Guide to Total Knee Replacement and Precautions

Do you have a hard time performing simple activities such as walking or climbing the stairs, or even experience pain while sitting or lying down? Chances are that your knee has been severely damaged by arthritis or injury, making these simple activities seem difficult.

When your movement is limited and pain levels become unbearable, a total knee replacement surgery may be an option to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints.

This surgical procedure, also known as arthroplasty, works to resurface a knee that involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.

Whether you’re exploring treatment options for your knee or already decided to have a total knee replacement surgery, this article will help you to understand the rehabilitation procedure and take the necessary precautions.

Reasons for Total Knee Replacement Surgery

The most common reason for a total knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore function caused by osteoarthritis that’s affecting a great deal of middle-aged and older people. It’s characterised by the breakdown of joint cartilage whereby damage to the cartilage and bones limits the movement and causes pain in the knee.

Additionally, other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that results from a knee injury can lead to the degeneration of the knee joint. Fractures, torn cartilage, and/or torn ligaments can also lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint.
Risks of total knee replacement surgery
Like any other surgical procedures, there are possible complications such as bleeding, infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, loosening or wearing out of the prosthesis, fracture, continued pain or stiffness.

Aside from these complications, the replacement knee joint may become loose, be dislodged, or may not work as it was intended, which may have to be replaced again in the future.

Nerves and blood vessels in the area of surgery may be injured, resulting in weakness or numbness. Also, there may be other risks involved throughout the procedure, depending on your medical condition.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery and Precautions

Aside from these complications, the replacement knee joint may become loose, be dislodged, or may not work as it was intended, which may have to be replaced again in the future.

Nerves and blood vessels in the area of surgery may be injured, resulting in weakness or numbness. Also, there may be other risks involved throughout the procedure, depending on your medical condition.

Changes to Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement Surgery and Precautions

If you’re taking any medication, best to inform your orthopaedic surgeon as you’ll be advised to either continue or stop taking certain medicines before your knee replacement surgery.

While you may be able to walk with a cane, crutches, or a walker soon after the surgery, you’ll need help for several weeks with your daily tasks such as cooking, bathing, and doing laundry. On top of that, you can also make several modifications to your home for easy navigation during your recovery.

After the Surgery

You’ll be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your vitals (blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, and breathing) are stable, you’ll be moved to your hospital room, where you’ll likely stay for a couple of days.

During your stay in the hospital, you’ll be encouraged to move your foot and ankle to increase blood flow to your leg muscles and prevent swelling and blood clots. A physical therapist will also start planning an exercise programme for your knee and you’ll have to continue the exercise at home or a rehabilitation centre after you leave the hospital.

At home

Once you’re home, it’s crucial that you abide by the total knee replacement precautions set by your doctor such as keeping the surgical area clean and dry based on the specific bathing instructions. The stitches or surgical staples will be removed during your follow-up visit. If you experience some swelling around the surgical area, apply some ice or elevate your leg.

Should you experience some soreness, take the pain reliever as recommended by your doctor. Avoid taking aspirin or other pain medications as they may increase the chance of bleeding. If you have a fever, increased pain around the incision site or your knee is swelling or there’s drainage from the surgical area, make sure to notify your doctor.

Try to eat a balanced diet with an iron supplement to help your wound heal and restore muscle strength. Full recovery from your knee replacement surgery usually takes several months. Until then, you shouldn’t drive unless your doctor says otherwise.

Once your knee has recovered, avoid partaking in higher impact activities such as jogging, tennis, and sports that involve contact or jumping. Instead, you can engage in low impact activities such as walking, swimming, golfing or biking.

Cost of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

The cost for this surgery can vary depending on where you have the procedure and your overall health. In Singaporean government hospitals, knee replacements can cost between $16,000 and $20,000 for the whole process. This may seem a lot, but the Singaporean government offers subsidies of up to $10,000 for eligible folks.

In private hospitals, however, knee replacements can cost between $25,000 and $30,000 for the process. The high cost is due to the material used for the implants such as ceramic, steel, titanium etc.

While a total knee replacement surgery is more affordable at public hospitals, private hospitals typically offer better benefits such as shorter waiting time for setting appointments and follow-up visits, better service and environment, and more choice of implants. So, there you have it; a guide for total knee replacement surgery.

At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, everyone should be cared for and healed holistically in comfort without having to travel to different locations to seek medical and surgical help and rehabilitation support.

With a combined facility for collaboration between physicians, physiotherapists, and surgeons, you will experience a seamless service from diagnosis, to treatment and rehabilitation, that’s tailored just for you at our clinic.