Knee Replacement
What is a knee replacement?
It is a metal and plastic covering for raw, arthritic bone ends.
It replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Knee
replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily with
less discomfort. For those who have become bow-legged or knock-kneed
over the years, it can also straighten the legs into a more natural
position.
Who should have a knee replacement?
When arthritis knee pain severely limits your ability to walk,
perform even simple activities, knee replacement should be considered.
Is there an alternative to replacement?
Knee replacement is only recommended after careful diagnosis of
your joint problem. Arthroscopic or microscopic surgery is not
helpful once arthritis is advanced. Also, it is not likely that
anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections will give you
the same long term relief that knee replacement will.
Should my knee be cemented?
Knee replacements are successfully performed with all cemented
components as well as with a combination of uncemented and cemented
components. Your surgeon will discuss which technique is best
for you.
How long is the hospital stay?
The average hospital stay for a knee replacement patient is around
2-4 days. The average stay for two knees is 5-7 days.
In some cases, fixing one knee reduces the stress on the other
knee, thus giving another two or three years if the arthritis is
not too advanced. Each individual case is different.
How long is recuperation?
Recovery varies with each person. You will use a walker for approximately
2 weeks after the operation. You may be able to drive a car in
6-8 weeks. Most people gradually increase their activities and
play golf, doubles tennis, shuffleboard, or bowl in 12 weeks.
More active sports, such as singles tennis and jogging are not
recommended.
After discharge, there is usually no need for a nursing home.
Most patients require a short stay at a rehab center after they
leave the hospital. This will depend on your progress in the hospital.
Keep in mind that healing and recovery times vary with each person.
Will I need a blood transfusion?
The need for blood transfusions after knee replacement surgery
depends greatly on very individualized factors. The majority
of knee replacement patients require a transfusion after surgery.
Some patients may want to donate their own blood prior to surgery
for use after surgery. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss
these issues with you.
What is the success rate?
Knee replacement surgery is recognized as a miracle of modern surgery.
Most orthopedic experts consider replacement to be the best method
of handling arthritis in the knee. Knee replacements have literally
put hundreds of thousands of Americans back on their feet to
enjoy their golden years.
Are there complications?
As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications after knee
replacement surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the most common
complications with you. To reduce the risk of infection, we take
special precautionary measures in the operating room, and use
powerful antibiotics. Our personnel are limited to fully trained
and experienced nurses and technicians.
What about pain?
Thanks to advances in medication technology, we are able to keep
you very comfortable after surgery. After surgery, any temporary
discomfort does not compare to the pain of arthritis endured
by most people in months and years before surgery.
And because knee replacement patients are not “sick”,
you will not be treated as such. You will wear casual clothing
after surgery, not hospital gowns. You’ll also join other
joint replacement patients for buffet lunches, television and group
activities.
What is the cost?
As a Medicare participating hospital, we accept the amount Medicare
approves for knee replacement. We will file your Medicare and
will also bill your supplementary insurance for the 20% portion
of the surgeon’s fee that is approved by Medicare, but
paid by your supplementary insurance. Sacred Heart Hospital and the physicians participating in this program accept most major
insurance plans
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