Knee Replacement Details
How long should I stay for Knee Replacement?
How is surgery performed?
What is the post-sugical care?
What are the possible risks and complications?
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How long should I stay for Knee Replacement?
You should stay approximately a month to complete a whole process. On your arrival day, you should stay in your hotel to relax from a long flight and have a surgery on the following day. Normally, knee replacement will require 5-7 nights stay in the hospital. Post operative check up will be done 2 weeks after discharged.
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How is surgery performed?
After anesthesia is administered, a 6 to 8-inch incision is made over the knee, then the patella (knee cap) is removed. The femur and tibia are cut to accommodate the prosthesis. The underside of the patella is also cut to provide space for an artificial component. The prosthesis is implanted onto the femur and tibia with medical bone cement. An epoxy cement or bone-growth stimulator will adhere the prosthesis to natural bone. With the bone-growth stimulator, screws are sometimes used to hold the prosthesis in place until new bone is generated. After the patella is refit to cover the joint and joint movement is assessed, the surgeon will close the incision with staples or metal clips and apply a dressing to the wound.
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What is the post-surgical care?
Most patients can resume work in 6 weeks to 3 months. Function of the knee will continue to improve over a 6-month period. A CPM device, or continuous passive movement device, flexes the leg repeatedly to decrease postoperative pain, stiffness, bleeding, and infection, and to speed recovery. An IV will remain until you can consume liquid and food independently. A catheter and stockings to prevent blood clots may be applied while the patient is under anesthesia, and may not be removed until after he awakens. A drainage tube will be placed in the knee to remove excess fluids. Antibiotics may be administered to reduce risk of infection.
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What are the possible risks and complications?
Infection
Blood clotting
Nerve damage
Instability, can be corrected by a second operation
Dislocated kneecap or legs of slightly different lengths
Stiffness
Loosening of the prosthesis