Life After Knee Replacement Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare

What is a Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure used by a knee specialist to remove damaged parts of your natural knee joint and replace them with an artificial joint (a prosthesis). This artificial joint is made up of metal and plastic.

Alternative Names of Knee Replacement Surgery

• Knee arthroplasty

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What Really Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery

If you are undergoing knee replacement surgery, a reliable doctor at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital will follow the steps below:

• Before surgery, your doctor will perform a physical exam and medical tests. This will ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery.​
• On the day of knee replacement surgery, you will be given anesthesia, either general (sleep-like state) or regional (you’re awake but numb from the waist down).​
• An expert surgeon at IRIS makes an incision (it depends on the type of surgery) at the front of your knee to reach the joint.​
• Worn-out bone and cartilage from your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) are gently removed.​
• A prosthesis made of metal and plastic is fitted onto these bone ends to form a new joint surface.​
• A smooth plastic spacer is put between the metal parts to allow the new joint to move easily, similar to natural cartilage.​
• If required, the kneecap (patella) is reshaped or placed with a plastic element to glide smoothly over the implant.​
• The surgeon assessed the knee’s movement, alignment, and balance before stitching the incision.​
• Finally, your knee will be bandaged, and you’ll be moved to a recovery room at IRIS, where you’ll start gentle movement soon after surgery.

Read Also: Top 7 Causes Of Knee Pain And How To Treat Them Effectively

Types of Knee Replacement

There are mainly 2 types of knee replacement surgery.

1. Total Knee Replacement

It is the most common type of surgery. In this, all three areas of the knee joint, the inside (medial), outside (lateral), and under your kneecap (patellofemoral), are replaced.

2. Partial Knee Replacement

It is more common in younger adults who’ve experienced an injury or trauma. As the name suggests, the surgeon will only replace one or two damaged areas of the knee joint.

What Conditions Are Fixed with a Knee Replacement?

A knee specialist can recommend knee replacement surgery in the following conditions:

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Bone fracture due to a fall or sports injury
• After the failure of nonsurgical treatments
• Failed previous knee surgery or loose implants
• Knee deformities
• Severe joint pain and stiffness that is preventing you from performing daily activities

Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery

It offers you the following benefits:

1. Pain-Free Movement

The biggest benefit it offers you is freedom from chronic knee pain due to arthritis or cartilage damage. This procedure lets you move comfortably again.​

2. Better Mobility

Better mobility means smoother joint movement. This procedure makes your walking, climbing stairs, and daily activities easier and less tiring.​

3. Better Stability

The new knee joint minimizes wobbling and weakness. This allows you to stand and walk comfortably without fear of falls.​

4. Corrects Deformities

Conditions, such as bowlegs or knock knees, are corrected. This improves posture and balance.​

5. Low Requirement of Pain Medication

This procedure reduces pain; therefore, you can discontinue the use of long-term painkillers, thereby avoiding their side effects.​

6. Greater Independence

With regained movement and less pain, daily activities such as driving or shopping become manageable like before.​

7. Positive Mindset

Pain-free movement fosters confidence, mood, and overall quality of life. This reduces feelings of frustration, and you live a more dependent life.​

8. Long-Lasting Results

Modern implants used at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital can last 15–20 years. This provides decades of comfort and activity with proper care.

Knee Replacement Surgery Risks or Complications

Knee arthroplasty is a safe, effective procedure if done under expert advice. However, like any surgery, it carries rare risks such as:

• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Infection can occur at the incision site
• Problems with the prosthetic implant
• Reduced range of motion

Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery Time

Knee replacement surgery recovery typically takes about 6 to 12 weeks for most daily activities.

However, the recovery depends on individual factors like:

• Activity level before surgery.
• Age.
• Other health conditions.

Major pain relief and better mobility begin within the first few weeks. But consistent rehab and adhering to medical advice are important for optimal healing and long-lasting benefits.

Conclusion

Knee replacement surgery is safe and highly effective under professional guidance. An expert will recommend the procedure when non-surgical treatments no longer relieve pain or restore function. 

If your daily activities are limited by constant knee pain or stiffness, speaking to an orthopedic specialist at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital in Kolkata will help figure out if you are a good candidate for this life-improving procedure. Early knee assessment and treatment can restore your mobility, comfort, and independence for years to come.