What to Expect with Partial or Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial or Total Knee Replacement surgery involves removing damaged portions of the knee and capping the bony surfaces with man-made prosthetic implants. The surgery repositions the knee into proper alignment and replicates the original function, allowing for a near normal range of motion for the patient.
During a consultation, we will discuss your needs and recommend a technique and prosthetic that is suitable for you and review the procedure including the risks, benefits, recovery and life after the procedure. It is important to remember that a partial or total knee replacement is major surgery. There is always going to be post-operative pain and swelling. Everyone reacts differently to surgery and anaesthetic and recovers differently, but in our experience, the techniques and protocols used by our surgeons and anaesthetists allows for faster rehabilitation to get you back to your old self.
FAQs
What is this procedure for and how will it alleviate my symptoms?
Knee joint stiffness and pain is typical as we age. Those with bursitis and arthritis typically proceed with non-surgical treatments until they are no longer effective and surgery is the only solution. We utilize the Zimmer Biomet Persona – Personalized Knee System with precise instrumentation and proven technology that allows your surgeon to match the implant to the shape and size of your resected bone resulting in a more natural feel and normal function post-operatively.
What happens during surgery?
Partial or Total Knee Replacement surgery involves removing damaged portions of the knee and capping the bony surfaces with man-made prosthetic implants. The surgeon repositions the knee into proper alignment and replicates the original function, allowing for a near normal range of motion.
How do I qualify for this procedure?
All patients are requested to complete a Pre-Surgical Patient Questionnaire to provide us with your basic medical history. We also require your most recent x-rays and should these confirm you are a suitable patient for the procedure and our facility we will request a History and Physical along with bloodwork and ECG from your family doctor.
What is the average process like and how long will it take for me to return to my normal activities?
Upon receipt of the patient’s medical documentation, booking the surgeon consultation can be arranged within 1 week, and surgery scheduled within 2 to 4 weeks. Recovery time varies by patient but you will be up and walking the day of your surgery and most patients are typically back to their daily activities within 2 to 4 months and specialty sports or lifestyle within 6 months.
How should I prepare for my surgery?
Normally, knee replacements are performed as a result of severe osteoarthritis which means that most patients have had to deal with pain and stiffness symptoms for many years before surgery is undertaken. As a result, secondary problems like muscle weakness, inflexibility, restriction in joint range of motion, muscular tension and reduced exercise tolerance develops. These factors certainly can make your recovery from surgery more difficult. The best thing you can do to prepare for a successful recovery is to consistently on a daily basis complete the pre-surgical exercises recommended by your surgeon.