Knee replacement surgery also known as knee arthroplasty it is performed to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.

To know whether a knee replacement is right for patient or not, an orthopedic surgeon assesses the knee's range of motion, stability and strength. X-rays help determine the extent of damage.

Doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering the ge, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.

Why Total Knee Replacement is performed

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People having problems in walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chair, need knee replacement. Some also have knee pain at rest.

What are the risks of knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery, like any other surgery, has the following risks:

• Blood clots and Infection

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Nerve damage

Signs of infection

Inform the doctor immediately if there is high fever, shaking chills, drainage from the surgical site, pain, swelling, tenderness and increasing redness in knee.

In case of infected knee replacement it requires surgery to remove the artificial parts and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. After the infection is cleared, another surgery is performed to install a new knee.

Artificial knees - Another risk of knee replacement surgery is failure of the artificial joint. Daily use wears on even the strongest metal and plastic parts. Joint failure risk is higher if stress the joint with high-impact activities or excessive weight.

Preparations for Total Knee Replacement

Doctor would advise the patient to stop taking certain medications and dietary supplements before the surgery. It is instructed not to eat anything after midnight the day of surgery.

For the first few weeks patient might need to use crutches or a walker, so arrange for them before the surgery. Make sure the patient have an attendant to ride home from the hospital and help with everyday tasks, such as cooking, bathing and doing laundry. Patient need to make home safer and easier to navigate during recovery.

What you can expect from the surgery

Knee replacement surgery is done under general anesthesia. Doctor will decide on the type of anesthesia. Patient will be given an intravenous antibiotic before, during and after the procedure to help prevent post-surgical infection. Patient might also be given a nerve block around the knee to numb it. The numbness wears off gradually after the procedure.

During the procedure

Knee will be in a bent position to expose all surfaces of the joint. After making an incision about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) long, the surgeon moves aside the kneecap and cuts away the damaged joint surfaces.

After preparing the joint surfaces, the surgeon attaches the pieces of the artificial joint. Before closing the incision, he or she bends and rotates the knee, testing it to ensure proper function. The surgery takes about two hours.

After the procedure

Patient will be taken to a recovery room for one to two hours, then he/she will be moved to the hospital room, where the patient is to likely stay for a couple of days. Medications prescribed by the doctor should help control pain.

During the hospital stay, patient will be encouraged to move the foot and ankle, which increases blood flow to the leg muscles and helps prevent swelling and blood clots. Blood thinners are given and wear support hose or compression boots to further protect against swelling and clotting. Patient will be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase the activity level.

The day after surgery, a physiotherapist will show how to exercise the new knee. Patient has to continue physiotherapy at home or at a center. Do the exercises regularly, as per the instructions. For the best recovery, follow all of the instructions given in discharge note concerning wound care, diet and exercise.