Ial Knee Replacement Surgery
Lack of proper mobility due to stiffness and significant pain can be due to a number of bone and joint problems. Osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as injuries, trauma and inflammation of the knees are only some of the reasons why a patient may be experiencing joint pain. Apart from rest and medication, various surgical procedures may be considered as an option for, particularly severe cases. Partial knee replacementsurgery is one such option. So, here are the five questions that you must ask an orthopaedic specialist about partial knee replacement surgery.
What Is An Artificial Knee And How Does It Stay In Place
Artificial knee implants consist of metal and medical-grade plastic called polyethylene.
There are two ways of attaching the components to the bone. One is to use bone cement, which usually takes about 10 minutes to set. The other is a cement-free approach, in which the components have a porous coating that allows the bone to grow onto it.
In some cases, a surgeon may use both techniques during the same operation.
Any operation done with anesthesia has risks, although it is rare that severe complications result from any type of anesthesia.
The options for TKR include:
- general anesthesia
- spinal or epidural
- a regional nerve block anesthesia
An anesthesia team will decide on the most suitable options for you but most knee replacement surgery is done using a combination of the above.
Reach Out With Any Final Questions
If you have any final questions about what to expect during your surgery, what recovery will be like or about your risks during knee replacement surgery, now is the time to ask. Were here to support you throughout the knee replacement process.
Give your care team a call. At TRIA, our pre-op nurses want to make sure youre educated and calm before surgery. Well answer your questions and help put your mind at ease. Its important to us that our patients dont have any unanswered questions before their procedures.
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Do I Need A Continuous Passive Motion Machine
In general, no. However, depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may benefit from a CPM. If so, most patients will be started on the CPM on the first post-operative day.
The amount of bend will gradually increase while you are in the hospital. Typically, patients will use the machine for 1-2 hours at a time, 2-3 times a day. Except under rare circumstances, you will not need a CPM when you go home.
Is A Knee Replacement The Best Treatment For Me
If youve been suffering with knee arthritis or injuries, youve probably already tried several treatments. Doctors usually reserve knee replacement until other options have failed to provide relief. You and your doctor may decide its time to consider knee replacement when your knee problems diminish your quality of life. This includes:
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Knee deformity that limits joint motion and causes disability
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Knee pain or stiffness that significantly limits your activities
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Knee pain that is severe or constant, occurring even at rest
Your doctor may order imaging exams, such as X-rays, to gauge the extent of joint damage or degeneration. This can also help you decide whether or not its time for a knee replacement.
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What Activities Will I Be Able To Engage In
Most patients require an assistive device for approximately 3 weeks after knee replacement surgery although this varies significantly from patient to patient.
You will also be able to do low-impact exercise such as riding a stationary bike, walking, and swimming after 68 weeks. Your physical therapist can advise you on introducing new activities during this time.
You should avoid running, jumping, as well as other high-impact activities.
Discuss with your orthopedic surgeon any questions concerning your activities.
Overall Health Review And Checkup
A presurgery checkup will provide clues about the state of your overall health and whether you meet the criteria for a TKR.
It will also help the surgeon know how to best approach the procedure, especially if you have an underlying health condition, such as high blood pressure, blood clotting issues, diabetes, or irregular heart rhythms.
If you have diabetes and other conditions that affect your immune system, your healthcare providers may need to take extra precautions to prevent infections.
If you have a high risk or history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, they may also need to take precautions to ensure blood clots dont develop.
People with additional health needs may also need to stay longer in the hospital.
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Questions For Your Doctor About Knee Replacement Surgery
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Total Joint Replacement: Questions Patients Should Ask Their Surgeon.”
Claudette Lajam, MD, orthopedic surgeon, NYU Langone Medical Center assistant professor of orthopedics, Hospital for Joint Diseases-New York University School of Medicine.
David Lewallen, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Mayo Clinic professor of orthopedics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Charles Nelson, MD, chief of joint replacement, Penn Orthopaedics associate professor of orthopedic surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
From WebMD
Can I Ever Come Back To Sports
The short answer is, yes. With proper rehabilitation, many athletes are able to go back to the playing field. Doctors have even found that patients who exercise, and avoid non-recommended sports showed stronger knee functions than those who avoid exercise and being active after surgery. The reason may be that by exercising, you build up muscles and other structures that support your knee. Athletes are also especially better at correcting their form, and protecting their knee.
