What is a knee replacement?
Knee replacement is a surgery performed wherein the worn/diseased edges of the bones are replaced with metal work and placing a medical grade plastic in between.
When should I have it?
This is a question, which you could ask yourself. Do I need it?
Knee replacement is done for pain relief and when you think you have exhausted all other methods of treatment.
What are the alternatives?
If you can control your pain with alternatives, such as weight reduction, pain killers, braces, injections to the knee and walking aids you could wait before deciding on undergoing the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours depending on the severity of the arthritis. It is performed either under regional or general anaesthesia. You shall be helped by the physiotherapist either on the same or the next day to walk full weight bear.
How long is the recovery?
You shall be discharged from the hospital in 2-4 days. It takes 4-6 weeks usually before you are reviewed by the surgeon again. After the procedure it is generally the exercise protocol suggested by your physiotherapist which shall be crucial for your recovery
What are the risks and complications?
Knee replacement is one of the commonest major surgeries performed in the UK. It is considered generally a successful surgery. However, some of the common complications are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- DVT (clots in the leg)
- PE (clots in the chest)
- Nerve injury
- Stiffness
- Fracture
- Dislocation
- Ongoing pain
- Stroke
- MI (heart attack)
- Sudden death