Main types of knee replacement surgery are:

Total knee replacement is the most common where the surgeon replaces the surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone which connects to the knee.
Partial knee replacement if arthritis affects only one compartment of your knee, this surgery may be a possibility only if you have strong knee ligaments and normal knee cartilage. This surgery is performed through a smaller cut compared to total knee replacement.
Patellofemoral replacement only replaces the under-surface of the kneecap and the groove the kneecap sits in and is very effective for people with chronic kneecap arthritis.
Complex (or revision) knee replacement procedure is performed only when you have very severe arthritis or if previously you’ve already had knee replacement surgeries.
Cartilage restorations is replacement of an isolated area of injury or wear with a living cartilage graft or cells which grow into cartilage.

Knee replacement surgery is a very precise operation taking 1 to 2 hours and the surgeons can choose from a variety of knee designs to suit the patient’s height, weight, and activity level. The implants are made from a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, or polymer to allow easy movement.

During the procedure

Knee replacement requires a stay in a hospital and the procedures may vary depending on your condition. Knee replacement surgery is performed under regional anesthesia.

Place the knee implant and position it properly.
Secure the implant into place using surgical cement.
Insert a piece of polymer that creates a smooth, gliding surface between the metal parts of the implant.
Close the incision with stitches or surgical staples.

After the surgery you will be taken to the recovery room for observation to ensure you wake up from the anesthesia without complications. Here, your vital signs and pain level will be monitored.

It is important to begin moving the new joint after surgery. A physio therapist will visit you soon after your surgery and plan an exercise program for you. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine will be used to begin the physical therapy. This machine moves your new knee joint through its range of motion while you are resting in bed. Your pain will be controlled with medication so that you can participate in the exercise. You will be given an exercise plan to follow both in the hospital and after discharge. After discharge and you will be asked to continue physical therapy until you regain muscle strength and motion.

Once you are home, it is important to keep the surgical area clean and dry.
The stitches or surgical staples will be removed during a follow-up visit.
Elevate your leg to reduce swelling or apply ice to the knee.
Take a pain reliever for soreness or as recommended. Take only the recommended medications.

At home

Notify us at FirstCure Health in case of to report any of the following:

Fever
Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site
Increased pain around the incision site
You may resume your normal diet unless advised differently.
You should not drive until your recover fully, activity restrictions may apply.
Full recovery from the surgery takes months.
It is important that you avoid falls after your knee replacement surgery, because a fall can result in damage to the new joint.
Your may be recommend a cane or walker to help you walk until you regain strength and balance.

Notify us at FirstCure Health in case of any of the following:

Proper handrails along all stairs
Safety handrails in the shower or bath
Shower bench or chair
Raised toilet seat
Long-handled sponge and shower hose
Reaching stick to grab objects
Remove loose carpets and electrical cords that may cause you to trip
Avoiding stair-climbing until your doctor says so

Your doctor may give you additional instructions depending on your particular situation.