Tag: knee surgery

Total Knee Replacement is a common orthopedic surgery to replace a worn-out knee with an artificial joint (made of metal and plastic). This surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is performed by orthopedic surgeons, and generally, the success rate is above 90 percent. 

The recovery and rehabilitation can help you return to an active lifestyle. The recovery timeline varies between individuals, and usually, the first 12 weeks are crucial in the faster healing process during the recovery period.

General Knee Replacement Surgical procedure

The Total Knee Replacement surgery is adopted only when other treatment methods, such as physiotherapy and painkiller medications, fail to manage the wear-and-tear pain of the knee. This invasive procedure takes 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia. 

Below is a brief explanation of the steps involved in Total Knee Replacement Surgery. 

• The surgeon will make an incision around 6 to 10 inches on your knee area.
• The kneecap is carefully removed and kept aside. 
• All the injured and damaged tissues are cut, and the unwanted parts are extracted.
• The surgeon then attaches the artificial implants (made of metal and plastic). After the procedure, the incisions are stitched, and the patient will be taken to the recovery room.
• The vitals will be closely monitored in the recovery room after surgery.
• Once vitals are stable, you will begin preparing for discharge. Medications and physical therapy will be provided to enhance the recovery process.

Step-by-Step Recovery Timeline

The timeline for returning to your regular activities after knee replacement surgery varies from person to person. Here is a general idea of what to expect:

0-2 Weeks- Your hospital stay duration depends on your overall general health. In most cases, patients are discharged within a day or two. You may need a walker or crutches to help with walking. Rehabilitation with physical therapy begins immediately to help you regain mobility. 

This week mostly concentrates on managing the swelling and inflammation after the surgery. Pain and slight discomfort might be reduced by medications and applying an ice pack near the surgery site. You should be fully able to extend your knees from day 1 of surgery. 

2-6 Weeks: You might still depend largely on your walking aid, but there will be more mobility compared to the initial weeks. Continue doing physical therapy, including exercises that help strengthen your knee. 

Sitting for too long during this period can make the knees stiff, so alternate between sitting and walking throughout the day. Post-surgical pain is hardly felt after, and you may not require pain medications. 

2-3 Months: You should see significant improvement in mobility and pain relief. You can start to do light daily activities like driving and light household chores.

3-6 Months: Your knee should continue to get better. Most people can return to work at this point, and you can engage in more physical activities.

6 Months and Beyond: It can take up to a year to fully recover. You should be able to resume most, if not all, of your regular activities without pain.

Tips for speedy recovery after knee replacement surgery

There are plenty of things you can do to help yourself achieve a full recovery. Here are a few tips to help you get back on your feet.

Prioritise rehabilitation and recovery:

Strictly follow the guidance recommended by your physician and physical therapist. Regular gentle exercises and movements are crucial for improving mobility and reducing post-surgery stiffness and swelling. 

Make time for rest: 

Give your body sufficient time to rest and heal. Getting sufficient sleep is essential for both recovery and overall health. Use pillows to elevate your leg; it helps in reducing the swelling during sleep.

Managing Swelling and inflammation: 

Use ice packs to reduce swelling and continue with gentle movements to reduce stiff knees. Consult your physician if there is a persistent inflammation unresponsive to medications.  

Improve your overall health:

Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet contributes to improved healing outcomes. Proper nutrition supports tissue healing. Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. 

Take your prescribed medication: 

Take prescribed pain medications as directed to keep discomfort in check. If you experience any discomfort due to the side effects of the medications, discuss it with your doctor.  

Use walking aids or assistive devices: 

In the initial stages of recovery, walking aids such as crutches or walkers help provide stability and support. You can gradually reduce your dependence on these devices as you regain strength. 

Wear supportive shoes: 

Investing in supportive shoes aids in a quicker recovery after knee replacement surgery. The shoes are designed to provide support and stability as it reduces the risk of slip and falls. Choosing the right footwear minimizes the strain on your knee joint, facilitating a smoother recovery. 

