Knee Replacement Surgery Cost and Knee Replacement Surgery Procedures Information

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Knee replacement surgery, sometimes called total knee replacement or TKR, is an option for people who have knee pain or loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason, but injuries — fractures, torn cartilage and torn ligaments — may also lead to degeneration which is cause for knee replacement. This procedure is usually only considered after more conservative measures — anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, physical therapy, prescription pain medication and restrictions in activity — have been exhausted with little or no improvement. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic. Patients typically stay in the hospital for several days after the surgery and can return to normal activities after six weeks, though you will have to avoid high-impact activities after a knee replacement.

Patient Preparation for Knee Replacement Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests — X-rays, MRIs, etc. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Knee Replacement Surgery

The surgery itself usually takes about two hours, but the preparation and recovery time may have several hours. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Typically, knee replacement surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. Once unconscious, the surgeon will make an incision down the middle of the knee, eight to 10 inches long. The ends of the tibia and femur are then and prepared for the prosthetic. The new knee components are then attached to the bones using bone cement, and the surgeon will then test for fit and mobility. Finally, the incision will be stitched closed.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. Patients stay in the hospital from one to three days, when pain can be managed without IV pain medication and the patient can safely use crutches or a walker. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.