Knee Replacement Surgery

There are several risks associated with knee replacement surgery. 

• Blood clots. Surgeons typically recommend blood-thinning medications to prevent this risk. The most common location for blood clots is in the leg. But they can travel to the lungs and become deadly.
• Nerve damage. Nerves in the area where the implant is placed can be injured. Nerve damage can cause numbness, weakness and pain.
• Infection. Infection can occur at the incision site or in the deeper tissue. Surgery is sometimes needed to treat an infection

During knee replacement surgery, damaged or worn-out knee joint components are replaced. The procedure may improve the knee's functionality and reduce discomfort. Damaged bone and cartilage are replaced during surgery with plastic and metal components.Your age, weight, degree of exercise, the size and form of your knees, and general health will determine the best replacement joints and surgical procedures for you.

The procedure for Knee Replacement Surgery

• Pre-operative testing for this procedure includes a medical evaluation, blood samples, electrocardiogram, stress test, chest X-ray and urine sample
• Bone preparation is done to accommodate the artificial components of the knee joint.
• Implant placement, patellar resurfacing, testing and adjustment, and wound closure are a part of the rest of the procedure
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in the recovery process. 

During the procedure, 

Knee replacement surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. To perform the procedure, the surgeon:

• Makes an incision over the knee.
• Removes diseased and damaged bone and cartilage, leaving healthy bone intact.
• Implants the replacement parts into the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap

After the procedure,

For most people, knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. Most knee replacements can be expected to last at least 15 to 20 years.

After recovery, you can engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, golfing or biking. But you should avoid higher impact activities, such as jogging, and sports that involve contact or jumping.