If you’ve tried without success to find lasting relief from knee arthritis symptoms using physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, knee braces and other nonsurgical treatments, another potential solution may be right for you: total knee replacement surgery. At Summit Orthopedics, our orthopedic specialists use the latest surgical techniques to help people in Minneapolis/St. Paul pursue their active goals without knee pain.
Our approach to total knee replacement combines technical expertise and unwavering compassion to put you at the center of care. That’s why we’ve earned recognition as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center+® for excellence in knee and hip replacement. In addition, The Joint Commission awarded our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. We’re ready to help you get your quality of life back.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Your body’s largest joint, the knee features three bones: the bottom of the femur (thighbone), the top of the tibia (shinbone) and the patella (kneecap). Cartilage covers the ends of the bones to support smooth movement. Soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons and menisci) cushion and stabilize the knee joint. Arthritis can damage the cartilage and bones, leaving the bones grinding against each other and causing pain, stiffness and other symptoms.
A total knee replacement—also known as a total knee arthroplasty—swaps damaged cartilage and bone for artificial components. The surgeon doesn’t replace entire bones but removes damaged surfaces. Removing and replacing worn-out cartilage and bone can minimize pain and improve range of motion.
How the Surgery Works
A total knee replacement features several steps:
- The surgeon takes out damaged cartilage and bone at the ends of the tibia and femur (sometimes called “long bones”).
- Next, the surgeon attaches metal coverings to the ends of the tibia and femur.
- Once the long bones have their new coverings, the surgeon cuts the underside of the kneecap and attaches a plastic component.
- Finally, the surgeon positions a plastic spacer between the tibia and femur so the metal parts won’t rub against each other.
Many surgeons now use minimally invasive techniques to perform total knee replacement. Instead of making an 8- to 10-inch vertical incision on the front of the knee, as was the case in the past, surgeons now often make a 4- to 6-inch incision. They can reach the knee without cutting the quadriceps tendon and muscles. As a result, you may have less pain after surgery and a quicker recovery.
Technology has changed the way surgeons plan and perform knee replacements. Computer assistance allows surgeons to map the surfaces of the joint. They can use the map to help them achieve the best fit and alignment of the implants during surgery.
Preparing for Total Knee Replacement
You’ll need to take steps to get ready for the knee operation and prepare your home for recovery. Here’s what to do at each stage.
Weeks Before Surgery
- Complete any necessary dental procedures a month before your surgery. Having dental work too close to your procedure can increase the risk of a bacterial infection that could affect the surgical site.
- Discontinue vitamin E use. This supplement can increase the risk of bleeding during the operation.
- Go to a joint replacement class. Join other patients preparing for total knee replacement in a joint replacement education class, where you’ll learn what to expect at every stage of the process.
- Inform your orthopedic specialist about the medicines you take. They may instruct you to stop taking certain medications before the operation.
- Make your home a safe place to recover. Clear clutter from the floor. Install a raised toilet seat with arms and handrails and a shower chair in the shower. Purchase a comfortable armchair and prepare a living space on the ground level if you can.
- See your primary care provider. Get a checkup at least 30 days before surgery to ensure you’re healthy enough to have the operation.
- Speak up if you’re sick the week before your surgery. If you haven’t felt well recently, the surgical team may reschedule your procedure.
Days Before Surgery
- Quit taking blood thinners when your physician gives the green light. Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, but don’t stop taking them until your physician tells you to do so.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. You’ll need to stop smoking at midnight prior to your surgery and quit drinking alcohol 24 hours beforehand. Both can lead to surgical complications.
- Stop taking herbal supplements and certain medications. A week before surgery, discontinue aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and herbal supplements to avoid potential complications.
- Write down your remaining questions. A nurse will call you 24 hours before your surgery to tell you what time it’s scheduled and answer your questions.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery
Here’s how the day of your surgery will unfold.
Before Surgery
Whether you have your total knee replacement at a hospital or Summit Orthopedics’ Vadnais Heights Surgery Center or Eagan Surgery Center, plan to arrive two hours early for routine testing. You will also meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss receiving either general or regional anesthesia.
Your family can stay with you until the team takes you to surgery. Before the operation begins, you’ll receive antibiotics to protect against infection and meet with a member of the surgery team so you can ask any last-minute questions.
After Surgery
Once you’re out of surgery, you’ll move to a recovery room to give the anesthesia time to wear off. Once it’s out of your system, you’ll move to a hospital room or Summit Orthopedics’ Care Suite to reunite with your family and continue resting.
You may go home later that day if you had your operation in a surgery center, although you can also stay in the Care Suite overnight. If you had surgery in a hospital, you may be admitted for one or two nights. Regardless of location, you’ll start working with a physical therapist before discharge to begin improving your strength and mobility.
What to Expect From Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
Your total knee replacement recovery time depends on several factors, including your age, overall health and how active you were before surgery. A full recovery may take up to a year, but you should be able to return to most normal daily activities within three to six weeks after surgery. You will probably be able to start driving again within four to six weeks.
Follow these steps to support your recovery:
- Eat healthy. A nutritious, balanced diet will support wound healing and help your muscles get stronger.
- Follow your orthopedic specialist’s advice for resuming activities. The physician will tell you when it’s safe to restart certain activities.
- Keep up with physical therapy. You’ll start physical therapy in the hospital and may need to continue at home and at Summit Orthopedics’ outpatient clinic. Physical therapy will help improve your leg strength and walk normally. You may be able to walk normally without an assistive device, such as a walker, by six weeks after surgery.
- Know the signs of blood clots and infection. Both are potentially serious complications. For blood clots, look for pain, tenderness or swelling in your leg, and chest pain or shortness of breath. For an infection, keep an eye out for a persistent fever, chills, and redness or swelling near the incision.
- Prevent blood clots. Your orthopedic specialist may recommend wearing inflatable compression coverings on your legs, taking blood thinners or frequently moving your feet and ankles to keep blood clots from forming in your legs.
- Stay on top of managing pain. The first two to three weeks may be the hardest days after knee replacement due to postoperative pain. Follow your physician’s advice to manage it, which may include taking NSAIDs or other pain medications.
- Walk wisely. For the first few weeks after surgery, avoid climbing stairs and use a cane or walker to help you walk.
Find your Summit Orthopedics knee surgery expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
