Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a major medical procedure that involves replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components. This surgery has become increasingly common as an effective solution for those experiencing severe knee pain and limited mobility due to conditions like osteoarthritis, injury, or other joint-related issues.
The first total knee replacement surgery took place in 1968, and since then, advancements in medical technology have made the process more effective as a long-term solution. As the largest joint in your body, healthy knees are essential for daily quality of life.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, doctors perform over 700,000 knee replacement surgeries annually in the United States, making it one of the most common orthopedic procedures.
Understanding the process of knee replacement surgery, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative recovery, helps patients make informed decisions and achieve optimal outcomes. Today, we cover:
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What to expect before your knee replacement surgery
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The knee replacement process
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After surgery care to support recovery
Before Knee Replacement Surgery
Going under for any surgery can be mind-rattling. Knowing what you’re getting into helps ease the anxiety, starting with what to expect before the surgery even takes place.
Pre-operative Evaluation
Before proceeding with knee replacement surgery, your healthcare team will conduct a thorough health evaluation to ensure you're a suitable candidate. This assessment includes:
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Medical History and Physical Examination: Your surgery team will evaluate your overall health and identify potential risk factors. Your surgeon will need to know about previous injuries, current medications, and any existing medical conditions that could impact your surgery or recovery.
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Imaging Tests: During surgical planning, your surgeon will take X-rays to help visualize the extent of joint damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary for a detailed view of the soft tissues around your knee. These tests help your surgeon determine whether you need a total knee replacement or if a partial knee replacement might be sufficient.
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Blood Tests: Your medical team will conduct blood tests to check for underlying conditions and ensure you're healthy enough for surgery. These tests also help establish baseline values for monitoring during your recovery.
During this evaluation phase, be honest and open with your medical team. Accurate information helps the team make the best decisions about your surgery and recovery, and withholding information can negatively impact that process.
Preparing for Surgery
Proper preparation in the weeks leading up to surgery can significantly impact your recovery success:
Lifestyle Modifications:
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Eat a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins and nutrients to support healing
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Stay active with appropriate exercises to strengthen your muscles
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Stop smoking, as it can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications
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Avoid alcohol, especially in the days leading up to surgery
Home Preparation:
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Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs or electrical cords
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Install safety bars in the bathroom and shower
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Arrange for a shower chair if needed
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Prepare a recovery area on your home's main floor to minimize stair use
It's ideal to strengthen your quadriceps muscles before surgery. Exercises targeting the knee, thigh, and quads can improve outcomes post-surgery. Working with a physical therapist or using appropriate strengthening devices can help you achieve your pre and post-surgery goals.
The Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure
The actual surgical procedure typically takes between one to two hours. Your surgeon will discuss anesthesia options, which may include general anesthesia, where you’re completely asleep, or regional anesthesia, such as spinal or epidural. The latter option keeps you awake, but you feel no pain below the waist.
During the procedure, your surgeon will:
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Make an incision over your knee joint
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Remove and replace damaged cartilage and bone from the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap
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Replace these with artificial components designed to recreate the surface of the joint
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Test the new joint's range of motion before closing the incision
After Knee Replacement Surgery
Once you awaken from surgery, you’re on the road to recovery. Over the coming days and weeks, you’ll experience a range of symptoms and milestones, some frustrating, some exhilarating. Here’s what to expect:
Hospital Stay
Immediately after surgery, you'll go to a recovery room where medical staff will monitor your vital signs. Most patients spend 1-3 days in the hospital, during which time the focus will be on:
Pain Management:
Medical staff may provide you with prescription pain medication to help control post-operative pain and swelling. Nurses may introduce ice therapy as a strategy to reduce swelling and ensure proper leg positioning to minimize discomfort and encourage proper healing.
Early Mobilization:
During your first week after surgery, you will start to work with a physical therapist to reintroduce movement. The regime will consist of gentle exercises, such as learning to use assistive devices like walkers or crutches. You will also practice basic movements needed for daily activities to regain independence.
Preventing Complications:
You will receive several medications designed to support healing and prevent complications. Doctors may prescribe blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots and antibiotics to prevent infections. You may also receive compression devices for your legs to encourage blood flow. Of course, you’ll also receive instructions on cleaning and monitoring the incision site.
Home Recovery
Once cleared for hospital discharge, your recovery continues at home. During the first several weeks, you’ll focus on establishing good recovery habits.
Physical Therapy:
You will engage in regular sessions with a physical therapist to strengthen your leg muscles and improve mobility. To support your physical therapy sessions, you must practice daily home exercises that target strength and flexibility. As you gradually progress, you can add more strenuous activities if cleared by medical staff and if you can tolerate the added workload.
Activity Guidelines:
Physical therapists and medical professionals will prescribe weight-bearing restrictions for your regime. You will need to consistently use your assistive devices to rebuild your strength and motion. Avoid any activity that over-exerts your new joint, and only resume driving when cleared by your surgeon, typically 4-6 weeks after your surgery.
Wound Care:
As a result of your surgery, you will have an open wound that requires your care and attention. Keep the incision area clean and dry, and watch for any signs of infection, such as swelling, discharge, sharp pains, and foul odors. Attend all of your follow-up appointments as scheduled and mention any concerns you have with your medical providers.
Long-Term Recovery
Full recovery from knee replacement surgery usually takes several months. During this time, you'll gradually return to normal activities as your strength and mobility improve. Most people can expect to return to light activities within 3 to 6 weeks, while most daily activities will return within 6 to 12 weeks. Expect consistent improvement for upwards of 12 months post-surgery.
Improving Recovery with the Motive
Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure requiring careful preparation and dedicated post-operative care. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help you approach the process with confidence and take an active role in your recovery. With proper preparation, support from your healthcare team, and commitment to rehabilitation, you can maximize your chances of a successful outcome and return to an active lifestyle.
To optimize your recovery outcomes, consider using the Motive Knee, an FDA-cleared device delivering lasting knee pain relief by strengthening the quadriceps muscles. This non-invasive, wearable device helps fortify the muscles surrounding the joint, which is crucial for both pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery.
The Motive Knee system offers:
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Convenient at-home therapy
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App-controlled customization
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Clinically proven results
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Non-pharmaceutical pain relief
Ready to take control of your knee health journey? Learn more about how Motive can support your recovery today!
