What Happens During and after Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement operation takes close to an hour or two. During the surgery the surgical team will: Make a cut (an incision) in the knee area Remove any damaged bone and cartilage Place a knee implant and position it accurately Secure the implant into the place by using cement Insert a piece of polyethylene (thermoplastic polymer) which creates a smooth, gliding surface between metal parts of the implant Close the cut/incision. What Happens After The Knee Replacement Surgery? After knee arthroplasty, the patient will be moved to a recovery room. The healthcare team at the hospital will watch the patient for a while to make sure they wake up from the anaesthesia without any complications. The team will also monitor the vital signs and pain level of the patient. During the hospital stay, the healthcare team will encourage the patient to move your foot and ankle that will increase the blood flow to the leg muscles and help prevent swelling and blood clots(DVT). The time spent in the hospital is based on medical needs. Usually people need 3 to 4 days of hospital stay . Will I Need Any Treatments After Knee Replacement? Medicines prescribed by the doctor may help control and relieve pain. The patient will most likely receive blood thinners and wear a compression stockings protect further against clotting and swelling. The patient will also be asked to perform frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase the activity level. The day after surgery, a physiotherapist will teach the patient to exercise the new knee. After leaving the hospital, patients are advised to continue the physiotherapy at home. Patients have to perform these exercises regularly, as instructed.