What to Expect Before, During, & After a Total Knee Replacement

Are you living with severe pain and limited mobility? Total knee replacement surgery might be the life-changing medical procedure you’ve been seeking. However, surgery in any capacity can be a little nerve-wracking. This guide aims to provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect to alleviate some of that stress! Knowing what to anticipate before, during, and after a total knee replacement can help you through this procedure with confidence! Here are the ins and outs of total knee replacement surgery and everything you need to know.

Complete Knee Replacement: What to Anticipate Before, During, and After

Preoperative Phase

Before undergoing a total knee replacement, several essential steps and preparations are typically involved:

Your orthopedic surgeon will first do a full diagnostic workup, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and any necessary diagnostic imaging or laboratory testing. These evaluations aid in establishing the severity of this injury and validating total knee replacements as a viable treatment option. Preop preparations, anesthetic choices, risks and problems, projected results, and postop care are all topics that you can expect to be covered.

Your surgeon might suggest weight loss or quitting smoking, or they may give you specific activity plans ahead of surgery. Your preoperative time should be spent communicating, scheduling, and preparing. Don’t forget – talk to your doctors about any worries or questions you have!

Intraoperative Phase

The actual total knee replacement surgery involves several key steps:

Anesthesia will be administered before surgery starts to keep you relaxed and free of discomfort. Inducing unconsciousness with general anesthesia is one method, while numbing the lower body with spinal or epidural anesthesia while awake is another.

The surgeon will create an incision over the knee and remove any damaged cartilage or bone to repair the knee. Your surgeon’s choice of technique will determine the extent and placement of the incision.

To properly implant prosthetic components, the knee’s joint’s damaged bone and cartilage surfaces must be removed, and the remaining bone must be meticulously prepped. After the joint has been thoroughly examined, the prosthetic components—a metal femoral component, a metal or plastic tibial component, and a plastic spacer—are inserted to replicate natural mobility.

The incision will be closed with stitches or staples, and a sterile dressing will be applied once the prosthetic parts have been implanted.

Postoperative Phase

After the surgery, a structured recovery process is essential for a successful outcome!

You’ll spend some time in recovery after surgery when your vitals will be continuously watched, and then you’ll be taken to your hospital room. Many variables, including your current health, the complexity of the procedure, and your progress toward certain postoperative goals, will determine the duration of your hospital stay.

Pain management is essential for a pleasant healing process. A mix of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), and local anesthetics can be part of the individualized pain management strategy your medical team creates for you.

Your speedy recovery will be greatly aided by early mobilization and physical treatment. Your physical therapist will help you get started on a program of low-impact exercises and motions designed to restore this mobility, muscular strength, and balance.

You can go home from the hospital with full support and home care services, depending on how far along you are and your requirements. You can also be placed in a rehabilitation center briefly, where you will get intense treatment and help with ADLs.

Long-Term Recovery

Total knee replacement recovery is a gradual process that continues beyond the immediate postoperative phase.

Your orthopedic surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to check on your recovery, inspect the healing of your incisions, and test how well your total knee replacement works. Your questions and worries might also be addressed during these checkups.

You’ll need to keep up with your physical therapy and fitness routine to get the most out of your new knee. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a recovery plan unique to your condition and objectives.

During the healing process, you might expect some discomfort and edema. Your healthcare team will provide advice on using cold packs, elevating the affected area, and taking pain medication as prescribed.

Walking, using the stairs, and engaging in other previously restricted activities can all be resumed at a regular pace and intensity over time. Listen to your body and do what it tells you to do after surgery, gradually increasing activity level and time as tolerated.

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