Knee Replacement Surgery

In 1968, the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl, the first Hot Wheels toy car made its debut, and Richard Nixon was elected President of the U.S. It was also the year that the first knee replacement surgery was performed. Today, more than 600,000 total knee replacements are performed in the U.S. each year to help relieve pain and decrease disability in people with knee problems.

The knee joint, one of the largest in the body, can wear out for numerous reasons, such as inflammation caused by arthritis, injury or everyday wear and tear. Knee replacement surgery may be recommended if pain limits activities; chronic inflammation in the knee does not improve with medication; the knee is stiff or deformed; or there is moderate to severe pain that occurs during rest. Most patients who undergo knee replacement surgery are over the age of 50. However, the procedure may be beneficial to patients of all ages depending on the individual’s levels of pain and disability.

A complete medical history will be taken prior to surgery and a physical examination will be completed to assess the range of motion, stability, and strength in the knee. X-rays may also be done to evaluate the extent of knee damage.

The majority of knee replacement procedures last approximately 60 to 90 minutes and require some form of anesthesia, either general or spinal. During this time, the surgeon will make an incision that is eight to 12 inches long in the knee area, move the kneecap aside, remove the damaged cartilage and then insert the new metal and plastic knee joint.

After spending a short time in a recovery room, knee replacement surgery patients are moved to a hospital room where they will generally stay for one to two days before being discharged. During the hospital stay, blood thinners, support hose and compression boots (inflatable leg coverings) may be used to help prevent blood clots and decrease swelling.

Knee replacement surgery patients can usually resume normal daily activities after about 12 weeks. Low-impact activities are encouraged after recovery, such as walking, swimming, biking or playing golf. However, physicians advise against jogging, running and participation in other high-impact activities after surgery.

Robert Lolley, MD practices orthopedic surgery with Precision Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in the Hoover and Hueytown clinics. To set up an appointment for your patient, call 205-380-9761.