Why Have Knee Replacement Surgery
There are three common reasons for the procedure:
Osteoarthritis: this type of arthritis is age related, caused by the normal wear and tear of the knee joint. It mostly affects patients aged over 50 years, but younger people may have it.
Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation, breakdown, and the gradual and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Over time, the cartilage wears down and the bones rub together. To compensate, the bones often grow thicker, but this results in more friction and more pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis: also called inflammatory arthritis, the membrane around the knee joint to become thick and inflamed. Chronic inflammation damages the cartilage, causing soreness and stiffness.
Post-traumatic arthritis: this type of arthritis is due to a severe knee injury. When the bones around the knee break or the ligaments tear, this will affect the knee cartilage.
Do Your Feet Swell After Knee Replacement
Yes, as a physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of patients following a total knee replacement surgery, I can tell you that significant swelling on the surgical lower extremity down into the foot and ankle is extremely common.
I often recommend my patients utilize an active recovery to minimize the swelling. Then between exercise sessions, I recommend my clients utilize compression stockings or socks to reduce swelling while resting.
Anthony Maritato, PT
Physical Therapist
Anthony Maritato, PT is an Ohio licensed physical therapist and private practice owner.
Mr. Maritato specializes in helping patients who have received a total knee replacement or rotator cuff repair surgery. Ohio license #PT011602
Why Does My Knee Replacement Hurt So Much At Night
At the same time, your activity level has likely increased due to the demands of your ReHab program. This can cause even more physical pain that can spike during bedtime. Narcotic Pain Medications: It seems there are several vicious cycles youre a part of when it comes to joint replacement recovery and sleep.
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Am I A Candidate For Mako Robotic
Your orthopedic surgeon will provide you with as much information as possible to make the best decision for your unique situation. Mako robotic-arm assisted technology is an option that provides patients with a precise, personalized surgical plan based on a CT scan that matches the implants to your anatomy. A three dimensional model of your knee is created and used by your surgeon to guide a state-of-the-art robotic arm to align, position, and secure the implant. It is important to remember that robotic-arm assisted technology is a useful tool and is certainly an option for some patients, but it is not a necessity and surgeons have been successfully performing standard instrumentation knee replacement surgeries for decades.
Why Would I Need Surgery
Osteoarthritis is the main reason why people go for knee replacement surgery. The age-related condition is very common and occurs when cartilage — the cushion between the knee and the bone joints — breaks down.
Other reasons include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is when the bodyâs immune system attacks and destroys the lining of the knee.
- Deformities: People with bowed legs or âknock-kneesâ often get surgery to restore the position of the knee.
- Knee injuries: A broken bone or torn ligaments around the knee sometimes will result in arthritis that causes great pain and limits your movement.
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Different Types Of Surgery
There are 5 main types of knee replacement surgery:
- Total knee replacement. This is the most common form. Your surgeon replaces the surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone that connects to the knee.
- Partial knee replacement. If arthritis affects only one side of your knee, this surgery may be a possibility. However, itâs only right for you if you have strong knee ligaments and the rest of the cartilage in the knee is normal. Partial knee replacement can be performed through a smaller cut than is needed for total knee replacement.
- Patellofemoral replacement. This replaces only the under-surface of the kneecap and the groove the kneecap sits in. This can be very effective for people with chronic kneecap arthritis.
- Complex knee replacement. This procedure may be needed if you have very severe arthritis or if youâve already had two or three knee replacement surgeries.
- Cartilage restoration: Sometimes when the knee only has an isolated area of injury or wear this area can be replaced with a living cartilage graft or cells which grow into cartilage.
How Long Will My Knee Replacement Last
This varies depending on the patient, but knee replacement implants are very strong and durable. With todays advancements in technology, especially when it comes to polyethylene, knee implants are lasting more than 15-20 years for most patients.
If you and your orthopedic surgeon have decided that you are a good candidate for total knee replacement, start planning ahead so you can focus on your recovery for the best possible outcome. Remember that youre likely to come out of surgery as active as you go into surgery, so aim for regular low impact exercise and joint movement that you can complete without pain. Carefully following your surgeons instructions after a total knee replacement will ensure you protect your implant and prolong the success of your joint replacement.
