The operation usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. The type of surgery you have depends on things like how damaged your knee is, your age and your general health.
A total knee replacement, for example, will likely take between 2-3 hours. Whereas a partial knee replacement normally takes around an hour. Most knee surgeries take between 1-3 hours.
4 – 6 weeks after surgery
You would be able to walk for 10 minutes without any assisted devices within 4 – 6 weeks of the procedure. You shouldn't need cane, crutches, walker, and other assistive devices. Your physical therapist will encourage you to walk without an assistive device for longer distances gradually.
A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, haven't helped reduce pain or improve mobility.
Current NHS Waiting Times for Knee & Hip Replacements
The maximum waiting time for a knee and hip replacement is 18 weeks. Your waiting time will start from the time that the hospital receives your referral letter or when you book your first referral appointment through the NHS.
Pain is to be expected after the initial knee replacement, but it should not be severe. The first few days after surgery should include the highest level of pain, but your doctor will send you home with pain medication adequate for your pain level.
What is the cost of a total knee replacement? The cost of a knee operation depends on the type of knee replacement needed. In the UK, the cost generally hovers between £10,000 – 11,000, however this can rise to as much as £15,400.
TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.
While there are many disorders that can affect the knees, knee replacement surgery is specifically listed among the conditions for which one can receive disability benefits.
Although TKR will relieve some symptoms of arthritis, it isn't a cure for the progressive condition.
Guidelines after Total Knee Replacement surgery
By the time you have left the hospital/rehab facility, you should be able to get in-out of bed by yourself, walk with the cane, and go up and down stairs. The biggest challenge in the early recovery of a TKR (up to 3 months postoperative) is the regaining of knee motion.
In general, avoid sports that require jerking, twisting, pulling, or running. You should be able to do lower-impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing.
Many patients ask this question when considering TKR and the consensus is that the spring and early fall are the best seasons. You'll want to wear as little clothing as possible during your recovery because it makes cleaning the wound and moving around easier.
Patients will develop swelling in the leg, and there may be some bruising or redness around the incision area one week after surgery. “These are normal findings,” Dr. Lyon assures. “There might be slight drainage from the incision, but resolving.”
Patients undergoing total knee replacement are highly likely to experience fatigue before the surgery and six months following the procedure. It's normal to feel tired frequently after the surgery. Sometimes, people feel exhausted even without performing routine chores or strenuous exercises.
One of the most common problems people experience after knee replacement is a stiff knee joint. 1 This can cause difficulty with activities that require a lot of bending, including going down stairs, sitting in a chair, or getting out of a car.
For the first several weeks, you will need an assistive device to get around. You will only be walking enough to get around your house, complete minor chores, and to perform physical therapy exercises. You should expect limited mobility and make arrangements to be off of work and other commitments during this time.
For a joint replacement to succeed, patients need at least 3-4 months of a successful recovery. In the first few days after surgery, mobility is difficult without help, but not all patients need a wheelchair. Based on the procedure, patients can walk immediately for short distances with a cane or walker.
VA ratings for knee pain range from 0% to 60%. The more pain or lack of mobility in the knee, the higher the rating. If there is too much wear and tear on the knee and it requires surgery, a veteran may be granted a temporary 100% rating following surgery.
Generally, most patients may be able to get back to driving between 2–6 weeks after surgery, and your surgeon would be in the best position to give you a more specific time based on an assessment of how well you are recovering.
You may go home with a waterproof dressing covering your incision. You can shower with this dressing on if the edges are not peeling back. If you do not have a waterproof dressing and you still have sutures, staples or stitches, you can cover your incision with plastic to keep it dry while taking a shower.
The average age of someone in the UK having a total replacement is around 70 years. The procedure is often delayed, to reduce the chance of needing revision surgery at a later date. This study shows that at least 80% of total replacements last for 25 years.
Think about the basic everyday tasks you need to do and consider how you would manage if you were unable to bend your knee eg. getting in and out of a chair or even going to the toilet. And don't forget you won't be able to drive for a while. Try to put your pride aside and make sure you have help on hand.
How long is the waiting list for knee replacement? It's difficult to get an exact figure on the number of patients waiting for knee replacement surgery. The context we can provide is that, according to a 2022 report, the total number of patients on the NHS waiting list is now over six million.