Patients seeking to undergo knee surgery are full of questions about what is involved in knee surgery, including preparations before the procedure, the cost, recovery process. To help you figure out all these things, read on to get some few ideas about what you should expect from an orthopedic surgeon.
Knee replacement surgery also called knee arthroplasty is a procedure that involves removing the joint and insertion of an artificial one. During this procedure, the doctor prepares the bones around the thigh and the shin to be able to accept the new joint once the damaged tissues are removed completely. The surgeon ensures that the alignment is accurate after which the surgeon sutures and bandages the site. Once this process is complete, the patient is allowed to recuperate. The surgeon recommends that a patient moves his or her foot or tries to flex the ankle. This is so because the knee requires such movements to allow for easy flow of blood and to reduce the chances of blood clotting. Ordinarily, the doctor may administer blood thinners or the foot may be placed in special boots to protect against clotting.
Physical therapy can begin after 24 hours of the procedure. Therapists are critical components of the healing process. They will advice you on the right exercises that will help flex your joints for the best results. Ordinarily, patients are expected to strictly follow a graduated exercise regimen to help them regain the best mobility. One of the ways of exercising is walking indoors but one may move outdoors once they feel they are comfortable with their movement. However, great care must be taken to avoid going upstairs or downstairs as this may cause strain or at worst cause dislocation and complete rupture of the joint. It is essential to use crutches, canes and walkers during the early days after the surgery but these tools are not to be used during the later stages.
How Long Does it Take to Heal after the Surgery?
Remember every patient is unique and so the surgeon will advice you on the most appropriate rehabilitation program to help facilitate the healing process. A patient can resume light activities such as short walks after a period of 3-5 weeks after surgery. If you feel you have gained sufficient flexibility around your knee joint and that you have control of the muscles around the site, you can slowly begin to pedal. This can be undertaken after 6-8 weeks of surgery.
However, caution should be exercised to avoid worsening the case. It is important to avoid falls, slips, as these can damage or loosen your artificial joint and cause damage that may require a separate surgery to correct. While physical exercises are extremely essential to fast track the healing process, patients should not push themselves beyond what is potentially useful. For more information, contact experienced Orthopaedic Surgeons in Sydney who can help fix your knee problems.
