Knee Replacement Surgery
If you experience chronic pain in your knees, then knee replacement surgery, total knee arthroplasty, can assist you in relieving your pain while restoring function to your diseased knee joints. You and your doctor can choose from a wide variety of knee replacement joints available that take into account your age, weight, activity level and overall health. The latest models of knee replacement joints are better equipped at replicating your knee's natural ability to roll and glide as it bends.
Who is knee replacement for?
If you are experiencing problems such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other degenerative conditions, such as avascular necrosis - a condition in which obstructed blood flow causes your bone tissue to die, then you are a good candidate for knee replacement surgery. Other reasons to consider knee replacement surgery include:
 Pain that limits your every day activity like walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs.
 Chronic knee stiffness and swelling that is impairing your ability to bend and straighten your knee.
 All the other methods that you've tried to improve your symptoms have failed.
 You have a knee deformity, such as a joint that bows in or out.
 You're over the age of 55 and your knee joint has just worn out.
 Good candidates for knee replacement should be relatively healthy, without issues such as restricted blood flow, diabetes, or infections that can cause surgery complications.
Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery
Your surgeon will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your knee's range of motion, stability and strength. You will have an X-ray exam to determine the extent of knee damage and undergo a complete medical exam, a full blood workup, an electrocardiogram and a urine test, before surgery.
Your surgery will also require anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will give you instructions about taking your medications and dietary supplements before surgery. You will not be allowed to eat anything after midnight before your surgery.
You will need the aide of crutches or a walker for several weeks following your surgery. You should have some who can drive you home from the hospital after your surgery. You will also need assistance with everyday activities like cooking, bathing and doing laundry. You should have a living space available in your home after surgery that doesn't require you to climb stairs to get around. You may need to install safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower and/or bath. You should remove all loose carpets and cords so that you don't trip.
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