Follow the advice of your medical professional: 

Your surgeon knows what is best for you, and your treatment plans are curated accordingly.  Adhere to their post-operative care guidelines, such as restrictions on weight gain and effective wound care practices to facilitate healing.

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Having a clear understanding of what to expect with bilateral knee replacement surgery can help you prepare for the procedure and make informed decisions. This article provides an overview of bilateral knee replacement surgery, giving you an insight into the process, recovery, and rehabilitation involved. 

Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery: Expectations and Recovery Overview

Bilateral knee replacement surgery involves replacing both knee joints simultaneously. Here’s an overview of what you can generally expect with bilateral knee replacement surgery:

1. Pre-Operative Preparations

Before the surgery, you will undergo a thorough evaluation, including medical assessments, imaging tests, and discussions about the procedure. 

Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to prepare, which may include: 

• Adjusting medications
• Stopping certain medications
• And, fasting before the surgery

2. Anesthesia

Bilateral knee replacement surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. The anaesthesia team will monitor you closely throughout the surgery.

3. Surgical Procedure

The surgeon will make incisions in both knees to access the knee joints. The damaged portions of the knee joints will be carefully removed and replaced with artificial implants made of metal and plastic. 

The implants are designed to: 

• Restore joint function
• Reduce pain
• Improve mobility

4. Hospital Stay

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area and then transferred to a hospital room. The length of your hospital stay will vary depending on your overall health and the specific protocols of the surgical facility. Typically, a hospital stay of a few days to a week may be expected.

5. Pain Management

You will receive pain medication to manage any discomfort or pain after the surgery. The healthcare team will closely monitor your pain levels and adjust the medication accordingly.

6. Physical Therapy And Rehabilitation

Physical therapy usually starts shortly after surgery, focusing on exercises to improve movement and promote healing. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in your knees. 

The rehabilitation period may last 6 to 12 weeks, and exercises will gradually increase mobility and help with everyday activities.

Initially, you may require assistance with walking and activities of daily living. Gradually, you will progress to more independent movement and exercises. Following instructions from the physical therapist and doctor is crucial for a complete recovery.

7. Recovery And Follow-Up

The recovery period after bilateral knee replacement surgery can take several weeks to months. It generally involves a few hours in the recovery room before being moved to a hospital room. 

Hospitalization typically lasts three to five days for staged double knee replacements and up to 10 days for simultaneous double knee replacements. Medications will be given to manage pain, and the doctor will monitor for any signs of infection, blood clots, or complications. 

Recovery time can vary based on age and overall health, with most people recovering within 12 months.

You will gradually regain strength and mobility in your knees, but it may take time to fully resume your normal activities. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

It’s important to note that the specifics of your surgery and recovery may vary based on individual factors, such as overall health, age, and the surgeon’s approach. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed information and instructions tailored to your specific case to ensure a smooth recovery.

Risks and Challenges of Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery

• Infection: Risk of developing an infection at the surgical site.
• Blood clots: Possibility of blood clot formation, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Bleeding: Potential for excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
• Implant-related issues: Rare complications related to artificial knee implants, such as dislocation or loosening.
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: Small risk of injury to nerves or blood vessels during surgery.
• Pain and stiffness: Some patients may experience persistent pain or stiffness after surgery.
• Anaesthetic risks: General anaesthesia carries its own set of low risks, such as adverse reactions or cardiovascular complications.

It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and understand the steps taken to minimize them for a successful outcome.

Conclusion 

Bilateral knee replacement surgery offers potential relief, but realistic expectations are important. Recovery requires a commitment to therapy and following instructions. Consulting with healthcare providers is essential for understanding the benefits, risks, and individual suitability.

FAQs

Q1. How long does the pain last after a double knee replacement?

Ans. The duration of pain after a double knee replacement varies, but most patients experience significant pain relief within 3-6 months. Mild discomfort or occasional pain may persist for up to a year as the body continues to heal and adapt.

