Knee replacement surgery – a surgical process in which your damaged knee joint is removed and replaced with a man made knee joint – is a major surgery that requires careful consideration.
Asking questions from your knee replacement surgeon before surgery is important as it allows you to understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives to the surgery. Additionally, asking questions will allow you to prepare for the surgery and recovery period and alleviate any concerns or anxiety.
What questions should you ask your knee surgeon before surgery?Let’s talk about a few important questions you must ask your surgeon before knee replacement and where you can go for this surgery in North Dakota.
Question #1 What is the Reason for Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery is a good option for people who have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (a common form of arthritis), and noninvasive treatments have failed to provide them adequate relief from pain, stiffness, and knee swelling.
Additionally, if you have sustained an injury that has damaged your knee joint beyond repair, knee surgery may be recommended to you.
Question #2 What Are the Expected Benefits of Knee Surgery for Me?
This depends on your knee condition, overall health, and mobility before the surgery. Generally, you can expect pain relief and mobility restoration from knee surgery. Knee surgery may also allow you to regain your partial or full knee function, meaning you may be able to return to your activities or sports.
Question #3 What Can I Do to Increase the Odds of Successful Surgery?
There are many things you can do to improve the outcomes of the surgery. For example, you can do exercises to strengthen the knee joint muscles before surgery, avoid alcohol, quit smoking, eat a balanced diet and shed your extra pounds.
It’s a good idea to see a physical therapist before the surgery to prepare your knee for the replacement procedure.
Question #4 What Type of Implant You Will Use?
Typically, implants used in knee replacement are made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers, as this combination creates a knee joint of minimal friction and less wear and tear.
The implant brand and design are selected based on the knee problem and knee anatomy, patient factors (age, weight, activity level, and general health), as well as cost and performance record of the implant.
Question #5 How Long Does Recovery After the Knee Replacement Take?
Typically, the recovery timeline depends on the approach used for knee replacement as well as post-op rehabilitation. For instance, a knee replacement performed with the help of an arthroscope(a procedure known as knee arthroscopy) takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal fully.
On the other hand, a knee surgery performed using an open surgery approach may heal within 6 to 8 weeks, but full recovery will take a longer period.
Post-op rehabilitation is crucial to shortening the recovery timeline.
Question #6 What Will Happen If I Put Off My Knee Replacement Surgery
For some people, postponing the surgery is possible for months, a year, or longer. However, for others, postponing surgery may result in negative consequences. For example, the arthritis joint damage may become severe, and the likelihood of surgery success may reduce.
Your knee surgeon will assess your unique case and tell you whether you can postpone surgery.
Knee Replacement in North Dakota
If you are suffering from knee arthritis and want to put an end to your knee pain, stiffness, and swelling, visit us here at the Bone and Joint Center to determine if you are a candidate for knee replacement surgery. Our knee surgeons have expertise in arthroscopic knee surgery and other types of innovative treatment modalities to address your orthopedic injuries and conditions.
To make a one-on-one consultation with our knee surgeon, fill out our online form or call us at (701) 946-7400.
