Knee

Knee Replacement Surgery

Total or partial knee replacement surgery might be the next step if your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury and nonsurgical treatments are no longer working for you. Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine. It relieves pain, corrects leg deformity, and helps you resume your daily routine.

The knee replacement procedure usually takes 1-2 hours. These are the four basics steps in a knee replacement:

• Prepare the Bone – Damaged cartilage at the end of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
• Position the Implants – The removed cartilage and bone is replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint.
• Resurface the Patella – The undersurface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced. Depending on the case, the surgeon may choose not to resurface the patella.
• Insert a Spacer – A medical-grade spacer will be inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.

After your knee replacement, you will need to take it slow and avoid any risks that may cause you to fall. Our physiotherapist will provide at-home exercises that will assist you with your recovery. You will be able to stop using crutches or a walker within a few weeks. Most people resume normal activity within 3-6 weeks following surgery and resume driving 4-6 weeks after surgery.

ACL Surgery

A tear in your ACL ligament will cause your knee to give way during physical activity. We will assess the degree of injury to decide if ACL ligament reconstruction is right for you. With the help of arthroscopy, the torn ligament will be removed, and new tissue will be put in place.

Most people will be able to go home one to two day after surgery. You may require a knee brace and crutches for 1-6 weeks. Physical therapy will be required and can last up to 4-6 months. A full return to activities will take 4-6 months and a return to sports will take 9-12 months.

Potential Risks of Knee Surgery

Though complications can occur during knee procedures, most are minor and can be successfully treated. Potential complications include:

• Reaction/allergy to anesthesia
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Accumulation of blood in the knee
• Ligament, artery, or nerve damage
• Pain, weakness, or stiffness
• Excess scar tissue
• Bruising or swelling
• Loss of range motion

Preparing for Knee Surgery

Our surgeons may ask you to schedule a complete physical examination to make sure you are healthy enough to continue with surgery. We may also ask for preoperative tests, which can include blood test or an electrocardiogram. Make sure you let our surgeons know if you take any drugs, supplements, or herbs. You will often be asked not to drink or eat anything 6-12 hours before surgery.