While the knee may be back in good form, extra caution is still needed. Some sports, like powerlifting, put too much stress on the knee, and hence these sports or similar activities must be avoided. However, sports like swimming and cycling are recommended by surgeons to help build strength and flexibility. One study found that athletes who underwent TKR were able to return to low impact sports 13 weeks after surgery. Still, it is important to consult with your doctor before going back to any kind of physical activity.
Physical therapy is an important part of recovery. Doctors send patients home with a list of exercises. Sticking to the program is even more important for athletes. Doctors usually tailor an intensive rehabilitation program based on the needs of an athlete.
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The Most Important Questions To Ask Your Knee Replacement Surgeon
01 August 2014
You should never make the decision to proceed with any medical procedure lightly, and the decision to proceed with knee replacement surgery is no different. There are over 700,000 total knee replacement surgeries performed in the U.S. every year. Even though it is such a common procedure, every surgery carries certain risks. If you or a loved one will be having knee replacement surgery, you probably have many questions and concerns. Be certain to address these concerns with your physician before the procedure is scheduled. Remember, you are not just asking questions to get information, you are evaluating your physicians personality and customer service skills.
What Does The Post
Physical therapy usually starts with low-intensity movement. High-impact activities which involve running, jumping and skipping will be ruled out. Fitness enthusiasts may start swimming or cycling on a stationary bike around two months after the operation. Some hospitals may have a specialist in-house rehabilitation team or partner with rehabilitation centres to provide expert physiotherapy and rehabilitation aftercare.
It is worth remembering that the longer a knee replacement is delayed, the more complicated the procedure may become as the condition deteriorates. Second opinions are highly recommended before deciding on a major operation such as knee replacement.
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Questions To Ask Your Knee Surgeon
Posted on:
Improved quality of life, increased mobility, and pain relief are all common results of knee replacement surgery. If you are considering knee replacement, knowing the right questions to ask your doctor is key. As an orthopedic surgeon, my goal is to help my patients understand their anatomy, conditions and treatment options for knee pain.
There are 10 important questions to ask your doctor or orthopedic surgeon, in your journey towards knee replacement:
I Am Constipated What Should I Do
It is very common to have some constipation after surgery. This is due to a number of factors and is aggravated by the need to take narcotic pain medications. Regular physical activity and the return to a healthy, balanced diet with adequate hydration will assist with this. In addition, a simple over the counter stool softener/ laxative may help with the prevention of this problem. In rare cases, you may require a suppository or an enema.
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How Long Will I Be In The Hospital
Most people are in the hospital from 1-2 days. Most patients return directly home after discharge from the hospital. However, there are some patients who live alone, have no available caregivers or who require some additional recovery. These patients may qualify for a short-term rehab stay at an outside facility for further physical therapy.
What Are The Benefits Of Orthopaedic Surgery And How Long Will They Last
Its important that your surgeon also outlines the specific benefits of the surgery for you and how long these will last. Its also wise to ask about published information on the outcomes of the recommended procedure. While double-checking them may be an extra step for you, they are important facts that can help you make an informed decision and also develop realistic expectations about the surgery. For instance, some benefits dont provide long-lasting effects and you would hence require a second procedure.
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How Will I Feel Immediately After The Operation
You are likely to feel drowsy after the operation due to the anaesthetic, and your knee may have a drain attached to get rid of any potential build-up of excess fluid. You will probably be asked to keep your knee elevated. A compression bandage may need to be worn around your leg, and you will no doubt be given intravenous antibiotics to prevent any possible infection from occurring.
Under What Conditions Should I Seek Medical Advice Post
Any condition which is new or out of the ordinary for your total knee is worth at least a phone call, an office visit, or possibly a trip to the Emergency Room. Prolonged fever greater than 102 degrees, increasing or worsening pain in your knee, increasing or worsening redness in your knee, increasing or smelly drainage from your incision, worsening calf pain and swelling, chest pain and shortness of breath are all conditions which warrant immediate medical advice.
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How Do I Maximize My Rehab
What will I be expected to do as part of recovery?
