Day of knee replacement

Overview

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure where a surgeon removes damaged parts of your knee joint and replaces them with artificial parts. The day of surgery is when you go to the hospital, have the operation, and begin your recovery.

Yes, knee replacement is one of the most common joint replacement surgeries in the world.

It is usually done for people with advanced arthritis or severe knee damage that causes pain and limits daily activities.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Some pain and swelling around the knee right after surgery
• Numbness or tingling in the leg from anesthesia
• Feeling tired or groggy as the anesthesia wears off

Symptoms in children

• Knee replacement is very rare in children. If done, symptoms after surgery are similar to adults.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have more bruising or swelling
• They might feel dizzy or unsteady after anesthesia

Causes

Main causes

• Severe osteoarthritis that wears away the cartilage in the knee
• A knee injury that does not heal well, such as a fracture or torn ligament
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint diseases

Risk factors

• Older age (over 50 is more common)
• Being overweight puts extra stress on the knee
• Genetics – arthritis can run in families

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any emergency symptoms after surgery, call your local emergency number right away.
• If your pain suddenly gets much worse or you cannot move your leg at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• Before surgery, see your surgeon to plan the operation
• After surgery, attend all follow-up appointments to check your wound and how the knee is healing

Diagnosis

Before surgery, your doctor will do a full assessment to decide if knee replacement is right for you.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to see the amount of joint damage
• MRI or CT scan for a closer look at the knee bones and soft tissues
• Blood tests to check your overall health and rule out infection

What to expect at your appointment

You will meet with the surgical team who will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and make sure you are healthy enough for anesthesia. You may also have a physical exam and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart.

Treatment

Treatment on the day of knee replacement includes the surgery itself and the first steps of recovery. The surgeon makes a cut over the knee, removes damaged bone and cartilage, and fits the artificial joint. After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses monitor you.

Self-care at home

• Keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling
• Apply ice packs as directed by your care team
• Do gentle ankle pumps and leg movements to prevent blood clots

Medical treatments

Your care team will give you pain relief medicines, usually through an IV or by mouth. They may also give you antibiotics to prevent infection and blood thinners to lower the risk of clots. Physical therapy usually starts the same day or the next day.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is scheduled when you and your doctor decide that non-surgical treatments like medicines, injections, or physical therapy no longer control your pain.

Living with this condition

After surgery, you will need to rest and gradually start moving your knee. Most people use a walker or crutches for a few weeks. You can expect to return to many daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks, but full recovery takes several months.

Lifestyle tips

• Arrange help at home for the first week or two
• Make changes to your home, like removing loose rugs and placing chairs with armrests
• Plan ahead for transportation to follow-up visits

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables to help healing. Drink water to stay hydrated. Do the exercises your physical therapist gives you – these are key to regaining strength and movement.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated during recovery. Pain and limited movement can affect your mood. Talk to your care team or a counsellor if you feel down for more than a few weeks.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent the conditions that lead to knee replacement, but keeping a healthy weight and staying active can slow joint damage.

Complications

If left untreated

• Infection in the wound or joint
• Blood clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lung (pulmonary embolism)
• Nerve or blood vessel damage around the knee

Long-term outlook

Most people who have knee replacement experience much less pain and better movement. The artificial joint usually lasts 15 to 20 years. With proper care, you can return to many activities you enjoy.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.