By Rehan Iqbal
Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that requires the doctor to remove and replace damaged cartilage around the patella (knee bone). This surgery is also called Arthroplasty.” Arthroplasty can take up to two hours to complete, and the physical therapy and recovery begin as soon as the patient is awake.
What Happens in Knee Replacement Surgery?
In short, the surgeon removes the damaged tissue and cartilage that surrounds the knee bone. After that, the removed cartilage is replaced with metal or another prosthesis, depending on the patient’s age, weight, knee shape, and activity level.
When a knee is damaged or suffers from severe arthritis, it limits mobility, making it difficult for patients to walk without pain.
Injuries could also result in knee replacement surgery is necessary in order to manage pain and restore mobility in the knees.
Symptoms That Could be a Sign You Have Knee Arthritis and Might Require Knee Replacement?
Whether a patient has osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or arthritis that develops after the injury, the following signs should be monitored:
Types of Arthritis that Could Affect the Knees
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition by which the normal “wear and tear” of the cartilage that cushions the bones is worn away. As a result, bone on bone friction leads to chronic arthritis. This is prevalent in patients from 50 years old and older.
Osteoarthritis can occur on one knee and sometimes both.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an aggressive form of arthritis in which the body attacks itself by targeting the joints. The immune system makes this mistake and turns on itself. Rheumatoid arthritis can happen on both knees.
Post-Injury Arthritis
Oftentimes, patients may experience pain in their joints after having had an injury. This is common in post-knee injuries. While the effects may not occur immediately, the process often happens over time.
Surgery should also be considered if:
What Type of Discomfort is Expected After Knee Replacement Surgery?
There is always post-surgery pain for patients undergoing any type of surgery. You can expect general and localized pain for several weeks after the knee replacement operation.
Swelling is a natural part of the process. Swelling can last for up to three weeks after surgery, but it can persist several months after.
There is also bruising that occurs as a side-effect, and it may last for two weeks post-operation.
How Long Will it Take to Heal?
The healing process can take six months and up to a year to complete. It depends on the patient’s body, age, and lifestyle.
Prepare Your Home for Post-Knee Surgery
Your home should accommodate your daily activities without posing a hazard. You may need additional support when getting up or sitting.
When Can You Return to Normal Activities?
Returning to normal activities like walking and driving starts gradually but swiftly. In fact, post-surgery, the sooner the patient walks as part of rehabilitation, the better the chances of preventing blood clots.
Remember that it is normal to feel tired after having had the surgery. Your knees and body need time to recover, so allow it the required time to do this.
Walking
Patients will progress by walking using a cane for support and later, without the cane. Walking may take place within the first month or two post-op recovery.
Sports and High Impact Activity
Patients should prevent sports and high-impact activities during the first three to four months of recovery.
Driving
Patients are advised not to drive if they are still taking pain medication. The pain medications are strong and lead to drowsiness which can increase the risk of collisions. Once the patient isn’t required to take pain medications and have mobility in their knees, driving can then occur. The doctor will advise.
Getting Back to Work
Resuming work is highly dependent on the type of job the patient does. If it requires heavy physical activity that is strenuous to the knees, then returning to that job is prohibited.
The doctor will access the healing progress and also find out what the patient’s occupation is before making a decision about work. It may take up to three months without work if the job requires walking a lot, traveling, climbing and other excessive activities.
House Chores
Within the first three months, easy house chores are okay. Before the three months, additional assistance should be brought in to complete these chores.
Taking Care of the New Knee After Surgery
After the surgery, you want to make sure that you take good care of your new knee, which may aid its longevity.
Follow-up Check at the Hospital
Most patients are requested to do a follow-up check to see how they are progressing with their new knee. This may be about twelve weeks after the surgery and whenever the doctor recommends it.
How Much Does Knee Replacement Surgery Cost?
The costs involved when it comes to knee replacement surgery can differ for each patient. Many variables may influence how much is paid at the end of the completed procedure.
Some aspects to consider that could affect the cost include, but are not limited to, the following:
How Long Will you be in the Hospital?
The hospital stay depends on many aspects. The hospital stay can increase the total by quite a bit depending on the facility. All the equipment used for you during your stay is accounted for in the overall cost. From the beds to the linen and food, these are all part of the expenses.
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
When patients already have other health conditions, it can complicate things. It may influence their recovery and surgical stance beforehand. Patients with pre-existing health conditions may need extra assistance and care in addition.
OR Room Time
In the operating room, a lot is happening; machinery, tools and skills taking place. Complicated procedures due to extensive damage to the knee may require a more extended period spent in the OR, which will increase the price.
Unanticipated Care and Equipment Use
Sometimes, when undergoing any surgical procedure, even when all the research and homework is completed, there may still be unforeseen needs. Sometimes extra care or unforeseen care, complications and machinery is required to help the patient. This adds up in the end.
It’s normal to expect multiple bills after the surgery with various breakdowns of departmental costs and other related experiences.
Hospital costs can be up to $50,000 and more. This total is only an estimated amount. Private care patients may have fewer expenses to cover than those using government-facilitated Medicare options.
Speak to your health care provider about a solution to cover the cost of your knee replacement surgery. Sometimes not all procedures and medication are covered by the health care provider. You should find out beforehand what is and what isn't covered by your health insurance.
There is often the case where patients may need to pay out their own pocket to supplement costs incurred.
Conclusion
While knee replacement surgery is effective in improving the patient’s quality of life and preventing pain, it doesn't last forever. For most patients, knee or other joint replacements last for up to twenty years. This accounts for 80% of patients who have received this surgery. For the short-lifespan of the prosthesis, another surgery may be required after ten years.
Speak to your health care provider about the possible solutions and procedures you may need in order to have this surgery. Get expert advice from specialized and qualified doctors regarding this and the way forward for you.