A Major Decision About Your Knees

For hundreds of thousands of knee replacement patients, the procedure can be life-changing. At the same time, knee replacement is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. Before considering knee replacement, potential patients should understand the procedure’s inner workings and the long-term benefits and risks. A knee replacement is a surgical procedure that removes damaged or diseased bone and cartilage to install a replacement prosthesis. Knee replacements are ideal for older individuals with chronic, debilitating knee pain caused by arthritis, former injuries, or severe knee deformity. At the same time, some individuals are skeptical about the procedure and have many questions. Surgeons during consultations often get at least 1 of these 3 important questions.

1. How long will my joint last?

Modern knee replacements have come a long way, becoming lighter, more precise, and customized to each patient’s unique anatomy. In the past, knee replacements were expected to last a maximum of 10 years. Advancements mean knee replacements last 15 years or longer. The longevity of knee replacements depends on multiple factors. These include patient weight, post-surgery activities, lifestyle, and overall joint health. Doctors will recommend patients continue with exercise, but avoid high-impact activities that can accelerate wear and tear. Most patients who choose knee replacements enjoy fantastic results for many years.

2. What will recovery look like?

Knee replacement surgery is the start of a sometimes-lengthy recovery process. Patients who commit to recovery often enjoy fantastic results and have mobility that far exceeds previous efforts. Recovery starts almost immediately after surgery with 1-2 weeks of rest and wound management. This period of recovery also marks the beginning of physical therapy (PT), where patients rely on exercises and stretches to restore function. Done over several weeks, PT helps the body acclimate to the prosthetic, boosts strength, and improves range of motion. Most patients can resume normal activities after 3 months, but in many cases, a complete recovery can take 6-12 months.

3. Are there any risks?

Knee replacements have high success and satisfaction rates. At the same time, surgery is not without some degree of risk. The most common challenges of post-surgery include infection, bleeding, postoperative pain, and stiffness. More significant risks include blood clots or replacements becoming loose over time. The surgeon will discuss these risks and strive to minimize complications. Using techniques like minimally invasive surgery (MIS) limits these complications significantly.

Make the right choice

Navigating knee replacement can be challenging, but with the right questions, potential patients can feel at ease. One of the benefits of knee replacements is that surgeons can create custom solutions to meet the needs of patients. Some surgeons may recommend a partial knee replacement while others may suggest total knee replacement (TKR) for better results. Strategies like MIS and robotic-arm-assisted surgery make the procedure seem seamless and even more effective. During an initial consultation, do not hesitate to ask questions and get clarification. The right procedure can be transformative, helping patients have a new lease on life.