Dr. Jatin Mehta Orthopedic Surgical Hospital

A knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or diseased knee joint and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components.

• The procedure is typically performed to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other types of knee joint damage.
• The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1-3 hours to complete.
• During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the knee, remove the damaged joint and cartilage, and then position the artificial joint.
• The artificial joint is made up of a metal component that replaces the thigh bone (femur) and a plastic component that replaces the shin bone (tibia). A plastic button may also be placed to replace the back of the knee (patella).
• After the surgery, patients will typically spend several days in the hospital recovering.
• Physical therapy will begin soon after the surgery to help the patient regain strength and mobility in the knee.
• The recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the type of surgery.
• It can take several weeks to a few months for patients to regain full use of their knee, and some may require additional therapy sessions.

It's important to note that a knee replacement is a major surgery, and it is not suitable for everyone. The decision to undergo a knee replacement is based on the individual's overall health, the severity of their knee damage, and their response to other forms of treatment such as physical therapy, medications, and other non-surgical treatments.

Recovery time following knee replacement surgery can vary depending on the individual and the type of surgery. However, most patients can expect to spend several days in the hospital recovering and then several weeks to a few months regaining strength and mobility in the knee.

• Physical therapy typically begins soon after the surgery to help patients regain strength and mobility in the knee.
• The therapy will focus on exercises to restore range of motion and strength.
• Patients may need to continue physical therapy for several weeks or months after being discharged from the hospital.
• The patient should be able to walk with the aid of crutches or a walker within a few days after surgery.
• Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks or months, but it can take up to 6 months or more to achieve the full benefits of the surgery.
• It's important to note that recovery from knee replacement surgery is a gradual process.
• It's important for patients to follow the post-surgery instructions provided by the surgeon and to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
• Also, it's important for patients to understand that knee replacement does not restore the knee to its normal state, but it can reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Some activities such as high-impact sports may need to be avoided.

Overall, it's important for patients to have realistic expectations about the recovery process and the outcome of the surgery, and to be patient with the healing process.

Total knee replacement surgery is a major procedure, and some pain and discomfort are to be expected during the recovery period. However, the level of pain experienced can vary from person to person, and pain management protocols have been developed to minimize the amount of pain experienced during and after the surgery.

• During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia, so they will not feel any pain during the surgery.
• After the surgery, the patient will be given pain medication to help manage any discomfort.
• Most patients report that the pain is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication.
• In the first few days following the surgery, the patient may experience some pain and swelling around the knee.
• Physical therapy will begin soon after the surgery to help the patient regain strength and mobility in the knee.
• The therapy can cause some discomfort but it's important for the patient to participate and follow the physical therapy program.
• As the patient continues to recover, the pain and discomfort should gradually decrease.
• The majority of patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks or months, but it can take up to 6 months or more to achieve the full benefits of the surgery and to feel fully recovered.

It's important to note that pain management is an ongoing process and patients should communicate with their healthcare team if they experience any pain or discomfort during the recovery period.