Who Is Offered Knee Replacement Surgery
A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, have not reduced pain or improved mobility.
You may be offered knee replacement surgery if:
- you have severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your knee joint and your mobility is reduced
- your knee pain is so severe that it interferes with your quality of life and sleep
- everyday tasks, such as shopping or getting out of the bath, are difficult or impossible
- you’re feeling depressed because of the pain and lack of mobility
- you cannot work or have a social life
You’ll also need to be well enough to cope with both a major operation and the rehabilitation afterwards.
Knee Ligament Repair/reconstruction Surgery Cost
- Which Circle hospital you receive treatment in
- The reason why you are getting this treatment, and
- Your individual healthcare needs.
The cost includes all your hospital visits, such as initial consultation, the surgery and recovery afterwards when you are an inpatient. We provide high-quality care throughout and we reflect that within our costs.
We also understand that your treatment needs to be tailored to your needs, both physical and emotional. This no one-size-fits-all approach means that the cost of knee replacement surgery often varies from person to person.
What Happens During Knee Arthroplasty
The day of surgery, you will receive anesthesia to prevent pain during the operation. You will have either a regional or general anesthetic. Your anesthesia team will decide what type of anesthesia is right for you.
Knee arthroplasty takes about an hour or two. The surgical team will:
- Make an incision in the knee area.
- Remove any damaged cartilage and bone.
- Place the knee implant and position it properly.
- Secure the implant into place using cement or without cement.
- Insert a piece of polyethylene that creates a smooth, gliding surface between the metal parts of the implant.
- Close the incision.
You May Like: Inversion Table For Knee Pain
Immediately After The Operation
After the operation, you can expect:
- Your knee is covered with a dressing and a drainage tube removes excess fluids from the wound.
- You are monitored by nursing staff who regularly check your vital signs .
- You are given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
- You are given medications to thin your blood and reduce the risk of clots both during and after the operation.
- Strong pain relief can be given via an epidural or drip.
- You can start eating again on the second day after your operation.
- Nurses encourage you to move your feet and bend your other leg as soon as you can this helps to reduce the risk of clot formation.
- You are encouraged to walk around on the second day after surgery.
- Physiotherapists show you how to perform knee exercises.
- Occupational therapists advise you on how to best modify your home to make daily life easier during your recovery .
- Knee replacement surgery without complications usually involves a seven to 10 day hospital stay.
- Your stitches are removed about 10 days after surgery.
What Can I Expect From The Procedure
Before the procedure, you might have your knee shaved if required, youll be asked to remove any jewellery, and to wear a hospital gown. Well discuss the method of anaesthesia required with a highly trained anaesthesiologist, before entering the operating theatre for your surgery.
After the anaesthetist has administered regional or general anaesthesia, over the course of approximately two hours, several small incisions will be made in the course of an arthroscopic surgery, allowing a graft or autograft to be made. The graft is passed up to the tibia or femur, and screws or posts are used to secure it in place.
Youll stay in a recovery room for at least two hours following the procedure, allowing the anaesthetic some time to wear off and for us to ensure that the procedure has been a success. After that, youre free to go home and rest, and well advise you on when you can go back to work and the best way to ensure a full and fast recovery.
Read Also: How Do I Get Rid Of Fat Around My Knees
When A Knee Replacement Is Needed
Knee replacement surgery is usually necessary when the knee joint is worn or damaged so that your mobility is reduced and you are in pain even while resting.
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Other health conditions that cause knee damage include:
- knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage
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.
Don’t Miss: Nano Knee Surgery Cost
Are There Any Reasons Why I Cant Have A Knee Replacement
Unfortunately, some people may not be able to have a knee replacement even though their arthritis is very bad. This may be because:
- your thigh muscles are very weak and may not be able to support your new knee joint
- there are deep or long-lasting open sores in the skin below your knee, increasing your risk of infection.
Getting Back To Normal
It will be some weeks before you recover from your operation and start to feel the benefits of your new knee joint. Make sure you have no major commitments including long-haul air travel for the first six weeks after the operation.
Keeping up your exercises will make a big difference to your recovery time. Youll probably need painkillers as the exercise can be painful at first. Gradually youll be able to build up the exercises to strengthen your muscles so that you can move more easily.
Also Check: How Much Does Aflac Pay For Knee Surgery
What Happens In Acl Surgery
Most ACL surgery uses a minimally-invasive approach, with very small incisions and special surgical instruments. During the procedure, Dr. Van Thiel removes the torn ligament and replaces it with a tendon graft. The graft comes from another location in your knee or from a donor. Dr. Van Thiel makes small holes in your thigh bone and shin bone, then anchors the tendon graft with screws or another type of surgical anchor. Like knee replacement surgery, ACL reconstruction takes about two hours.
