How Long Replacements Last
Most knee replacements last several decades, some longer. However, there are also times when a knee replacement needs to be redone after years or even just months. Understanding why a knee replacement has worn out is critical to performing a successful revision knee replacement.
The average knee replacement lasts more than two decades, but there are reports of implants lasting longer, and new materials and surgical techniques are hoped to provide even longer-lasting knee replacements. That said, there are times when knee replacements may last a very short time, even in otherwise healthy patients. A small percentage of patients end up needing their knee replacement revised within a few years of their initial surgery.
Pain After Total Knee Replacement
You will experience some postsurgical pain in the area that has been operated on after your knee replacement. This is normal and you will be prescribed medications by your surgeon to attempt to control your pain and bring it within tolerable levels. It is important to remember that, at this stage, it is unrealistic to expect that there will be no pain and so a small amount of soreness in and around the knee is normal. It will take one to two weeks for the postsurgical pain to dissipate however, this does not indicate that the knee has fully healed.
There will be some discomfort in the knee up to around 6 weeks following the surgery and in some patients, this may even persist up to 3 months following the surgery. The pain is caused by a number of factors including the muscles around the knee recovering from the surgery and regaining strength that they have lost as a result of the surgery, as well as other tissues around the knee healing and getting used to the new biomechanics of the knee joint.
How Do You Know If You Need Knee Replacement Surgery
Each patient is unique, which is why it is essential to schedule an examination and testing with an experienced sports medicine doctor. Our team will determine a diagnosis before deciding if you need to schedule a date for surgery. The preference is always to use minimally-invasive treatments first before surgery is necessary.
But there are times when surgery is required. Whether the minimally-invasive treatments arent working, or youve had a severe injury, you might need to schedule surgery to achieve the recovery you desire.
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Is A Knee Replacement Right For Me
Your consultant may recommend a knee replacement if:
- your knee pain is so severe that you cant sleep at night
- youre having trouble walking
- youve tried alternative treatments and they havent helped
While most people who have a knee replacement are between 60 and 80 with the average age at 69 years many younger patients also benefit from surgery.
The decision to carry out a knee replacement is made jointly between you, your GP and your surgeon. There’s almost never an absolute indication for knee replacement surgery, but ultimately the decision is yours.
Complex Or Revision Knee Replacement
This surgery is most suitable for people with severe arthritis. People who are undergoing knee surgery more than once due to failure of the prosthetic knee joint should use this surgery. After many surgeries, a major part of the bone is lost. The surgeons have to arrange specialized prosthetic parts with the bigger stem. It means that the prosthetic cartilage will stay firmly on the bone. In some situations, these surgeons may arrange some metal or plastic to fill the gaps in the bones. If you have severe arthritis, it is better to choose complex surgery first to avoid replacement failure.
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Walk Away From Knee Replacement Surgery
A study from researchers at the University of Delaware in Newark found that people who have osteoarthritis in their knees can reduce their risk of knee replacement surgery in the years to come by doing something so simple
Walking more.
The study included 1,854 people who had their walking habits monitored for five years. And they noticed something pretty cool for people with arthritic knees
Replacing five minutes of non-walking time with five minutes of moderate to vigorous walking per day reduced the chance of having knee replacement surgery by 16 percent.
This simple walking swap worked for radiographic osteoarthritis and symptomatic arthritis.
The bad news is, it didnt work when people did their walking at a lighter pace. They had to walk at a moderate to vigorous pace to reduce their risk of surgery.
But hey most people can handle moderate to vigorous walking for five to ten minutes. And thats all it takes to make a sizable dent in your risk for knee surgery.
Who Might Need A Knee Replacement
Knee surgery may be suitable for patients who experience:
- Severe knee pain or stiffness that prevents them from carrying out everyday tasks and activities, such as walking, going upstairs, getting in and out of cars, getting up from a chair
- Moderate but continuous knee pain that continues while sleeping or resting
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve after taking medications or resting
- Knee deformity, where there is a noticeable arch on the inside or outside of the knee
- Depression, resulting from an inability to carry out daily or social activities
If the other available treatment options have not worked, surgery may be the best option.
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Your Condition Could Get Worse As Your Joint Deteriorates
The leading cause of knee replacement is osteoarthritis. If you wait too long to have surgery, you put yourself at risk of experiencing an increasing deformity of the knee joint. As your condition worsens, your body may have to compensate by placing additional strain on other parts of the body . This could lead to stress or pain in the back, knee, or other parts of the body.
Who Needs Knee Revision Surgery
A knee revision may be necessary for anyone whose prosthetic knee implant fails due to injury or wear, or who gets an infection in the area around implant.
