How Total Knee Replacement Can Restore Mobility
Knee pain can limit activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and injury are common causes, and they can affect daily life. Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components to relieve pain and restore function; surgeons assess the range of motion, stability, and strength to determine if this procedure is appropriate.
Understanding the Surgical Procedure
Knee replacement surgery removes damaged portions of the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap, then resurfaces these areas with metal and plastic components. The surgeon makes an incision, prepares the bone surfaces, and inserts a plastic spacer between the metal parts, replicating the smooth movement of cartilage. Healthy bone remains intact during the process, and this approach reduces joint pain while improving knee function.
Artificial joint components use metal to cap the thighbone and shinbone; plastic replaces the knee’s cartilage. If the surrounding ligaments are not strong enough, the surgeon may select connected implants for added support, and this provides additional stability for the joint. The procedure typically lasts one to two hours. During the procedure, patients receive either general anesthesia or a spinal block to numb the lower body. Surgeons may use additional numbing medication around the joint.
Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery
Recovery planning starts before surgery and often involves arranging help with daily tasks for several weeks. The healthcare team provides safety instructions, such as installing safety bars or securing rugs, and patients can adjust their home environment to ease movement during recovery. Preventing blood clots is a priority after surgery; medical professionals may prescribe blood-thinning medications, while patients often use compression stockings or inflatable sleeves to keep blood moving.
Physical therapy typically begins soon after surgery. Patients often continue therapy at home or at a center following discharge; staying active in rehabilitation supports the function of the artificial knee and long-term mobility. Exercises strengthen the new knee, and following the program as instructed helps regain motion safely.
Expecting Long-Term Outcomes and Risks
Most people experience lasting pain relief and improved mobility after total knee replacement. Artificial joints often function well for 15 to 20 years, and some may need further surgery due to wear over time. After recovery, patients can participate in low-impact activities while high-impact sports are generally avoided to protect the implant, and this guidance helps preserve the artificial joint over the long term.
Total knee replacement, like other surgeries, can involve risks such as infection, blood clots, and nerve damage. Infections may require further treatment, and nerve issues can sometimes cause numbness or weakness. Although the metal and plastic implants are durable, loosening may occur over time and could necessitate another procedure; surgeons review these potential complications with patients before surgery.
Ongoing follow-up visits help monitor the implant and address any issues during its lifespan. Patients are advised to attend regular checkups, and these visits ensure early detection of problems. Surgeons provide instructions during each visit, and patients can discuss concerns or changes in mobility with the care team.
Find a Clinic
Total knee replacement can restore movement and relieve pain for those with severe joint damage. Successful recovery relies on physical therapy and preparation, and patients who follow instructions typically regain function more effectively. While risks exist, the procedure often leads to long-term improved mobility, and understanding these risks allows patients to make informed decisions and participate actively in their rehabilitation. Find a clinic to talk to a specialist about this option for you.
