The average American walks between 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day. Each time you take a step, you’re using your knees. When you stand, you’re putting pressure on your knees. You’re even using your knees if they’re bent when you sit. All of this can wear out your knees over time and cause osteoarthritis. Sometimes, a fall, injury or another form of arthritis can damage your knee, as well.
Either way, you might find yourself in a predicament where you need a knee replacement. You should first educate yourself about the procedure, what your recovery will be like, as well as the success rate of the procedure.
Why Get a Knee Replacement
A knee replacement can help you regain function in your knee. You might be able to increase your range of motion and strength in the knee. Above all, you can decrease the knee pain you may be experiencing due to the damaged knee joint.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries
A knee specialist may recommend a partial knee replacement if you have damage in only one part of the knee. During a partial replacement, your orthopedic doctor only replaces the damaged portion of the knee. With a total replacement, the orthopedic surgeon replaces the entire knee joint.
What Happens During Surgery?
You will be given general anesthesia, so you are relaxed and unconscious during the procedure. If you’re having traditional knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic doctor will usually make an incision that’s between six to 10 inches in length. On the other hand, if your surgeon performs a minimally invasive knee replacement, the incision will be smaller. Your surgeon will use specialized tools since this option consists of one or more smaller incisions.
With this surgery, your practitioner will remove the damaged portion of the knee and replace it with artificial components. Your surgeon will close up the incision, and you’ll be taken to the recovery room. Usually, patients stay in the recovery room for an hour or two to ensure they come out of the anesthesia safely. After the surgery, you’ll need to spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring. At this point, you’ll also start physical therapy.
Length of Recovery
Although your physical therapy team will aim to get you up and start getting your legs moving soon after surgery, it’s usually at least three to six weeks before you can resume tasks like light housekeeping and shopping.
You can also start driving again after about three weeks, as long as you have regained muscle control in your leg. Your surgeon will let you know what activities you can do after surgery. Typically, this includes low-impact activities, such as walking. You’ll have to wait until your doctor feels you’ve healed enough to resume high-impact activities like tennis or jogging.
The Success of Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure. Most patients experience significant improvements in symptoms and can regain strength, function, and range of motion in the knee after surgery. Most of the time, your knee replacement will last at least 15 years. You may need revision surgery once the prosthetic wears out.
Possible Complications
Complications are possible, just like with any surgery. For instance, you could have excessive bleeding or develop an infection. Some patients develop blood clots in their lungs or legs. Such complications are extremely rare when you and your surgeon work together to reduce risk.
Choose Our Orthopedic Surgeon in Farmington Hills, MI
An orthopedic surgeon from our practice provides you with the benefits of experience and wisdom. Our surgeons take every step necessary to reduce your risk of complications from a knee replacement. Plus, our practitioners pride themselves on their bedside manner.
Book an appointment with Tri County Orthopedics, serving Farmington Hills and the nearby area, if you have knee pain that disrupts daily activities. Pain relief and a better range of motion are available by calling 248-474-5575 or using our online appointment scheduling tool.
