Knee replacement surgery aims to replace damaged or worn-out parts of the knee joint. Pain can be eased and the knee can function better with the surgery. The surgery involves the replacement of damaged bone and cartilage with metal or plastic replacement parts.

An orthopedic surgeon examines your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength to determine whether a knee replacement is right for you. X-rays can determine the extent of the damage.

You should consider your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health when choosing artificial joints and surgical techniques.

Knee replacement surgery is most often performed to relieve arthritis-related pain. Knee replacement patients usually have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from a chair.

Often, orthopedic surgeons can replace just one part of the knee if it is damaged only in one area. An entire joint can be replaced by reshaping the ends of the thighbone and shinbone and resurfacing the joint. There is a soft center inside these hard tubes. A softer central part of the bone is inserted into the ends of the artificial parts.

Joints are held together by ligaments, which are bands of tissue. Implants that can be connected may be chosen by the surgeon if the knee’s ligaments are too weak to hold the joint together.

In the recovery area after surgery, you will rest for a short period of time. Depending on your specific needs, you may need to stay in the hospital for a while after the surgery. It is possible for many people to go home on the same day.

It is also likely that you will be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your level of activity. You can exercise your new knee with the help of a physical therapist. Your physical therapy will likely continue at home or at a facility after you leave the hospital.

After six weeks, you should be able to stop using crutches or walking frames and resume normal leisure activities. There may be a delay of up to 3 months before pain and swelling subside. Leg swelling can take up to a year to subside.

It will take up to two years for your new knee to fully recover after your surgery. It takes time for scar tissue to heal and muscles to be restored by exercise during this time.

You should avoid extreme sports or movements that pose a risk of falling even after you have recovered, such as skiing or mountain biking. A physiotherapist or doctor can provide you with advice. When you are able to bend your knee enough to get in and out of a car, you can resume driving. It is usually safe to drive around six to eight weeks after your surgery but check with your physiotherapist or doctor. The time it takes for you to return to work after your operation depends on your job, but it is usually between 6 and 12 weeks.

Knee replacements provide pain relief, improved mobility, and improved quality of life for most people. The average knee replacement lasts 15 to 20 years.

Walking, swimming, golfing, and biking are all low-impact activities you can engage in after you recover. Exercises that have a higher impact, such as running, as well as activities that involve contact or jumping, should be avoided. Get advice from your physician about how to stay active after knee replacement.

After recovering from total knee replacement surgery, most patients experience substantial or complete pain relief. Most people walk without a limp and don’t need a cane, even if they used one before surgery.

Knee replacement surgery is available at the Orthopedic Group. We serve patients from Leesburg VA, Lansdowne VA, Stone Springs VA, Dulles, VA, Ashburn VA, Sterling VA, Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Herndon VA, Winchester VA, Reston VA, Chantilly VA and nearby areas!