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Can I Avoid Or Postpone A Knee Replacement
The choice on whether to have surgery to address arthritis of the knee joint depends on multiple factors, including:
- the condition of the knee joint
- the patientâs age and activity level
In cases where the damage from arthritis is minimal, and/or if the patient does not have a very active lifestyle, nonsurgical treatments by be tried, including:
- physical therapy
- , such as ibuprofen
- weight loss to reduce pressure on the knee
Briglia Dental Cares About Your Health
Your health, recovery, and peace of mind are important to us. Before going in for joint replacement surgery, a dental health clearance can really make a difference in the outcome of the procedure. It will protect your new joint and the incision area, along with lowering your risk of other problems throughout the body. We can help you get treated properly and decrease the risk of complications.
To schedule an appointment with Briglia Dental Group, call us at .
Editors Note: This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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What Are Risks And Complications Of Knee Replacement
Complications of knee replacement surgery include:
- Blood clot in the deep veins of the leg
- A DVT can be deadly if it travels to the lungs so see a doctor if you have symptoms that could indicate a DVT, such as leg pain or swelling
Here Is An Overview Of What You Can Expect During These 12 Weeks:
- Days 1 3: In the hospital, you will work with a physical therapist and occupational therapist to work on straightening and bending the knee.
- Discharge Day: Most people are discharged from the hospital within a few days. You will be sent home with specific instructions for care, medication, and therapy.
- Week 3: By the time you reach week three, you will be able to move around a little more, and the pain will be decreasing.
- Weeks 4 6: The most noticeable improvements in your knee happen during this time if you are consistent with your rehab and exercise activities.
- Weeks 7 11: Physical therapy and rehabilitation continue. At this point, you will be working on range of motion, mobility, and strengthening the muscles.
- Week 12: You can start to return to normal activities but still need to avoid high-impact exercise .
Beyond this initial recovery time, you will notice that the pain will continue to decrease, and your function will improve.
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How Can I Climb Stairs Without Hurting My Knees
Follow these strategies to make navigating stairs easier and less painful. Go up with your stronger leg, and down with the other. Always use the handrail. Put your entire foot on the step of the stairs. Carry items in the right bags. Get up to move regularly throughout the day. Do simple exercises to strengthen your legs.
How Long Will The New Knee Joint Last
For 8090% of people who have total knee replacement, the new joint should last about 20 years, and it may well last longer.
If you’ve had a partial knee replacement, you’re more likely to need a repeat operation about 1 person in 10 needs further surgery after 10 years.
The chances of needing another operation is greater if you’re overweight and/or involved in heavy manual work.
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Dental Antibiotics After Tkr
I have read that many of you take antibiotics before any dental work. I want to get back to my dental cleanings, Im 4 months post-op from bilateral. My OS said he doesnt believe in prescribing antibiotics for dental work, but my dentist said its the first hes heard of a DR not prescribing and would want my OS to put that in writing for him before he would do any work. Now Im wondering whats the harm of taking them before dental work? An ounce of preventionthanks for any replies to this.
I had a partial replacement and needed to wait 6 months after surgery before I could go to the dentist for a cleaning, and needed to do antibiotics prior.
I had a partial replacement and needed to wait 6 months after surgery before I could go to the dentist for a cleaning, and needed to do antibiotics prior.
What The Alternatives To Knee Replacement
A healthcare provider may recommend knee replacement surgery after other treatments for knee pain dont help anymore. These earlier options may include:
- Exercise or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint which will provide stability.
- Medications such as NSAIDs and cortisone shots.
- Walking aids or supports and bracing.
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How Implants Wear Out
Most knee replacements are made with metal caps that cover the end of the thigh bone and the top of the shin bone. Between these metal caps is a piece of plastic that provides a smooth surface for bending of the implant. The plastic can wear out over time, either as a slow, gradual wearing away, or a sudden catastrophic failure.
There are some situations where the wearing out can be accelerated. These situations include when the alignment of the implants was not ideal, when the knee is unstable , or if the patient performs activities that put too much stress on the implant. Knowing which activities can cause damage to knee replacement implants can help ensure the parts last as long as possible.
People Should Be Able To Kneel After Knee Replacement Why Arent They Research: It Has Nothing To Do With The Knee Replacement
Lets look at a January 2019 study in the Journal of Knee Surgery. It comes from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University.
Here are the summary points:
- The ability to kneel is one of the many patient goals after total knee replacement.
- Given the altered biomechanics of the knee after total knee replacement, the various implant designs, and multiple surgical approaches, there is a need to further understand the patients kneeling ability after total knee replacement.
- In patients who do kneel after surgery, data show that increased range of motion promotes improved kneeling performance. Targeted interventions to encourage kneeling after total knee replacement, including preoperative education, have not shown an ability to increase the frequency with which patients kneel after total knee replacement.
