Yes, knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is considered major surgery, involving replacing damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components, but it's also a very common and highly successful procedure for relieving severe pain and improving quality of life when conservative treatments fail, requiring significant recovery and rehabilitation.
In the first few weeks, patients may feel soreness and stiffness as the body heals. Ice, elevation, and medication are all used to manage this. Most patients find pain improves steadily within the first 2-3 weeks. After 6 weeks, most patients report minimal pain and say that they are better than before surgery.
The Surgical Procedure
The surgical team will replace the damaged knee with a prosthetic. The duration depends on the type of replacement being done. As mentioned before, a total knee replacement typically takes about 1 to 3 hours to perform, while a partial knee replacement procedure typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Additionally, they will provide any other necessary instructions to prepare for the procedure. Knee replacement is a major surgery, and you will need help around the house until you get your mobility back. Your doctor will provide a list of steps to take in advance to make your recovery easier.
Four to Six Weeks Post-Surgery
By this stage, you should be able to walk for at least 10 minutes without needing an assistive device. Your physical therapist will encourage you to increase your walking distances and work toward being more independent. If cleared by your doctor, you may also start driving again.
The Battle Against Stiffness and Limited Mobility
Alongside pain and swelling, you will experience significant stiffness in the new joint. Your knee will feel tight, and bending it will be a challenge. This is often one of the most frustrating knee replacement recovery challenges.
What is the recovery time after a knee replacement? It usually takes around a year to recover fully after a knee replacement. But you should be able to resume most of your usual activities in six weeks.
The biggest complaints after knee replacement often revolve around lingering stiffness, which can limit mobility and make everyday tasks challenging. This stiffness usually stems from scar tissue development or insufficient range-of-motion exercises during early recovery.
Most often, you will stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days after having hip or knee joint replacement surgery. During that time, you will recover from your anesthesia and the surgery. Under some circumstances, a person may go home the same day as the surgery.
Nearly 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the U.S. The most common age for knee replacement is between 60 years old and 80 years old.
It is our recommendation that someone be with you the first 24-72 hours after discharge. Many patients do live alone and we realize this is not always possible. But if you have a relative or a friend who offers to stay with you, take this offer for your own peace of mind.
Knee replacement alternatives: genicular artery embolization (GAE) GAE is one of newest treatment options if you're seeking non-surgical knee replacement alternatives.
4 Tips for Faster Recovery after Knee Surgery
Note: Side sleeping is usually an option several weeks into recovery, not immediately after surgery. Always check with your physical therapist or surgeon before trying this position.
These medications reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Examples of NSAIDs include diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen. Two other anti-inflammatory painkillers with a similar effect are celecoxib and etoricoxib. These are COX-2 inhibitors (also known as coxibs).
But looking back, he says, there are six things he wishes he knew before getting a knee replacement.
Can I be home alone? We recommend that a family member stay with you the night you are discharged from the hospital to ease your transition home. Many are able to walk and manage their own self-care such as bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom without assistance.
It is helpful to bring clothing items that are comfortable and loose fitting to accommodate swelling. You will have swelling in the lower legs, ankle and possibly other leg. The fabric should be soft and light weight. Please do not bring any tight fitting pants.
You'll either have a general anaesthetic (you're asleep during the operation) or a local anaesthetic in your spine (you're awake but will have no feeling from the waist down). The operation usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
5 things you probably don't know about getting a knee replacement
Research suggests that up to one-third of those who have knees replaced continue to experience chronic pain, while 1 in 5 are dissatisfied with the results.
Most patients use controlled pain medications for the first four weeks after surgery. Opioid alternatives, like iovera®, can also improve post-operative pain after knee replacement. By six weeks after surgery, most patients can stop controlled pain medications.
Typical Bed Rest Duration
This period usually lasts for the first 24 to 48 hours. During this time, the medical team will monitor vital signs, manage pain, and ensure the surgical site is healing properly.
Here are five minimally invasive options you and your orthopedic surgeon can try before committing to knee replacement surgery: