Knee Replacement

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Dr. Haci Kutlu, on Sep 15, 2024

It is not suggested to perform knee replacement surgery for patients who are suffering from cancer, peripheral vascular diseases, lung, kidney, or heart problems, obesity, muscle weakness, infections, or clotting diseases. The patient is required to stay 2 to 5 nights in the hospital and the operation approximately takes 1 to 3 hours.

How many days should I travel/stay abroad to do the treatment?

You will need a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks off work. 

For at least two weeks before the knee replacement operation, the patient should avoid taking aspirin and immunosuppressive drugs. Also, the patient should stop smoking before the surgery since it might interrupt the recovery period and increase the risk of complications. In addition, alcohol consumption might influence anesthesia. Therefore, it should be avoided before the surgery as well.

Knee replacement surgery can be performed in two different ways, which are total knee replacement surgery and partial knee replacement surgery.

There are three main cartilage structures in the knee, which are the lateral, the medial, and the patellofemoral. Based on the number of damaged cartilage structures, the patient can opt for a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement. Between 10% to 30% of patients opt for a partial knee replacement – this procedure requires a smaller initial incision; a shorter hospital stay and a lower risk of developing complications. 

When the method of surgery is chosen, surgeons can start operating. After general anesthesia starts showing its effect, surgeons make an incision in the middle of the knee. Then, the knee is positioned at a 90 degrees angle for the surgeon to see the operation area clearly. After that, surgeons remove the damaged structures and restructure the bone in order to prepare it for the prosthesis. The knee replacement can be attached to the patella, tibia, or femur. After applying bone cement, surgeons monitor the mobility of the operated knee if it is thought to be adequate then surgeons close the incision site and the recovery period starts.

After the operation patient should stay at the hospital for 4 days. A couple of days after the operation, with the assistance of walking aids patient, can walk and sit. The regular recovery period for knee replacement operation is about 6 weeks.

Approximately nine out of ten patients experience sudden relief from pain in the knee area after surgery. After the surgery, it is crucial to contact a physical therapist, and for 2 months, the patient should see the physical therapist to follow the instructions.

There are several risks and complications of the knee replacement procedure, which are complications as a result of anesthesia, scarring, infection, loose or misaligned prosthesis components and scar tissue, which affects knee mobility.

The possibility of experiencing complications after knee replacement surgery is around 1%.

Side effects of knee replacement operation involve bruising, nausea from anesthesia, knee pain, bleeding, discomfort, and dizziness.

There is a 95% success rate of knee replacement surgery based on its reviews. Around 90% of prostheses last 10 years and 80% last more than 20 years before requiring revision surgery.

FAQ

Knee replacement pain - how long does it last? 

Even though the knee replacement operation itself is not painful, during the recovery period from the knee replacement surgery and physical therapy sessions, patients might experience pain and discomfort, which would last for about 4 days.

Can I exercise after knee surgery? 

The patient may engage in low-impact exercises or sports such as swimming or golfing in around 2-3 months after the surgery. Jogging, tennis, and basketball should be avoided. 

When can I return to work? 

After the operation, patients are mostly able to go back to work in around 2-4 weeks.