- Reasons for patient avoidance of kneeling are multifaceted and complex. There is no biomechanical or clinical evidence contraindicating kneeling after total knee replacement. There are insufficient data to recommend particular prosthetic designs or surgical approaches to maximize kneeling ability after surgery. Musculoskeletal health care providers should continue to promote kneeling to allow patients to achieve maximum clinical benefit after total knee replacement.
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Knee Replacement Recovery Exercises
Initially, as you increase your activity the knee can be sore, but with appropriate medication and gentle exercise, your recovery should proceed smoothly.
Well prescribe a set of exercises for you to do at home. Every programme is different, but here are a few exercises we regularly ask patients to do. You should aim for 3 sets of 10 reps per exercise every day:
- Stair lunges: Stand at the base of the stairs and place your operated foot on the first stair. Lunge forward slowly bending at the knee only as far as is comfortable
- Bed exercise: Push the knee flat into the bed to fully straighten the leg
- Mini-squats: Stabilise yourself by holding on to a kitchen bench, door frame or heavy table. Keeping your back straight, lower you buttocks bending, at the knees. Only go as far as is comfortable.
What Are The Advantages Of Knee Replacement
Long-term, you may still feel some discomfort and have to limit high-impact activity to protect the replacement joint. But knee replacement can relieve a lot of the pain and help you move much better. More than 90% of people who have a total knee replacement still function well 15 years after surgery.
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What Can I Expect During Recovery And Rehabilitation
Most people are up and walking within 24 hours with the aid of a walker or crutches.
Following your operation, a physical therapist will help you bend and straighten your knee, get out of bed, and ultimately learn to walk with your new knee. This is often done on the same day of your operation.
Most people are discharged from the hospital 23 days after surgery.
After you return home, therapy will continue regularly for several weeks. Specific exercises will aim to improve the functionality of the knee.
If your condition necessitates it, or if you dont have the support you need at home, your doctor may recommend spending time at a rehabilitation or nursing facility first.
Most people recover within 3 months, although it may take 6 months or longer for some people to recover fully.
Minimally Invasive Partial And Total Knee Replacement
Minimally invasive is a term used for any type of surgery that is less invasive than traditional or open surgery. Minimally invasive partial or total knee replacement surgeries are innovative procedures that can be as effective as traditional surgery.
Minimally invasive knee replacements use smaller and fewer incisions around the knee, and have been proven to reduce postoperative pain, minimize trauma to tissue, and quicken recovery time.
The most appropriate candidates for minimally invasive knee replacements have minimal or moderate deformity, maintain a healthy weight, have few pre-existing health conditions and are motivated to participate in the rehabilitation process.
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Your New Knee Should Last 20 To 30 Years
How long does a knee replacement last? While theres no one answer for every case, studies indicate that for 90 percent of knee replacements, the joint is still functioning well for 10 to 15 years after theyre implanted.
New knees dont really have a lifespan with proper care, many may last up to 40 years.
At the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we are consistently on top of the latest medical developments and implement the most recent innovations into our practice. You can be assured that youre receiving the latest state-of-the-art care.
How To Prepare For Knee Replacement
There are certain steps that can improve your recovery time and results. It is important to follow your knee replacement surgeonâs instructions both before and after surgery, as well as that of your rehabilitation therapistâs recommendations. Learn more about reparing for knee replacement by reading .
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Reasons Why A Revision Replacement Is Necessary
Revision replacements are performed for a number of reasons. Some of the more common include:
- Loosening of the implant
- Instability of the knee
- Malalignment of the parts
Many people ultimately have a revision knee replacement because the problem is causing significant pain. While pain can be a problem in itself, a revision knee replacement surgery should not be performed without understanding why the pain is occurring. Performing this type of surgery for pain without an identified cause is unlikely to yield good results. Instead, the cause of the problem with the knee replacement needs to be precisely understood, and there needs to be a plan to address that problem with the implant. An operation without a clear plan to address the problem is unlikely to be helpful.
Are There Any Strengthening Exercises I Can Do Before Surgery To Build Muscle Around The Joint
Depending on your pain and ability levels, low-impact exercises like walking or getting on the elliptical or stationary bike are a great option pre-surgery. Anything you can do to keep the knee moving will keep fluid in motion, keep the capsule loose and improve the outcome of your surgery. Avoid high-impact movements like hiking up and down hills, running, basketball or soccer.
surgery questions
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Is Total Knee Replacement Considered A Disability
If knee replacement surgery has left you unable to work, you could get Social Security disability benefits. If you have had knee replacement surgery on a knee with degenerative joint disease or after a bad knee injury, you may be able to get Social Security disability benefitsif you are unable to work.