Knee Replacement Surgery FAQ'S
Frequently asked questions to guide you through preparation, recovery, and long-term outcomes
General Knee Replacement FAQ’s
Indicators that you might need a knee replacement include chronic knee pain that persists despite conservative treatments, such as medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Other signs include severe pain that limits your daily activities, stiffness that makes it difficult to move your knee, swelling that does not improve with rest, and a noticeable deformity in your knee
While knee replacement surgery is often associated with older adults, younger patients with severe knee damage may also benefit from the procedure. The primary concern for younger patients is the longevity of the implant, as younger, more active individuals may wear out their prosthetic joint sooner. If you are experiencing significant pain and disability that interferes with your daily life and other treatments have not been effective, knee replacement may be a suitable option. During our consultation, we can evaluate your condition and discuss the potential benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision.
Age is an important factor to consider, but it is not the sole determinant for knee replacement surgery. The decision is based on your overall health, activity level, and the severity of your knee condition. Many older patients benefit greatly from knee replacement surgery, experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility. If you are in good health, age alone should not be a barrier. However, delaying surgery could result in further joint damage and decreased quality of life. In our consultation, we can discuss your specific situation to determine the best course of action.
Yes, you can pay for your knee replacement surgery out of pocket if you do not have private health insurance. It is essential to discuss the costs with your healthcare provider and the hospital to understand all the associated expenses, including Dr Martin’s surgical fee, hospital stay, anaesthesia, and postoperative care. Some hospitals offer payment plans or financing options to help manage the cost of the procedure.
The National Joint Registry (NJR) is a comprehensive database that collects and monitors information about joint replacement surgeries, including hip, knee, ankle, elbow, and shoulder replacements. Established to improve patient care, the NJR tracks the performance of implants, the outcomes of surgical procedures, and the long-term success rates of joint replacements.
By analysing this data, the NJR helps identify trends, successes, and potential issues with specific implants or surgical techniques. This information is invaluable for surgeons, like Dr Martin, as it aids in making informed decisions about the best practices and implant choices for their patients. The registry also provides transparency and reassurance to patients, ensuring that their treatment is based on the latest and most reliable data.
The timeline for returning to work after knee replacement surgery varies depending on the type of work you do and your individual recovery progress. For those with sedentary jobs that involve mostly sitting, it is often possible to return to work within 4 to 6 weeks. However, for jobs that require standing, walking, or physical exertion, a longer recovery period of up to 3 months or more may be necessary.
Dr Martin will monitor your recovery closely and provide guidance on when it is safe to return to work. He will consider factors such as your pain levels, mobility, and overall strength to ensure that you can perform your job duties safely and effectively. It’s important to follow his recommendations and not rush the process to avoid complications and ensure a successful recovery.
The ability to drive after knee replacement surgery depends on several factors, including which knee was operated on, your overall mobility, and whether you are still taking pain medications. Typically, patients can resume driving within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. If your right knee was replaced, you may need to wait a bit longer to ensure you can safely control the pedals.
Before resuming driving, you should be able to bend your knee comfortably, react quickly in an emergency, and no longer be taking opioid pain medications that could impair your ability to drive. Dr Martin will assess your progress during follow-up appointments and give you specific guidance on when it is safe for you to drive again. It is important to follow his recommendations to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
After knee replacement surgery, it is important to avoid certain activities to protect your new joint and ensure a smooth recovery. Dr Martin advises patients to avoid high-impact activities that can place excessive stress on the knee. These activities include running, jumping, and high-intensity sports such as basketball, football, and tennis. Its also important to avoid heavy lifting and activities that involve sudden, jerky movements.
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are encouraged as they help improve joint mobility and overall fitness without overloading the knee. Following these guidelines will help prolong the life of your knee implant and support a successful recovery.
It is possible for knee implants to trigger metal detectors at airport security checkpoints. The metal components used in knee replacements, such as cobalt-chromium or titanium, can set off the alarms. If this happens, simply inform the security personnel that you have a knee replacement. They may perform a manual inspection or use a handheld scanner to verify the source of the alarm.
