grip stick for grasping objects
Remove loose carpets and electrical cords that may cause tripping
Avoid climbing stairs unless advised to do so by a doctor
If advised by a doctor We may provide additional or alternative instructions after the procedure, depending on your individual circumstance