| Understanding
Knee Replacement Surgery |
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What is Knee Replacement?
It is a metal and plastic covering for raw,
arthritic bone ends. It replaces cartilage that has worn away over the
years. Knee replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily
with less discomfort. For those that have become bow-legged or knock-kneed
over the years, it can also straighten your legs to a more natural
position.
Who should have a
knee replacement?
When arthritis knee pain severely limits your ability to walk, work, or
perform even simple activities, knee replacement should be considered. |
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Is
there an alternative to knee replacement?
Knee replacement is only recommended after careful diagnosis of your joint
problem. Arthroscopic or microscopic surgery is not helpful once arthritis
is advanced. Also, it is not likely that anti-inflammatory drugs or
cortisone injections will give you the same long-term relief that knee
replacement will.
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Should
my knee replacement be cemented?
Knee replacements are successfully performed with all cemented components
as well as with a combination of uncemented and cemented components. Your
surgeon will discuss which technique is best for you.
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How
long is the hospital stay?
The average hospital stay for a knee replacement patient is around 3-5
days. The average stay for two knees is 5-7 days. If both knees require
replacement, it is usually best to have both done at the same time. That
way, the total disability will be only slightly longer than the operation
for one knee and the problem will be solved in the least amount of time.
In some cases, fixing one knee reduces the stress on the other knee, thus
giving another two or three years if the arthritis is not too advanced.
Each individual case is different.
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How
long is recuperation?
Recovery varies with each person. You will use a walker for approximately
4 weeks after the operation. You can drive a car in 2-4 weeks. Most people
gradually increase their activities and may play golf, doubles tennis,
shuffleboard, or bowl in 12 weeks. More active sports, such as singles
tennis and jogging are not recommended.
After discharge, there is usually no need for a nursing home. Some
patients who live alone may require a short stay at a rehab center for a
few days after they leave the hospital. This will depend on how you
progress in the hospital, and keep in mind that healing and recovery times
vary with each person.
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Will
I need a blood transfusion?
The need for blood transfusions after knee replacement surgery depends
greatly on very individualized factors. The majority of knee replacement
patients do not require a transfusion after surgery, but those having both
knees replaced at the same time are more likely to need one. Some patients
may want to donate their own blood prior to surgery for use after surgery.
Your surgeon will be happy to discuss these issues with you.
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What
is the success rate?
Knee replacement surgery is recognized as a miracle of modern surgery.
Most orthopedic experts consider replacement to be the best method of
handling arthritis in the knee. Knee replacements have literally put
hundreds of thousands of Americans back on their feet and allowed them to
enjoy their golden years.
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Are
there complications?
As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications after knee
replacement surgery. However, they are quite rare … driving on an
interstate highway is probably more dangerous. To reduce the risk of
infection, we take special precautionary measures in the operating room,
and use powerful antibiotics. Our personnel are limited to fully-trained
and experienced nurses and technicians.
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What
about pain?
Thanks to advances in medication technology, we are able to keep you very
comfortable after surgery. After surgery, any temporary discomfort does
not compare to the pain of arthritis endured by most people in months and
years before surgery.
And because knee replacement patients are not “sick,” you will not be
treated as such. You will wear casual clothing after surgery, not hospital
gowns. You’ll also join other joint replacement patients for buffet
lunches, television, cards, and games.
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