Similar Conditions That Affect The Knee
Meniscus tear
Sometimes patients with knee pain don’t have arthritis at all. Each knee has two rings of cartilage called “menisci” . The menisci work similarly to shock absorbers in a car.
Menisci may be torn acutely in a fall or as the result of other trauma or they may develop degenerative tears from wear-and-tear over many years. Patients with meniscus tears experience pain along the inside or outside of the knee. Sometimes the pain is worse with deep squatting or twisting. Popping and locking of the knee are also occasional symptoms of meniscus tears.
Since some of these symptoms may be present with arthritis and the treatment of arthritis is different from that of meniscus tears, it is important to make the correct diagnosis. A good orthopedic surgeon can distinguish the two conditions by taking a thorough history, performing a careful physical examination, and by obtaining imaging tests. X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans may be helpful in distinguishing these two conditions.
Knee Joint Infections
Also called infectious arthritis or septic arthritis, a joint infection is a severe problem that requires emergent medical attention. If not treated promptly knee infections can cause rapid destruction of the joint. In the worst cases they can become life-threatening.Symptoms of a knee joint infection include:
- severe pain
- fevers and
Again, a joint infection is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Recommended Reading: Knees Crack When Doing Squats
What Is Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is corrective surgery to repair the body due to birth defects, disease or trauma. It is usually performed for the purpose of returning function to the body, but can also be used to improve the appearance of a person, particularly in the case of trauma or birth defects.
Some examples of circumstances that would call for this type of surgery include the following:
- Repairing scar tissue from burns or other trauma
- Repairing a cleft palate or lip
- Reduction of breasts
- Reconstruction of breasts after a mastectomy
- Reconstruction of knees or elbows from sports injuries
- Reconstruction of facial features after trauma
- Reconstruction to correct overly large or deformed ears in children
- Reattachment of fingers or limbs
- Removal of tumors or skin cancers
- Repairing crushed bones
Reconstructive surgery differs from cosmetic surgery in that cosmetic surgery does not correct abnormalities. Even when elected for aesthetic reasons, a reconstructive operation is usually done to correct an abnormality.
One of the most pervasive uses of this type of surgery is in professional sports. Contact sports like football and soccer often result in many injuries that can only be effectively repaired through surgery. It can be required to repair injuries to the knees and shoulders, or for broken facial bones.
Types Of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement can be total or partial.
Total knee replacement : Surgery involves the replacement of both sides of the knee joint. It is the most common procedure.
Surgery lasts between 1 and 3 hours. The individual will have less pain and better mobility, but there will be scar tissue, which can make it difficult to move and bend the knees.
Partial knee replacement : Partial replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint. Less bone is removed, so the incision is smaller, but it does not last as long as a total replacement.
PKR is suitable for people with damage to only one part of the knee. Post-operative rehabilitation is more straightforward, there is less blood loss and a lower risk of infection and blood clots.
The hospital stay and recovery period are normally shorter, and there is a higher chance of more natural movement.
Read Also: Inversion Table Knee Pain
Fall Risk Post Total Knee Arthroplasty
With osteoarthritis being the number one reason for TKA surgery, it is important to understand that balance deficits significantly impact the quality of daily living in patients with knee OA and are also linked to greater risk of falling and poor mobility. Annually in the US, 40% of all patients with OA report a history of falls. TKA surgery has shown to decrease fall risk and fear of falling in pre-operative fallers with OA to non-operative fallers by 54% following TKA.
What Is Knee Reconstruction Surgery
Knee reconstruction surgery, also known as ACL reconstruction, is a procedure used to restore stability to a knee that has sustained a torn ligament. The anterior cruciate ligament is essential for proper knee function and, when torn, can substantially destabilize the knee, causing discomfort and impairing one’s ability to participate in everyday activities. There are risks associated with knee reconstruction surgery, including issues with graft placement or acceptance and infection, and these should be considered prior to scheduling surgery.
The anterior cruciate ligament is considered one of two major ligaments responsible for proper knee function and versatility. Covering the front of the knee joint, including portions of the femur and tibia, the ACL governs the knee’s ability to bend, turn, and flex as needed for everyday activities, such as walking and running. In the event the ACL is injured or torn, the knee may buckle, compromising the tibia and the surrounding cartilage. The extent of the injury and its impact on knee function generally determines whether or not knee reconstruction surgery is warranted. If the ACL tear is substantial or its effects chronically compromise knee function, knee reconstruction surgery may be performed.
You May Like: Dcf Knee Compression Sleeve
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement surgery replaces a damaged knee joint with artificial joint components. These components are made from state-of-the-art materials using advanced technology and materials for durability and strength. The artificial joint components work together, just like your natural joint parts.
