Knee fusion surgery or knee arthrodesis is an open procedure in which the thigh bone is joined to the shin bone. This is a somewhat rare procedure, suggested for patients who have a failed knee replacement, serious infection, tumor, severe osteoarthritis, trauma or any other irreversible damage to the knee. After the knee is fused, patients are no longer able to bend the knee. Patients typically stay in the hospital for three or four days after the procedure.
Knee Fusion Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction
Knee fusion surgery is an open procedure performed by removing the ends of both the thigh bone and the shin bone and then fusing them together. There are various means of fusion. A rare surgery, doctors usually only suggest this for patients who have experienced a failed knee replacement, serious infection, tumor, severe osteoarthritis, trauma or any other irreversible damage. Patients are under general anesthesia during this procedure. Knee fusion surgeries are open procedures that are performed at hospitals by an orthopedic surgeon. Patients stay in the hospital for three to four days and start physical rehabilitation within 24 hours.
Patient Preparation for Knee Fusion Surgery
A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. 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 Fusion Surgery
The surgery itself takes about two hours. After checking in to the hospital and going back to the preop room, an intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. Knee fusion surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who will first make an incision over the knee. The tips of the shin (tibia) and thigh bone (femur) are then removed. Cartilage, tendons and ligaments are also removed. The ends of the bones are then fused using a variety of methods: bone graft, metal plates, screws, rods or a combination. The leg will be permanently rigid, shortened and straight, though some surgeons prefer to fuse the knee with a slight bend. Physical therapy is crucial in recovery.
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. 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.
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