Q2. What can you not do after a double knee replacement?

Ans. After a double knee replacement, you must avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping, twisting or pivoting on the knees, excessive bending or flexing, heavy lifting, and sitting on low or unstable surfaces that require significant effort to rise from.

In the past 20 years, knee replacement techniques have witnessed significant advancements in terms of patient outcomes as well as cost-effectiveness. Techniques like Total Knee Replacement surgery have made many advancements, but technological advances are going forward.

In this article, we’ll look at the new knee replacement technology in 2020, along with other developments. In addition, the article will discuss the latest advancements in total knee replacement surgery and the latest robotic total knee replacement procedures.

New Knee Replacement Technology in 2020

• Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

It also includes one of the most advanced advancements regarding knee surgery. Experts agree that MIS is a significant advancement in care for patients in the hospital. MIS has transformed orthopaedic surgery, and the patient benefits are indisputable.

Many general surgeons are hesitant about the method of minimal surgical intervention. It involves using micro-incisions as well as the use of small tools that make it much easier to perform the process of joint resurfacing.

In addition, surgeons who use techniques may be accountable for less blood loss. As a result, there is no need for drains or sponges, and a shorter hospital stay with less pain, a faster recovery, less scarring, lower risk of infection, a faster return to work, lower rates of readmission, a better quality of life, and a better appearance.

• Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

It is a highly effective treatment for severe osteoarthritis. The most recent advancements in TKA can result in successful outcomes in return to daily activities, high survival rates and complete functional improvement. In addition, the most recent developments focus on improving patient satisfaction following TKA and Total Knee Arthroscopy.

The latest technologies are being integrated into instruments specific to patients, such as advanced surgical tools, computer-assisted surgeries and navigation. To personalise the surgery and increase the precision of the process. New knee replacement technology in 2020 involves surgical plan-of-action in 3D and enhances alignment stability. 

• New Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery

The new robotic replacement uses the same procedure as the total knee replacement procedure we have all learned. The difference is that it’s performed using a modern robot arm which performs the total knee replacement procedure with great precision. As a result, the latest robot type of knee replacement offers superior results, greater accuracy and faster time for recovery.

This surgery creates excellent stability within the soft tissues around the knee joint and improves joint alignment.

Different type of knee replacement robotic surgery

• Mako Robotic Assisted Knee Surgery

It could help surgeons see their pins when the pins are placed. A fluoro intra-operative system is included in the procedure. It permits the direct placement of staples in a virtual 3D-CT model. It makes Mako robotic surgery possible. The device has 6 joints, 2 pulleys and four motors powered by electricity. In contrast, the average Mako arm has only 5 degrees of flexibility.

A prototype kinematics system designed to work with the conventional Mako arm. It comprises two driven pulleys with servo motors and two active belts. Lead screw with position sensors permits the precise location of pins by measuring their position about kinematic reference points on the Mako’s arms. Pins can be precise without depending on precise information about the original surgical cut or template.

• Navio Cori Surgical Systems

Navio Cori can be described as a computer-controlled robot explicitly designed to perform orthopaedic surgery. It’s built using open-source software and hardware components that provide benefits for surgery. For example, the human body concentrates on particular soft tissue anatomy, such as the Medial Femoral Condyle. This robotic system allows precision robotic drills for bony preparation to millimetre precision. As a result, it ensures more effective treatments and improved clinical outcomes. These benefits weren’t available with any medical equipment. This type of knee replacement is recommended for patients with the following:

1. Complex degeneration
2. Femur deformities after injury
3. The hardware from the previous surgery

Patients who opt for total knee replacement surgery that is traditional could also choose the robotic replacement of knees. This type of surgery is perfect for patients with complex joint problems.

New knee replacement technology in 2020 is undergoing rapid advances in the coming years. All surgical procedures will be performed using robotic technology that can provide superior outcomes. And shorter recovery times.