Careful consideration should be given prior to any surgical procedure. Should you and your healthcare professional decide that surgery is for you, here are some frequently asked questions about knee replacement surgery that may assist you.
I have heard that people should postpone knee replacement surgery as long as possible. Is that right?
Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis are important for your long-term mobility.1 In fact, seeking advice earlier in the course of the disease may be linked with better outcomes. 2 So if your GP has recommended that you undergo a knee replacement, don’t delay. Delaying surgery can lower your quality of life, both before and after surgery. 2 Remember, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative disease, which means that your condition will get worse over time if left untreated.
What can I expect during recovery and rehabilitation from knee replacement?
Each patient recovers differently. After surgery, you will work with a physical therapist to gradually increase your knee strength and mobility. You may experience some pain during physical therapy. The good news is that medications can help you manage this pain, and it should be temporary. The hard work you do in the early weeks of rehab will pay off with improved strength and motion, which will help reduce stiffness in your knee.
Am I going to have much pain after surgery?
Many patients find that the pain after surgery is tolerable, treatable, and subsides gradually over a few months. Surgeons and hospital staff have a variety of options to manage pain and keep patients comfortable after surgery, such as numbing injections, IV pain medication, patient-controlled anaesthesia, injections, pain pills and anti-inflammatory medications.
How long will I be in the hospital?
The typical hospital stay is two to six days.
Should I be concerned about anaesthesia during surgery?
There are two common types of anaesthesia used during knee replacement surgery: general anaesthesia where the patient is put to sleep, and regional anaesthesia, where the patient is numbed below the waist. Which type of anaesthesia you will receive depends on your situation as the patient, as well as your surgeon's and anaesthetist’s recommendations. Speak with your surgeon or anaesthetist if you have any concerns regarding the anaesthesia that will be used during surgery.
Will I recover at home or at a rehabilitation facility?
Many people are able to go home soon after surgery. Others choose to recover at a rehabilitation centre. This decision depends on the availability of family or friends to help you with daily activities; home environment and safety considerations; and your overall evaluation after surgery. Your surgeon and you will decide together which course of treatment is best for you.
When can I resume normal activities, such as working or driving?
Talk with your surgeon to determine what’s best for you. Many patients are able to drive from 6 weeks onwards, so long as you can tolerate it and are not taking narcotic medications. If your job is not physically demanding, you may be able to return to work after about a month. Driving laws vary across Australia. You should check your local laws with regards driving a motorised vehicle post operatively.
How long will the implant last?
The success of your knee replacement is measured by whether or not you're satisfied with the decrease in pain and the increase in mobility you should have, as well as the durability of your implant over time. Knee replacement in general is a very successful operation. There are some examples of knee implants with excellent results at 10, 15, and even 20 years.3
How can I prepare my family and myself before surgery?
Several weeks before you undergo knee replacement surgery, discuss your recovery with your surgeon and caregiver(s). Speak with your family members and/or friends about the role they will play in your recovery. Explain the recovery process to them and the care you will need after surgery.
What else should I be aware of?
The way a knee replacement will perform depends on your age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. If you have conditions that limit rehabilitation you should not have this surgery. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can tell you if knee replacement is right for you.
[1] Fortin, Paul R., et al. "Outcomes of Total Hip and Knee Replacement." Arthritis & Rheumatism 42 (8) August 1999: 1722-1728 [2] Fortin, Paul R., et al. “Timing of Total Joint Replacement Affects Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee.” Arthritis & Rheumatism 46 (12) December 2002: 3327-3330 [3] http://www.arthritis.org