Carrying a medical alert card that indicates you have a knee replacement can also be helpful, (Dr Martin can provide you with one of these) although it is not always required. Being prepared and allowing extra time for security checks can help ensure a smooth experience at the airport.
FAQ'S: Knee Replacement Pre-Op preparations
Getting your home ready before surgery can make a big difference in your recovery. A safe, comfortable environment will help you move around more easily and reduce the risk of falls or strain during your healing process. Here’s how to prepare:
- Create a Safe and Accessible Space
- Clear walkways by removing rugs, cords, and clutter to reduce trip hazards.
- Widen pathways so you can navigate easily with a walker or crutches.
- Install night lights in hallways and bathrooms to help with visibility.
- Add handrails and grab bars near stairs, toilets, and in the shower for support.
- Organise Essentials Within Easy Reach
- Keep frequently used items (phone, medications, remote, toiletries) at waist level.
- Reorganise kitchen storage so you don’t have to bend or reach high.
- Pre-cook meals or stock up on easy-to-prepare food to reduce daily effort.
- Set Up a Comfortable Rest Area
- Use a supportive chair with a firm seat and armrests to help you sit and stand.
- Have a footstool or cushion nearby to elevate your leg and reduce swelling.
- Prepare the Bathroom
- Add a raised toilet seat to reduce strain when sitting and standing.
- Use a shower chair or bench for safer, more comfortable bathing.
- Install non-slip mats in the shower and bathroom floor.
- Plan for Support and Mobility
- Have a walker or crutches ready—your physiotherapist will guide you on proper use.
- Arrange transport to and from your surgery and follow-up appointments.
- Ask a friend or family member to stay with you or check in regularly in the early days.
- Follow Your Medical Team’s Instructions
- Stick to your recovery plan including medication schedules, wound care, and exercises.
- Take pain medications as prescribed to manage discomfort and stay mobile.
A Final Note: By preparing your home in advance, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of a smooth and stress-free recovery. During your consultation, Dr Martin will provide personalised advice tailored to your specific needs, health status, and living situation.
Knee replacement implants typically include a femoral component, which is a metal piece that replaces the end of the thigh bone; a tibial component, consisting of a metal baseplate and a durable plastic insert to replace the top surface of the shin bone; and, in some cases, a patellar component, a plastic piece that resurfaces the underside of the kneecap. The materials used, such as cobalt-chromium alloys for the metal parts and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene for the plastic insert, are chosen for their durability and biocompatibility. During your consultation, Dr Martin will evaluate your specific condition and discuss the most suitable implant options to ensure the best possible outcome.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to improve recovery following knee replacement surgery. ERAS protocols focus on reducing stress on the body, minimising complications, and promoting a faster return to mobility.
Key Principles of ERAS for Knee Replacement Surgery:
Preoperative Optimisation:
- Encourages prehabilitation (physiotherapy and strengthening exercises) to improve muscle function before surgery.
- Emphasises good nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation to aid healing.
- May include carbohydrate loading before surgery to maintain energy levels and reduce postoperative nausea.
Pain Management & Anaesthesia:
- Multimodal pain relief strategies, including nerve blocks and spinal anaesthesia, to reduce reliance on opioids.
- Use of non-opioid medications to manage pain and inflammation while minimising side effects.
Minimally Invasive Techniques & Early Mobilisation:
- Focuses on surgical techniques that preserve muscle and soft tissue to promote faster healing.
- Encourages early movement—most patients stand and take steps on the day of surgery.
- Structured physiotherapy programs help regain strength and function as quickly as possible.
Optimised Postoperative Care & Discharge Planning:
- Encourages oral hydration and early return to normal eating after surgery.
- Aims to reduce hospital stays where appropriate, allowing patients to recover comfortably at home.
- Includes clear guidelines on pain management, wound care, and follow-up physiotherapy.
By following ERAS protocols, patients undergoing knee replacement surgery may experience reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to daily activities.
FAQ'S: Knee Replacement Surgical Procedures
A knee replacement operation typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. However, the overall time you spend in the operating theatre will be longer, accounting for preparation, anaesthesia, and postoperative recovery. During your consultation, Dr Martin will provide further personalised advice based on your specific needs and living situation, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable with the entire process.
