Knee Replacement FAQ

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• 1. Is total knee replacement only for people with osteoarthritis?

  There are several indications for total knee replacement including rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis resulting from previous injury to the bones in the joint, corrections of various bone deformities or direct trauma to the joint.

• 2. What can one expect from the surgical procedure?

  • Surgical incision over the knee.
  • Length of surgery will be approximately one and a half to two hours. Preoperative care and time spent in the recovery room can add an additional 2 to 3 hours before you are back in your hospital room.
  • Rehabilitation and walking may begin the day after surgery.
  • Hospital stay is normally 1 to 3 days.

• 3. What type of rehabilitation can one expect following surgery?

  Exercise is necessary for proper healing. Depending on the orthopedic surgeon's prescribed recovery outline, physical therapy may begin 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Formal physical therapy may begin in the hospital and continue as directed by the surgeon. Patients should always follow the recovery schedule prescribed by their surgeon.

• 4. What activity range can be expected after a knee replacement?

  Diligent physical therapy, proper diet and a willingness to follow all of the surgeon's recommendations will promote a more complete recovery after surgery. Most patients should be able to walk unassisted and drive about three to six weeks after surgery. After a thorough evaluation by the physician, the patient may resume activities such as golfing, bicycling and swimming.

• 5. Are regular visits with your surgeon required after surgery?

  The surgeon will set a follow-up schedule for the first year after surgery to evaluate each patient's progress. Annual visits may be required thereafter. Complications can occur with implants; therefore, seeing the surgeon upon a change in symptoms can assist in evaluating any changes that may occur with the new joint.

• 6. Are there risks from surgery?

  While uncommon, complications can occur during and after any surgery. These include infection, blood clots, implant breakage, misalignment and premature wear. No implant lasts forever, and factors such as the patient's post-surgical activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with the surgeon. The surgeon will refer the patient to a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. The patient should also have up-to-date dental work and prepare the home to avoid falls.

• 7. What are the benefits of joint replacement?

  Joint replacement helps restore pain-free or near pain-free movement to a joint. Once a patient's pain is under control, he should be able to return to a more active lifestyle. The surgeon will direct when the patient can resume activities that could not be performed before surgery, such as climbing stairs, walking distances or driving. The orthopedic surgeon may have several patients who would be willing to speak about their experiences before and after total joint replacement surgery.

• 8. What are my non-surgical options before considering joint replacement?

  • Assistive devices such as a support brace, cane or walker may provide relief when joint pain does not affect everyday activity.
  • Exercise or physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around the affected joint(s), possibly providing pain relief while improving mobility and function.
  • Medical management including nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may assist in reducing painful joint inflammation and restoring function.

• 9. Is age a consideration for joint replacement?

  Age is not a problem if the patient is in reasonably good health and has the desire to continue living a productive, active life. A personal physician can evaluate for general health and surgery readiness.