Many patients get knee replacement surgery to ease pain and restore function after serious knee disorders like osteoarthritis or accidents. If you’re considering or preparing for knee replacement surgery, one of the key questions you might have is: how long does knee replacement surgery take?
Understanding the timeline of knee replacement surgery is crucial, as it allows patients to mentally prepare and make necessary arrangements. The process involves several stages, including pre-operative preparation, the surgery itself, and the post-operative recovery period. Let’s break down each of these stages to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Before the surgery itself, there are several steps that help prepare you for the procedure. These preparations may begin a few days or weeks before the surgery, depending on your overall health and the surgeon’s specific requirements. In most cases, pre-operative visits will involve consultations with the surgeon, the anaesthesiologist, and possibly a physical therapist.
Your surgeon will examine your knee, discuss the surgery, and discuss risks and advantages throughout these appointments. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications or to follow specific instructions about fasting the night before surgery. Additionally, any blood work, imaging, or other diagnostic tests needed will be completed during this phase.
While pre-operative preparation doesn’t directly contribute to the surgical timeline, it’s important to understand that these steps set the stage for a smooth and successful procedure. This preparation period ensures that the surgery can be carried out safely and effectively.
The Surgery: How Long Does It Take?
General or regional anesthesia is used for surgery, depending on your condition and the surgeon’s suggestion. Most knee replacement surgeries take one to two hours, depending on the type and patient anatomy.
Total knee replacement (TKR) and partial knee replacement are the main knee replacement surgeries. Partial knee replacements replace only the injured section of the knee, while total knee replacements replace the entire knee joint. Due to their less invasiveness, partial knee replacements take less time. Partial knee replacements typically take a little less time than total knee replacements, as they are less invasive.
For a knee replacement operation, the physician makes an incision, removes diseased bone and cartilage, and replaces it with artificial parts. These components are usually made from metal, plastic, and sometimes ceramic. The surgeon will carefully fit the components into place, ensuring that the knee can move smoothly after the procedure. Afterward, the incision is closed, and the knee is bandaged.
The surgery is complex and requires a high level of precision to ensure that the new knee functions properly and the surrounding tissues heal well. Therefore, surgery duration can vary slightly from patient to patient. However, most knee replacement surgeries will be completed within the expected time frame of one to two hours.
Recovery And Post-Operative Care
Patients are watched in the recovery area after surgery. The post-operative recovery period typically lasts a few hours, during which your vital signs will be checked regularly. Most patients will be able to go home on the same day of the surgery or within a day, depending on their overall health and how well they recover from anesthesia.
Patients are advised to move their knees immediately after surgery to enhance circulation and prevent stiffness. This will involve some light exercises and gentle movements, usually with the help of a physical therapist. The first few days after the surgery are critical for managing pain, swelling, and preventing complications, such as infection or blood clots.
Most knee replacement surgeries take months to heal. During the first few weeks, patients will continue with physical therapy and follow-up appointments to monitor their progress. Although they may be uncomfortable, most people can return to normal daily activities after six weeks. For more intensive activities, such as running or heavy lifting, it can take several months for the knee to fully heal.
Factors That Influence Surgery Duration
Although knee replacement surgery generally takes between one and two hours, there are several factors that can influence the timeline. These determinants include the surgery type (complete or partial), the surgeon’s experience, and the patient’s health. For example, patients with obesity or certain comorbidities may require additional time for anesthesia or more careful planning to ensure a successful surgery.
In some cases, complications during the procedure, such as excessive bleeding or difficulty fitting the artificial joint, may extend the length of surgery. However, such occurrences are rare, and most surgeries proceed smoothly within the expected time frame.
Conclusion
Understanding how long knee replacement surgery takes can help you prepare for the procedure and what comes afterward. From pre-operative preparations to surgery and post-operative recuperation, each stage is vital to procedure success. While the surgery typically lasts between one and two hours, it’s essential to keep in mind that recovery can take much longer.