What Happens During a Knee Replacement Procedure?
Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making simple activities like walking up stairs or getting out of a chair challenging. When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, knee replacement surgery may be the solution you need to regain mobility and reduce pain. Understanding what happens during this procedure can help ease anxiety and prepare you for a successful recovery.
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures performed today, with over 600,000 Americans receiving knee replacements annually. The surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components made of metal and plastic. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function following the procedure.
Whether you're considering knee replacement or have already scheduled your surgery, knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident about your decision. This comprehensive guide walks you through each phase of the knee replacement process, from pre-surgery preparation to what happens in the operating room.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before your knee replacement procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure you're a good candidate for surgery. This assessment typically includes reviewing your medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans.
During your pre-operative consultation, your surgeon will explain the specific type of knee replacement recommended for your condition. Total knee replacement involves replacing both the femoral (thigh bone) and tibial (shin bone) surfaces of the joint, while partial knee replacement only addresses the damaged portion of the knee.
Your medical team will also provide important pre-surgery instructions. These may include stopping certain medications, arranging for post-operative care at home, and completing any necessary medical clearances. Many patients benefit from attending pre-operative education classes to learn about the procedure and recovery process.
Anesthesia and Positioning
On the day of surgery, you'll be taken to the operating room where the anesthesia team will administer either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia such as a spinal block. Regional anesthesia allows you to remain conscious but completely numb from the waist down, while general anesthesia puts you to sleep during the entire procedure.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgical team positions you on the operating table with your knee accessible to the surgeon. Your leg is carefully positioned and secured to provide optimal access to the knee joint while maintaining proper alignment throughout the procedure.
The surgical site is thoroughly cleaned and draped with sterile coverings to maintain a sterile environment. This preparation is crucial for preventing infection and ensuring the best possible surgical outcome.
The Surgical Procedure
The knee replacement procedure typically takes between one to two hours, depending on the complexity of your case and whether you're receiving a total or partial replacement. Your orthopedic surgeon begins by making an incision over the front of your knee, usually 6 to 10 inches long.
After accessing the knee joint, the surgeon carefully removes damaged cartilage from the ends of the femur and tibia, as well as a small amount of underlying bone. Special cutting guides ensure precise bone cuts that will accommodate the new artificial joint components.
The surgeon then places the new knee components, which consist of a metal femoral component that caps the end of the thighbone and a metal tibial component that covers the top of the shinbone. A plastic spacer is inserted between these metal components to provide smooth gliding motion. In most cases, the kneecap is also resurfaced with a plastic component.
Before closing the incision, your surgeon tests the new joint to ensure proper fit, alignment, and range of motion. The artificial components may be secured with bone cement or designed to allow your bone to grow into them over time, depending on your age, activity level, and bone quality.
Recovery in the Operating Room
After the new knee components are in place and functioning properly, your surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples. A sterile dressing is applied to protect the surgical site, and in some cases, a drain may be placed to remove excess fluid during the initial healing period.
As the procedure concludes, the anesthesia team begins the process of waking you up if you received general anesthesia, or the effects of regional anesthesia will gradually wear off over several hours. Your vital signs are closely monitored throughout this transition period.
The surgical team will transfer you to the recovery room, where nurses continue monitoring your condition as you wake up fully. Pain management begins immediately, with medications administered to keep you comfortable during the initial recovery phase.
Immediate Post-Operative Period
Recovery room nurses monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and surgical site for several hours following your procedure. Physical therapy often begins within hours of surgery, with a therapist helping you perform gentle exercises and potentially taking your first steps with your new knee.
Most patients remain in the hospital for one to three days following knee replacement surgery. During this time, your medical team focuses on pain management, preventing complications such as blood clots, and beginning the rehabilitation process that will continue for several months.
Your orthopedic surgeon will visit regularly to check your progress and ensure your new knee is healing properly. Before discharge, you'll receive detailed instructions for home care, including wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of potential complications to watch for.
Taking the Next Step
Knee replacement surgery can provide significant relief from chronic knee pain and restore your ability to enjoy daily activities. The procedure has evolved considerably over the years, with improved surgical techniques and better artificial joint materials leading to excellent long-term outcomes for most patients.
If you're considering knee replacement or want to learn more about your treatment options for knee pain, consulting with an experienced orthopedic surgeon is the first step toward getting back to the activities you love.
If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Orange City, FL, contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today for more information. Our experienced team specializes in knee replacement procedures and can help you determine if surgery is right for your situation.