Should I expect to be sore after surgery?
What is your opinion of the CPM machine for my range of motion?
Note: think of this as a litmus test for your surgeon. Be careful If he or she recommends the CPM amidst the overwhelming negative data over the past 45 years This tells you a lot about how current your surgeon is.
Do you believe a patient needs to be in pain to do well in rehab?
How long before I can ride a stationary bike
How long before I am as strong as I was before surgery?
What is your opinion of the X10 Knee Recovery System for post-surgery rehab?
Do you recommend pre-hab work for strength and range of motion before my surgery?
You cannot know everything. Sometimes life just delivers a surprise or two. And I do not think this list is exhaustive. So if you have more questions to ask your knee surgeon to add to this list please contribute a comment. And I will add the good ones to the list. The more you know the better your decisions will be as you make a knee surgery a big success in your life.
To learn how to best prepare for your upcoming knee surgery click here.
Questions To Ask Before Knee Replacement
Every knee replacement is different. Each patient is unique, and patients and doctors face a set of choices before deciding to proceed with surgery. Below are some of the issues patients and doctors may consider before scheduling knee replacement surgery.
Is it time for a knee replacement?People considering knee replacement are advised to consider 3 questions:
- How does knee pain affect my lifestyle?
- Have other treatments been exhausted?
- What are the risks related to not having surgery?
Are there guidelines for selecting an orthopedic surgeon?Choosing a surgeon can be the most important part of the knee replacement process. Choosing a surgeon and a hospital that have dedicated resources and perform a high volume of knee replacements each year can:
- Increase the likelihood of a successful total knee replacement surgery
In addition, the surgical team should have a well-developed plan for post-operative rehabilitation, which may include a self-directed or supervised physical therapy program.
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Questions To Ask Your Orthopedic Surgeon Before Surgery
The goal of orthopaedic treatment is to relieve pain and restore function. In planning your treatment, Dr. LaButti will consider many things, including your age, activity level, and general health. If nonsurgical treatment methods, such as medication and physical therapy, do not relieve your symptoms, surgery will be recommended.
Dr. LaButti will provide you with information to help you prepare for surgery. Never hesitate to ask questions. The following list of questions can help you in your discussions with Dr. LaButti before your surgery.
Understanding the Implant:
- Why did you choose the prosthesis you are planning to give me? How long have you been implanting this device in patients?
- Who manufactures this device? Is this the brand of implant you typically use? Do you have a relationship with the maker of the prosthesis you are implanting?
- What is the typical lifespan of the implant? Is there anything I should know about it? Has this device ever been recalled by the FDA?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of this device compared to others?
- What are your short-term and long-term complication rates for things such as breakage, clicking, the device not working right, and unidentified pain?
Surgical Approach:
- Where will the incision be and what will its size be?
- What type of surgical approach will you take?
- What type of surgical planning will you do?
- Will you use a computer-assisted method?
- How long will the surgery take?
Risks & Complications:
Recovery:
I Would Like To Learn About:
Questions
How do I know if knee replacement surgery will help me?
- Is there any harm in waiting?
- Am I too young or too old for knee replacement?
- What else can be done for knee arthritis besides surgery?
- What is minimally invasive knee replacement surgery?
- Which type of replacement would benefit me?
How much does knee replacement surgery cost?
- How do I find out if my insurance will pay for knee replacement surgery?
- Does insurance cover all of the costs or just some?
- Does it make a difference which hospital I go to?
Is there anything that I can do before the surgery so it will be more successful for me?
- Are there exercises I should do to make my muscles stronger?
- Should I learn to use crutches or a walker before I have the surgery?
- Do I need to lose weight before surgery?
- Where can I get help quitting cigarettes or not drinking alcohol if I need to?
How can I get my home ready before I even go to the hospital?
- How much help will I need when I come home? Will I be able to get out of bed?
- How can I make my home safer for me?
- How can I make my home so it is easier to get around and do things?
- How can I make it easier for myself in the bathroom and shower?
- What type of supplies will I need when I get home?
- Do I need to rearrange my home?
- What should I do if there are steps that go to my bedroom or bathroom?
What are the risks or complications of the surgery?
What will the surgery be like?
What will my stay in the hospital be like?
What should I do the night before my surgery?
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