At Bakson Multispecialty Hospital our team of orthopedic surgery experts uses the latest techniques and technology to improve care for patients with musculoskeletal problems. doctors use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible to reduce pain and speed recovery. Before and after surgery, assistance as needed from physician specialists trained in internal medicine, radiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and other medical and surgical areas helps speed recovery for our surgical patients.

Knee replacement

• At our Hospital, a team that specializes in joint replacement surgery and rehabilitation oversees patient care. After surgery, we will contact the patient periodically for follow up care.
• Our doctors use new combinations of regional or local anesthesia and pain relief techniques that can reduce the need for general anesthesia and intravenous narcotic pain medications, which can speed recovery.
• Database on every joint replacement surgery performed at our hospital is available. The database helps doctors determine which surgical technique and prosthesis type will be the most effective for each condition. The database has also led doctors to many improvements in surgical techniques and prosthesis designs.

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. Some also have knee pain at rest.

Risks

Knee replacement surgery, like any surgery, carries risks. They include:

• Infection
• Blood clots in the leg vein or lungs
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Nerve damage

During the procedure

Knees are kept in a bent position to expose all surfaces of the joint. After making an incision about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) long, our surgeon moves aside the kneecap and cuts away the damaged joint surfaces.

After preparing the joint surfaces, the surgeon attaches the pieces of the artificial joint. Before closing the incision, the surgeon bends and rotates the knee, testing it to ensure proper function. The surgery lasts about two hours.

After the procedure

Patient is taken to a recovery room for one to two hours. Many people can go home that same day. Medications prescribed by our doctor should help control pain.

Patients are encouraged to move the foot and ankle, which increases blood flow to the leg muscles and helps prevent swelling and blood clots. Patients likely receive blood thinners and wear support hose or compression boots to further protect against swelling and clotting.

Patients are asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase the activity level. A physical therapist will show one how to exercise the new knee. After one leaves the hospital, patients continue physical therapy at home or at a center.

Exercises are to be done regularly, as instructed. For the best recovery, follow all of the care team’s instructions concerning wound care, diet and exercise.

Results

For most people, knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility and a better quality of life. And most knee replacements can be expected to last more than 15 years.

Three to six weeks after surgery, one generally can resume most daily activities, such as shopping and light housekeeping. Driving is also possible at around three weeks if one can bend your knee far enough to sit in a car, if one has enough muscle control to operate the brakes and accelerator, and if one is not still taking narcotic pain medications.

After recovery, patients can engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, golfing or biking. But one should avoid higher impact activities — such as jogging, skiing, tennis and sports that involve contact or jumping. Talk to our doctor about the limitations.