Knee replacement is a routine surgery performed on over 600,000 people worldwide each year. Over 90% of people who have had Total Knee Replacement experience an improvement in knee pain and function.

Before surgery, a small tube called an intravenous line will be inserted into your arm to administer antibiotics and other medication. In the operating room, you will be given anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, your knee will be scrubbed and sterilized. Your surgery will begin with an incision over the knee to expose the joint. The surgeon then uses precision guides and special instruments to remove any damaged surfaces and shape the ends of the bones.

A rehabilitation program will be specially designed for your situation in order to help you regain balance, strength and range of movement. You may be using a continuous passive motion machine that automatically moves your leg to help reduce stiffness. Your physical therapist will help you perform these exercises. About 24 hours after surgery, you will probably be ready to try standing. Within the next 24 hours, you will likely begin to walk a few steps with the help of a walker.

ANS: Any surgery has risks. There are many risks associated with knee replacement surgery. However, in the hands of a well-trained, dedicated orthopaedic surgeon, these risks should be quite low. It is fair to say that you have about a 96% chance that you will go through the operation without any significant complication occurring. The most common complication is blood clots in the legs. The most serious complication is infection. The most important long-term complication is loosening.

If you need knee surgery, whether it be an arthroscopic knee surgery, reconstructive knee surgery, or a partial or total knee replacement, Phoenix Orthopedic Group Surgeons are highly trained, experienced physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including the knee. The most often treated site by orthopedic surgeons is the knee. The knee is vulnerable to more injuries for different reasons.

and new components are implanted. The technical aspects of the surgery are more complex than the original total knee replacement. However, the preparation for surgery and hospital experience tend to be very similar to the primary knee replacement.

Many people are born with a natural tendency toward knock-knee or bowleg, and added severe arthritis can lead to an uncomfortable degree of misalignment. One of the goals of total knee replacement is to establish a comfortable, healthy alignment.

Your surgeon might request a physical examination by an internist or your regular doctor. Also, blood transfusions are likely to be needed during your surgery, so you may want to donate your own blood in advance. All preparations for surgery should be discussed with your surgeon.

The most catastrophic complication of a knee replacement surgery is infection. The prosthesis has to be removed and a surgery for cleaning the infection needs to be done. Heavy antibiotics are needed which are very expensive. A repeat surgery for re-implantation will turn out to be very expensive. It is also likely that the only solution is fusion of the knee. This way the knee never moves again.

It is a metal and plastic covering for raw, arthritic bone ends. It replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Knee replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily with less discomfort. For those that have become bow-legged or knock-kneed over the years, it can also straighten your legs to a more natural position.

Recovery times vary depending on age, health, technique and severity of injury, but patients typically are able to return to their previous activity level within four to six weeks.

If you and your surgeon decide that total knee replacement is right for you, a date will be scheduled for your surgery. Several things may be necessary to prepare for surgery. For example, your surgeon might ask you to have a physical examination by an internist or your regular doctor. Because blood transfusions are likely to be needed during your surgery, you may want to donate one unit of your own blood, or possibly two units if your surgeon feels it is needed.

On the day of surgery, a small tube (intravenous line) will be inserted into your arm. This tube will be used to administer antibiotics and other medication during your surgery. You will then be taken to the operating room and given anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect, your knee will be scrubbed and sterilized with a special solution. The surgery will begin with an incision over the knee that will expose the joint.

When you are back in your hospital room, you will begin a rehabilitation program that will help you regain strength, balance, and range of movement in your knee. This program will be designed specifically for you. It may include a machine, called a continuous passive motion machine that automatically moves your leg to help reduce stiffness. Your physical therapist will help you perform appropriate exercises. About 24 hours after surgery, you will probably be asked to stand.

Alternatives include "living with" the arthritic knee (modifying and reducing activity, taking medicine, losing weight, and keeping the leg strong via low impact exercise), "cortisone" injections, lubricant (hyaluronate) injections, and arthroscopic "clean-out" (debridement).

You can take steps to help prevent the development of osteoarthritis or to help prevent the progression of this condition. These steps include: Weight control. Maintaining a healthy weight may be the single most important thing you can do to prevent osteoarthritis.4 Being overweight puts extra strain on the joints, particularly the large weight-bearing joints such as the knees, the hips, and the balls of the feet. It is estimated that every 1 lb (0.5 kg) of body weight means at least 3 lb (1.