In elderly people who have a knee replacement, the artificial knee implants may last for life. But in younger patients, especially those who maintain an active lifestyle, knee prostheses may eventually fail, requiring a second replacement later in life.
The most common reasons people for knee revision are:
- Infection: The risk of infection from a total knee replacement is less than 1%, but when infections do occur, a knee revision of one kind or another is necessary.
- Instability: This occurs when the soft tissues around the knee are unable to provide the stability necessary for adequate function while standing or walking.
- Stiffness: In some patients, excessive scar tissue may build up around the knee and prevents the joint from moving fully.
- Wear and tear: This can include loosening or breakage of prosthesis components due to friction over time.
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How Has Joint Replacement Surgery Changed
Change is a constant in orthopedic surgery. It keeps the job interesting! I put a lot of thought into using new techniques and technologies in the treatments I offer. Before changing something that has worked well in my hands, or offering patients something new, it is critical to study and evaluate these new techniques and technologies to understand risk and potential benefit to patients.
I do, however, believe it is our responsibility to evaluate and offer new treatments and try new things because it is in the best interest of patients to practice at the state of the art. If we get stuck doing the same thing over and over again, we will never improve, we will never move medicine forward.
How Do I Prepare For Knee Replacement Surgery
In order to prepare for knee replacement surgery, your doctor will discuss the risks of surgery, suggest other appointments youll need to make, let you know what drugs you need to stop taking leading up to your surgery and inform you of what you should bring with you to the hospital.
Your doctor will give you more specific instructions depending on your particular conditions.
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Driving After A Knee Replacement
You should be able to start driving again after about 68 weeks, as long as you can operate the pedals and control your car in all situations. Any earlier than this and your reaction times may be too slow, particularly for emergency stops. Always check with your insurance company and your doctor first.
Knee Replacement Surgery Shouldnt Be Your First Line Of Treatment
Even if your knee pain is significant, most doctors will recommend non-operative treatment options before recommending knee replacement surgery. This might include weight loss, an exercise regimen, medications, cortisone or other injection therapies, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, such as a meniscectomy, or bracing.
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What Can I Do To Help My Recovery After Knee Replacement
Soon after surgery, you will be able to walk with a cane or a walker. But you will need help with everyday activities, such as:
- Bathing.
- Cooking.
- Shopping.
Plan ahead to have a friend or loved one help you after surgery, or tell your healthcare provider if youll need help.
Your recovery will also be easier and safer if you adjust your home ahead of time. Things to consider include:
- Bench or chair in the shower, as well as secure safety bars.
- No tripping hazards, like cords and loose carpets.
- Secure handrails along any stairs if you use stairs.
- Stable chair with a back, two arms and a firm seat cushion, along with a footstool to elevate your leg.
- AVOID reclining chairs as they DO NOT allow for proper elevation of your post surgical leg.
Technical Details Of Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery begins by performing a sterile preparation of the skin over the knee to prevent infection. This is followed by inflation of a tourniquet to prevent blood loss during the operation.
Next, a well-positioned skin incision–typically 6-7 in length though this varies with the patients size and the complexity of the knee problem–is made down the front of the knee and the knee joint is inspected.
Next, specialized alignment rods and cutting jigs are used to remove enough bone from the end of the femur , the top of the tibia , and the underside of the patella to allow placement of the joint replacement implants. Proper sizing and alignment of the implants, as well as balancing of the knee ligaments, all are critical for normal post-operative function and good pain relief. Again, these steps are complex and considerable experience in total knee replacement is required in order to make sure they are done reliably, case after case. Provisional implant components are placed without bone cement to make sure they fit well against the bones and are well aligned. At this time, good function–including full flexion , extension , and ligament balance–is verified.
Finally, the bone is cleaned using saline solution and the joint replacement components are cemented into place using polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. The surgical incision is closed using stitches and staples.
Anesthetic
Length of total knee replacement surgery
Pain and pain management
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Theraband Ankle Dorsiflexion In Sitting
- Sit on a sturdy chair
- Wrap the middle of the band around the foot of your exercising leg
- Bring the ends of the band under your opposite foot and step on them for stability
- Hold the ends of the band in your opposite hand
- Lift your foot upward against the bands resistance
- Hold, slowly return, and repeat
- When youve finished your repetitions on one leg, switch to the opposite leg and repeat
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.
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How Does Partial Knee Replacement Differ From Total Knee Replacement
Most arthroplasties target the entire knee joint, an operation called a total knee replacement. But some people choose to have a partial knee replacement.
To understand the difference, it helps to know the knees compartments, or sections. It has three:
- Inside .
- Outside .
- Under the kneecap .