Yes, it is possible to have both knees replaced at the same time in a procedure known as simultaneous bilateral knee replacement. This approach can be beneficial as it requires a single hospital stay and one period of rehabilitation. However, it is typically recommended for patients who are in good overall health and can tolerate the increased demands of a longer surgery and more intensive recovery process. During your consultation, Dr Martin will evaluate your health and discuss the risks and benefits to determine if this option is suitable for you, providing further personalised advice based on your specific needs and living situation.
Blood transfusions are not always necessary during knee replacement surgery, but they may be required in some cases, particularly if there is significant blood loss. Advances in surgical techniques and blood management strategies, such as the use of tranexamic acid, have significantly reduced the need for transfusions.
In certain cases, knee replacement surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. This approach is generally suitable for patients who are in good overall health, have a strong support system at home, and are motivated to actively participate in their recovery. Outpatient knee replacement offers benefits such as reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections and a quicker return to the comfort of your home.
The typical hospital stay after a total knee replacement (TKA) ranges from one to three days. The exact duration depends on various factors, including your overall health, the complexity of the surgery, and how quickly you begin to mobilise after the procedure. The goal is to ensure that you are medically stable, managing your pain well, and able to start your rehabilitation safely before being discharged.
For total knee replacement (TKA), anaesthesia options include general anaesthesia, which puts you to sleep for the duration of the surgery, or regional anaesthesia, such as a spinal or epidural block, which numbs the lower half of your body. Regional anaesthesia is often combined with sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. The choice of anaesthetic will depend on your overall health, medical history, and personal preferences.
FAQ'S: Knee Replacement Surgery Risks and Complications
While total knee replacement (TKA) is generally safe and effective, it carries some risks, as with any major surgery. Potential complications include:
- Infection: Although steps are taken to minimise this risk, infections can occur at the incision site or deeper within the joint.
- Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the leg veins, which can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs. Preventative measures, such as medications and compression devices, are often used.
- Bleeding: There may be some bleeding during and after the surgery, and in rare cases, a blood transfusion may be needed.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Nerves or blood vessels around the knee can be injured during surgery, although this is uncommon.
- Implant Issues: Over time, the implant can wear out, become loose, or fail, potentially requiring revision surgery.
- Persistent Pain or Stiffness: Some patients may continue to experience pain or stiffness in the knee after surgery.
- Adverse Reactions: Rarely, patients may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the implant.
Knee replacement is considered a major surgery but is not typically classified as high-risk. Most patients experience significant improvements in pain relief and mobility, with low complication rates. However, individual risk factors such as age, overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions can influence the risk level. During your consultation, Dr Martin will evaluate your specific situation, discuss the potential risks, and develop a personalised plan to mitigate these risks as much as possible, providing further personalised advice based on your specific needs and living situation.
The body does not reject knee implants in the same way it might reject an organ transplant because knee implants are made from biocompatible materials designed to work well with the body’s tissues. However, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to certain metals used in the implants. If you have a known metal allergy, it is important to inform Dr Martin so that an appropriate implant material can be chosen for you.
Recognising the signs of complications after knee replacement surgery is crucial for prompt intervention and effective treatment. Some potential signs of complications include:
- Infection: Symptoms of infection may include redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site, drainage of pus, fever, and chills.
- Blood Clots: Signs of blood clots can include swelling, pain, and tenderness in the calf or thigh, and in severe cases, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, which may indicate a pulmonary embolism.
- Excessive Pain: While some pain is expected after surgery, excessive or worsening pain that does not improve with medication may be a sign of a complication.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving the knee, persistent stiffness, or decreased range of motion that does not improve with physiotherapy.
- Implant Issues: Unusual clicking, popping, or instability in the knee, which may indicate problems with the implant.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Numbness, tingling, or a change in sensation around the knee, leg, or foot could indicate nerve or blood vessel damage.
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your recovery, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
FAQ's: Knee Replacement Surgery Postoperative Recovery
The recovery process after knee replacement surgery involves several stages, each crucial for regaining strength, mobility, and overall function. Here is an overview of what to expect:
- Immediate Postoperative Period:
Hospital Stay: Typically, you will stay in the hospital for one to three days. During this time, the medical team will monitor your vital signs, manage pain, and begin the rehabilitation process.
