Knee Replacement Surgery

How to Prepare for Knee Replacement?

Before undergoing knee replacement, your doctor will guide you through a few important steps to make sure you are ready for the procedure. Proper preparation helps reduce complications and supports a smoother recovery. Here is what happens before a total knee replacement or partial knee replacement:

• Medical evaluation: A physical exam is done to confirm you are healthy enough for the surgery.
• Blood tests and ECG: These help check your overall health and heart function.
• Imaging tests: You will likely need an X-ray of your knee joint. In some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be recommended.
• Medication review: Let your surgeon know about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines or supplements you’re taking. You may need to pause certain medications before surgery.
• Fasting instructions: Your care team will tell you when to stop eating and drinking. Usually, patients are asked not to eat or drink anything for about 12 hours before the operation.

What Happens During a Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement can be done as a total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, depending on your condition and the surgeon’s recommendation.

On the day of your knee surgery, here is what happens:

• Anaesthesia is administered: You will be given either
  • General anaesthesia, or
  • Spinal or regional anaesthesia
• Surgical steps involve:
  • Removing damaged cartilage and bone from the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and sometimes the kneecap (patella).
  • Inserting a metal implant that replaces the worn bone surfaces.
  • Placing a plastic spacer between the metal components to help the joint move smoothly, mimicking natural cartilage.
  • Reshaping or resurfacing the kneecap if necessary, so it fits properly with the new knee joint.

Depending on the procedure, you may undergo a:

• Full knee replacement (most common for advanced arthritis),
• Partial knee surgery (if damage is limited to one part of the knee),
• Unilateral knee replacement (if only one knee is affected)

What Happens After a Knee Replacement?

After your knee replacement, you will be shifted to a recovery room, where your medical team will carefully monitor your condition as the effects of anaesthesia wear off. Your vital signs, oxygen levels, and pain will be closely watched to ensure a smooth and safe recovery process.

Depending on the type of knee surgery you have had your stay may vary. Some patients return home on the same day, while others may require an overnight stay for observation.After a knee replacement operation:

• Initial monitoring
  • You will be observed in the recovery area for a few hours.
  • Nurses will monitor your blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate.
  • Pain relief will be managed with medications to keep you comfortable.
• Hospital discharge
  • Some patients undergoing partial knee replacement or robotic knee surgery may be discharged on the same day.
  • Others may need to stay for 1–2 days based on age, health condition, and the procedure performed.
  • Your knee replacement specialist will guide you on when it is safe to go home.
• Mobility and movement
  • You will be encouraged to move your new knee joint as early as possible, usually within 24 hours.
  • With support from a physiotherapist, you’ll begin walking using crutches or a walker.
• Physical therapy
  • A tailored exercise plan will be created to improve strength, flexibility, and movement.
  • Consistent physiotherapy is important for a successful outcome after a complete knee replacement or knee replacement arthroplasty.
• Home recovery and care
  • You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your surgical site.
  • Swelling and mild discomfort are normal and can be managed with medication and rest.
  • Full recovery from a full knee replacement usually takes 6–12 weeks, depending on your overall health and commitment to rehabilitation.

Benefits of Knee Replacement

Knee replacement is designed to help you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and return to daily life with greater ease. Key Benefits of Knee Replacement:

• Significant pain relief

Most people who undergo a full knee replacement operation report long-term or complete relief from chronic knee pain caused by arthritis or injury.

• Improved mobility and range of motion

After knee surgery, it becomes easier to walk, climb stairs, and perform everyday tasks. Replacing the damaged joint surfaces helps restore natural movement.

• Better quality of life

Reduced pain and improved function often lead to better sleep, increased independence, and overall enhancement in daily living.

• Enhanced joint stability and alignment

A well-performed total knee replacement can improve how your leg aligns and functions. This can prevent further strain on nearby joints and muscles.

• Durability and long-term results

Modern implants used in knee replacement are designed to last 15–20 years or more, especially when combined with techniques like robotic knee replacement that ensure precision.

• Faster recovery with advanced techniques

Procedures like robotic knee replacement and partial knee surgery are minimally invasive, which often leads to quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort.