Total Knee Replacement
Replacing all of the arthritic surfaces, a total knee replacement realigns the knee to restore mobility and significantly reduce pain.
Total knee replacement is a surgical option for severe knee pain and reduced mobility. It involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with metal and plastic components, realigning the knee to reduce pain and improve function. This procedure is typically recommended when other treatments, like injections or physical therapy, have not provided sufficient relief. Total knee replacement offers a lasting solution for advanced arthritis and other severe knee conditions.
The Procedure
This procedure, including the anaesthetic and recovery, typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Most patients receive a spinal anaesthetic (injected into the lower back), along with sedation to ensure they remain unaware of the surgery. In some cases, a general anaesthetic is used.
An incision is made along the front of the knee, and the arthritic bone is removed and replaced with metal and plastic components. To reduce post-operative pain, a local anaesthetic is applied around the knee. The skin is then closed with absorbable stitches and sealed with skin glue. A dressing is placed over the wound to protect against bleeding, and a bandage is applied to help manage swelling and bruising.
Recovery
After surgery, most patients experience minimal discomfort and are encouraged to start using the knee straight away. It's safe to walk on the knee immediately, and physiotherapists will guide you on how to do so safely. Some patients might also benefit from hydrotherapy as part of their recovery.
The typical hospital stay is 1 to 2 nights. The bandage is usually removed after 24 hours. Patients are generally reviewed at 2 weeks (to check wound healing), 6 weeks (to assess mobility), and 3 months (to monitor recovery progress). Swelling and bruising is a normal part of the healing process and can slow progress in the early weeks, but as it subsides, pain tends to decrease and movement becomes easier.
