Recovering From Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement, also called total knee replacement surgery, is a medical procedure to replace the weighted-bearing parts of the knee's joint to alleviate pain and disability caused by arthritis or aging. It is usually most often performed for osteoarthritic knee arthritis, and for other knee ailments including rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis among others. Knee replacement in Brisbane is the most common surgical procedure for correcting knee deformities and compensations resulting from trauma or disease. Patients who need surgical replacement of their knees are typically diagnosed with an osteoporosis or meniscus damage, or with patellar subluxation, a knee feature that causes the kneecap to deviate toward the thigh.

Osteoarthritis and menisciitis are some of the common conditions that require knee replacement surgery. For this procedure, you will be operated on by a team of experts including surgeons, specialists and physiotherapists. After the operation, your hospitalization will be determined by the surgeon. This will determine your procedure recovery plan, including the use of medications and the amount of time required for full recovery. Medications used during surgical procedures are very specific and physicians who perform such operations are highly trained for it.

The duration of rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery varies depending on the severity of the injury and the patient's condition. In some cases, patients need a shorter period of rehabilitation because they only have minimal pain, while in other cases, patients require longer periods of rest before they can fully recover. Patients are advised to follow their physicians' directives when it comes to exercise and other medication treatments. In addition, the patient will not be allowed to participate in strenuous physical activities until the doctor advises them to do so.

Even though exercise is necessary to hasten the healing process, patients should not over-exert themselves since this could lead to complications during surgery or the later stages of the procedure. Excessive stretching could also result to severe pain, swelling and an altered gait. A good rehabilitation program should include resting for at least three to four days after knee replacement surgery. Patients should follow their rehabilitation plans for at least eight to ten weeks. Patients should make use of anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics as prescribed by their physicians.

During the rehabilitation phase, patients are required to gradually build up the strength of their leg muscles. This is to help them achieve the full benefits of their knee replacement surgery. The physical therapist can determine which exercises and stretches are most suitable for a patient. Partial knee replacement exercises focus on strengthening and stretching the quadriceps and hip muscles at the sides of the thigh. On the other hand, total knee replacement exercises are meant for strengthening and extending the muscles in the front, back and side of the leg.

After achieving the desired strength level, patients need to progress with their rehabilitation by increasing their levels of activity. Patients who have had knee replacement surgery need to increase their levels of activity for at least ten percent of their usual daily activities. Patients who have had total knee replacement surgery need to engage in sports such as basketball and swimming for at least six months. Patients should visit their orthopedic surgeons before embarking on any exercise regimen to discuss their new physical condition. In addition, patients should be aware that exercise should be done under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

During the postoperative period, the physiotherapist will continue to monitor the progress of the patients using various methods such as x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The physiotherapist will also advice the patients on their post-operative diet and medication regimens. During the initial six months, it is important for the patients to avoid strenuous physical activity. Patients who have suffered a knee injury should gradually return to a normal lifestyle, with the reduction of knee pain.

The surgeon will make an impression of the extent of the damage in the knee joint by conducting arthroscopy, joint imaging and MCT (magnetic resonance imaging). The surgeon will then make a plaster cast of the knee joint and will use this cast for creating a casting of the thigh. A final plaster cast will be made and the final product will be used as a guide for creating a cast of the leg. Once the surgeon has created the cast, he or she can determine the best procedure for repairing the damaged cartilage.

Queensland Orthopaedic Clinic is a group of like-minded, sub-specialist trained medical professionals providing personalised patient care.