Total Knee Replacement

What is a total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a common surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with severe knee joint damage. Total knee replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged or worn knee joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. The knee joint is made up of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap). Over time, the cartilage between these bones can wear away, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. During total knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the knee and replaces them with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Total knee replacement aims to restore function to the knee and significantly reduce pain, allowing patients to return to normal activities with improved quality of life.

When is a knee replacement recommended?

The most common reason for total knee replacement is osteoarthritis, a condition that causes the cartilage in the knee joint to wear down, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis (after an injury), or knee deformities, can also cause joint damage that may require knee replacement surgery.

When non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, pain relief medications, or lifestyle changes no longer provide sufficient relief, total knee replacement surgery may be recommended. Patients who experience severe pain, difficulty walking, or trouble with daily activities may benefit significantly from the procedure.

What does the procedure involve?

Knee replacement surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthesia. The operation takes around 1 to 2 hours, during which the surgeon will make an incision at the front of the knee, remove the damaged cartilage and bone, and position the artificial components to restore the knee’s alignment and function.

There are different types of knee replacement prostheses, and your surgeon will choose the most appropriate one based on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and the extent of joint damage. In some cases, partial knee replacement may be considered if only one part of the knee is affected.

Patients usually stay in the hospital for 3-5 days after a total knee replacement, depending on individual circumstances and progress in recovery.

What are the potential risks and complications of knee replacement surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with total knee replacement. These include infection, blood clots, stiffness, or loosening of the prosthesis over time. In rare cases, some patients may experience persistent pain or limited mobility after surgery. To minimise the risk of complications, patients are usually given blood-thinning medications to reduce the chance of blood clots, and steps are taken to ensure the surgical area remains sterile to prevent infection. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the function of the new joint and address any potential issues early on.

Total knee replacement recovery

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. Physiotherapy is an essential part of the recovery process, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the knee joint. Patients will begin physiotherapy exercises soon after surgery, often on the same day or the day after the procedure.

Walking aids, such as crutches or a walking frame, are usually needed in the first few weeks. It is important to follow the physiotherapist’s exercise plan to achieve the best possible outcome. Most patients can resume light activities within 6 weeks, but full recovery may take up to 3 months or longer, depending on individual circumstances. Returning to activities like driving, work, and exercise should be discussed with your surgeon to ensure safe recovery.

Total knee replacement has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility. The artificial knee joint typically lasts 15 to 20 years, though the longevity of the prosthesis can vary based on factors such as activity levels and the quality of the implant materials.

Patients can expect to resume most daily activities after recovery, though high-impact activities, such as running or heavy lifting, are discouraged to avoid placing excessive strain on the new joint. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are generally safe and encouraged to maintain joint health.

Total knee replacement surgery in Birmingham

Total knee replacement can be a life-changing procedure for those suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues. Whilst the NHS offer this procedure for free, the waiting times can range from months to years. An alternative is to opt for private surgery, avoiding long waiting times and having more control over appointment times. Private surgery won’t be free and total knee replacement costs vary depending on several factors but at Get Well Soon, you can compare the costs for private surgery in Birmingham in 3 simple steps.