Pain Management: Pain will be managed with medications, which may include a combination of oral painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Early Recovery:
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy usually begins within 24 hours of surgery. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to improve knee mobility and strength.
Mobility Aids: You will likely use a walker or crutches initially to help with walking and to avoid putting too much weight on the knee.
- Home Recovery:
Continued Physiotherapy: It is essential to continue physiotherapy exercises at home to maintain progress. Regular sessions with a physiotherapist may continue for several weeks.
Wound Care: Follow the instructions for caring for your surgical wound to prevent infection. Keep the area clean and dry and watch for any signs of infection.
- Ongoing Rehabilitation:
Activity Levels: Gradually increase your activity levels as you gain strength and confidence in your new knee. Avoid high-impact activities that could strain the knee.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Martin will ensure that your knee is healing properly and that any issues are addressed promptly.
- Long-Term Recovery:
Full Recovery: Most patients achieve significant improvements within three months, but full recovery can take six months to a year. By this time, you should be able to return to most of your normal activities with much less pain.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following any additional recommendations from your healthcare team will help ensure the longevity of your knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgery is highly successful, with more than 90% of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility. The success of the surgery depends on several factors, including your surgeon’s expertise, the quality of the implants, and the patient’s commitment to postoperative rehabilitation. Most patients are able to return to their daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life after recovery.
Modern knee implants are designed to last 15 to 20 years or longer, with many patients experiencing durable results well beyond this timeframe. The longevity of the implant depends on factors such as the patient’s activity level, weight, and adherence to postoperative care guidelines. Advances in implant technology and surgical techniques continue to improve the durability of knee replacements. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Martin will also help monitor the condition of your implant over time.
A knee replacement can provide a stable and functional joint, often stronger and more reliable than a severely arthritic or damaged knee. While the artificial joint may not match the natural knee’s full strength and flexibility, it allows most patients to return to normal activities with significantly less pain. The strength and durability of the knee replacement largely depend on the quality of the implant and the success of the rehabilitation process
The goal of knee replacement surgery is to remove the damaged cartilage and bone affected by arthritis and replace them with prosthetic components, effectively eliminating the arthritic joint surfaces. This leads to significant pain relief and improved function. While the knee joint itself will no longer have arthritis, it is possible to have arthritis in other joints. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing any underlying conditions can help optimise your overall joint health.
Partial knee replacement, also known as uni-compartmental knee replacement, involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint, preserving healthy bone and cartilage. This option is suitable for patients with arthritis confined to one compartment of the knee. Partial knee replacement often results in a quicker recovery, less pain, and more natural knee movement compared to total knee replacement. During your consultation, Dr Martin will evaluate whether you are a candidate for partial knee replacement based on your specific condition.
Having an artificial knee can significantly improve your quality of life by reducing pain and increasing mobility. Most patients report that their new knee feels stable and functions well, allowing them to perform daily activities with ease. While the artificial knee may not feel exactly like a natural knee, the improvement in comfort and function is typically substantial. Some patients may experience a period of adjustment as they get used to the new joint, but with regular physiotherapy and adherence to postoperative care instructions, most achieve excellent results.
Yes, physiotherapy is a crucial part of the recovery process after knee replacement surgery. It helps to restore strength, flexibility, and function to your new knee joint. Physiotherapy typically begins within 24 hours of the surgery and continues for several weeks to months, depending on your progress. A tailored rehabilitation program will be developed to meet your specific needs, focusing on exercises to improve range of motion, build muscle strength, and enhance overall mobility.
Managing pain effectively after knee replacement surgery is crucial for a smooth recovery. Dr Martin takes a comprehensive approach to pain management, starting with a tailored medication regimen that may include a combination of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen to ensure optimal pain control. He provides detailed instructions on how to use these medications safely and effectively.
In addition to medication, Dr Martin emphasises the importance of physiotherapy and activity modifications. He designs personalised physiotherapy programs to promote mobility, reduce stiffness, and build strength around the knee. Ice therapy, elevation, and compression techniques are also recommended to help manage swelling and discomfort.