The partial approach fixes a single section. So healthcare providers call it unicompartmental replacement. A total knee replacement addresses all three sections. Generally, only younger adults with symptoms in one knee section benefit from partial replacement.
What Type Of Pain Medication Will I Take After My Total Knee Replacement
Most patients require some form of narcotic analgesic in the early postoperative period after their surgery. Each patient is different in how they respond to this type of pain medication and while others may have been prescribed one medication, this may not work the same for you as it did for them. As such, the first line medication may be different to a family member or friend to whom you have spoken who has already had their knee replaced. We usually use medications such as hydromorphone and oxycodone in conjunction with medications such as Tylenol.
You are able to take these two medications together as their mechanism of action is different. It is important to remember that these medications do have side effects and experiencing nausea, constipation or drowsiness are all recognized side effects of narcotic analgesics. It is important to stick to the dosing schedule that your physician has indicated to you and that your pharmacist will reiterate to you at the time of filling your prescription.
Taking too many narcotic analgesics can result in worsening side effects without the benefit of improved pain relief and can even depress your respiratory drive causing you to breathe slower or stop breathing altogether. As such, it is essential that you do not exceed the maximum indicated dose on your prescription or medication container.
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Other Forms Of Treatment
Without replacement surgery, a severely osteoarthritic knee joint may continue to deteriorate until it is impossible to go about your normal daily activities, such as standing up, walking or getting up from a seated position. Other forms of treatment include:
- The use of walking aids, such as frames or walking sticks
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroid injections
- Other surgery, such as osteotomy an operation in which diseased bone is cut away in an attempt to properly align the malformed joint.
Knee Replacements: When Do You Need One & What You Should Know
Knee replacement is generally a last resort option, but if you have constant pain or are severely limited, it might be a necessity. The good news is that knee replacement surgeries are very common and have been proven highly successful in relieving pain and other debilitating symptoms.
There are several reasons for getting knee replacement surgery, as painful or functionally limited knees are often a symptom of an underlying issue. Because of this, you should always consult with a orthopaedic surgeon for a reliable diagnosis and recommendation on next steps.
If you have consulted with an orthopaedist and have been told that a knee replacement is indeed the recommended next step, read below to learn more about what you should consider before moving forward.
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How Soon Will I Be Up And About
The staff will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If you have had minimally invasive surgery or are on an enhanced recovery programme, you may be able to walk on the same day as your operation. Generally, you will be helped to stand within 12-24 hours after your operation.
Walking with a frame or crutches is encouraged. Most people are able to walk independently with sticks after about a week but this can vary depending on the individual.
During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation. It is important to follow the physiotherapist’s advice to avoid complications or dislocation of your new joint.
It is normal to experience initial discomfort while walking and exercising, and your legs and feet may be swollen.
You may be put on a passive motion machine to restore movement in your knee and leg. This support will slowly move your knee while you are in bed. It helps to decrease swelling by keeping your leg raised and helps improve your circulation.
Is Partial Knee Replacement An Option
The knee is divided into three compartments:
- the medial compartment
- the lateral compartment
- the patellofemoral compartment
If you have a problem in only one of the three compartments, you may be able to have what is called a partial knee replacement. Since only one area of the knee is resurfaced, recovery from partial knee replacement is faster. Because many patients have arthritis in more than one knee compartment, the majority of people who undergo knee replacement surgery about 90% need to have all three compartments resurfaced. This is called a total knee replacement, or total knee arthroplasty.
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When Is The Best Time
If you have heard that you might benefit from surgery, it is worth considering doing it sooner rather than later.
However, it may not be possible to have surgery at once. Consider the following factors when deciding on a date:
- Will there be someone to take you to and from the hospital?
- Will someone be able to help you with meals and other daily activities during recovery?
- Can you get the date of your choice locally, or will you need to go further afield? If so, will you be able to return easily to the hospital for follow-up appointments?
- Is your accommodation set up for moving around easily, or would you be better off staying with a family member for a few days?
- Can you find someone to help with children, pets, and other dependents for the first few days?
- How much will it cost, and how soon can you get the funding?
- Can you get time off work for the dates you need?
- Will the date fit in with your caregivers schedule?
- Will the surgeon or doctor be around for follow up, or will they be going on vacation soon after?
- Is it best to choose the summer, when you can wear lighter clothes for comfort during recovery?
- Depending on where you live, there may also be a risk of ice and snow in winter. This can make it hard to get out for exercise.
You may need to spend 13 days in the hospital after surgery, and it can take 6 weeks to get back to normal activities. Most people can drive again after 36 weeks.
It is worth considering these points when deciding on the best time to go ahead.