Advantages Of Knee Arthroscopy
- Less bleeding during surgery
Read Also: Bioknee Cost
What Is Reconstructive Knee Surgery
The knee is made up of several types of tissues and bones that must all function properly to keep the joint healthy. One of the most important collection of tissues is the anterior cruciate ligament , which is located in the center of the knee. This ligament helps hold the bones of the knee together, and it can become severely damaged if it is twisted beyond its means. Reconstructive knee surgery may be necessary to repair the ligament and to restore normal movement to the knee. The ACL can sometimes heal without surgery, so this process is usually reserved for the most severe injuries.
Three types of reconstructive knee surgery exist: open surgery, arthroscopy, and a combination of both. The most severe ACL injuries will require open surgery, in which an incision is made in the skin, allowing the surgeon to directly access the torn tissues in need of replacement or repair. An arthroscopic surgery is far less invasive, and most ACL injuries can be treated with this type of reconstructive knee surgery. A small incision is made near the knee, and a drill is used to cut through the bone so the surgeon can access the ACL. Sometimes a combination of both types of surgery are necessary to completely repair the knee.
The Right Treatment For Your Knee Pain
Total knee replacement surgery and ACL surgery are just two options for treating acute and chronic knee pain. With offices located in both Rockford, IL, and Algonquin, IL, Dr. Van Thiel is skilled in an array of state-of-the-art knee treatments aimed at helping his Algonquin and Rockford patients feel their best. To learn whats causing your knee pain and how to relieve it, contact OrthoIllinois and request an appointment with Dr. Van Thiel today.
You May Like: Where To Get Knee High Converse
Nerve And Other Tissue Damage
There’s a small risk that the ligaments, arteries or nerves will be damaged during surgery.
- Fewer than 1 in 100 patients have nerve damage and this usually improves gradually in time.
- About 1 in 100 have some ligament damage this is either repaired during the operation or protected by a brace while it heals.
- About 1 in 1,000 suffer damage to arteries that usually needs further surgery to repair.
- In about 1 in 5,000 cases blood flow in the muscles around the new joint is reduced . This usually also needs surgery to correct the problem.
Problems With Knee Implants
Knee implants continue to get more sophisticated, but they are not perfect. They can wear down over time or may come loose from the bone. Scar tissue can grow around an implant, limiting its range of motion. And even when they work well, implants can cause a clicking sound as the knee bends back and forth.
Don’t Miss: Inversion Table Benefits For Knees
Lateral Release Knee Surgery
This surgical technique is used to remove the tissue on the outside of the knee that holds the knee cap in place. If the lateral retinaculum is too tight, it can pull the patella laterally and cause pain. If the pain persists, the doctor may choose to release the lateral retinaculum to allow for improved patellar tracking.
Total Knee Replacement Facts
- Patients with severe destruction of the knee joint associated with progressive pain and impaired function may be candidates for total knee replacement.
- Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement operation in the U.S.
- Risks of total knee replacement surgery have been identified.
- Physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation after total knee replacement.
- Patients with artificial joints are recommended to take antibiotics before, during, and after any elective invasive procedures .
You May Like: Roller Knee Walker
Outlook For Knee Replacement
While some activities are off-limits after a knee replacement, you still have plenty of others to choose from. Unlimited walking, golf, light hiking, cycling, ballroom dancing, and swimming are all safe for most people with knee implants. By following your doctor’s guidelines, you can expect long-lasting results — about 85% of knee replacements will last 20 years.
How Is A Total Knee Replacement Performed
First, the orthopedic surgeon makes an incision in the knee and moves the patella to the side. If are any bone spurs are present, as sometimes occurs in osteoarthritis, they will be removed.
Next, the two menisci between the femur and tibia are removed, as are the anterior cruciate ligament and, in some cases, the posterior cruciate ligament . In some types of knee replacement, the PCL is retained.
During the main phase of the operation, the surgeon cuts and remove cartilage and some bone from the upper part of the tibia and lower sections of the femur. The femoral sections removed are two knobby protuberances called the femoral condyles. The tibia and femur are then be capped with metal implants to create new surfaces for the joint. The surface of the femoral component mimics the shape of the original femoral condyles. If the kneecap has also degraded, the surface on its underside may also be cut away and replaced with a polyethylene implant.
Finally, the various layers of tissue are repaired with dissolvable sutures and the skin incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples. A bandage will be wrapped around the knee and the patient is be taken to recovery.
Fixed-bearing knee implant with a polyethylene articulating surface sandwiched between the metal tibial implant and metal femoral implant.
Side-view illustration of a knee with a fixed-bearing knee implant in place.
X-ray of a knee after total knee replacement, showing the implanted prosthesis)
Don’t Miss: Does Tommie Copper Knee Sleeve Work