What is a knee transplant?

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces parts of damaged or diseased knee joints. It can help reduce pain and improve the function of the knee. During the operation, the damaged bone or cartilage is replaced with metal and plastic parts.

A surgeon will assess your knee’s range of motion (RMO), stability and strength to determine if a replacement is the right choice for you. An x-ray will also provide an indication of the extent of the damage. The type of artificial joints and the surgical techniques used will depend on a number of factors, including your age, your weight, your activity level, the size and shape of your knee, and your overall health.

Why it's done?

Knee replacement surgery is most commonly used to reduce pain associated with arthritis. Patients who require knee replacement surgery often have difficulty walking, ascending stairs, and getting out of a chair.

In cases where only one section of the knee has been affected, surgeons are often able to replace only that section. In cases where the entire joint must be replaced, surgeons will reshape the ends of both the thigh bone and the shinbone and resurface the entire joint.

The bones used in knee replacement surgery are called artificial parts. They are hard tubes with a soft center, with the ends inserted into a softer central part.

The ligaments that hold the knee together are called ligaments. If the ligaments are not strong enough to support the joint, the surgeon will often choose implants that are connected so they do not come apart.

How you prepare

Food and medications

Your health care provider may tell you to discontinue certain medications and supplements prior to your operation. You will most likely be advised not to eat after midnight on the day before your operation.

Prepare for your recovery

You may need to use a walker or crutches for several weeks after your procedure, so make sure you have them ready before your surgery.

Make sure you have someone to drive you home from the hospital, and help you with everyday tasks like cooking, bathing and laundry and consider doing the following:

• Create one floor of living space in your home to make it easier to move around during your recovery.

• Install a safety bar or a handrail in the shower or bath, as well as a secure stairway handrail.

• Create a stable chair with firm seat cushions and a firm back, and a sturdy footstool to raise your leg.

• Arrange for an arm-rest toilet seat riser if your toilet is a low sink.

• Create an arm-rest bench or chair for the shower, and remove loose rugs and cord.

During the procedure

The knee replacement procedure typically takes between one and two hours to complete.

• The surgeon will make an incision above the knee.

• They will remove the damaged and diseased bone, cartilage, and tendons, leaving the healthy bone behind.

• The replacement parts will then be inserted into the thigh bone, shinbone, and the kneecap
  

After the Procedure:

After surgery, you will rest for a short time in a recovery area. The length of time you will need to stay in the hospital will depend on your individual circumstances. Many patients can go home on the same day.

Knee replacement surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots. To avoid this complication, you will need to:

• Move early: sit up and walk soon after surgery.

• Apply pressure: During and after surgery, elastic compression stockings and inflatable air sleeves may be worn on the lower legs. The compression stockings squeeze and release the blood in the lower legs, reducing the risk of developing a blood clot.

• Take a blood thinner: Your surgeon may prescribe an injection or oral blood thinner for several weeks after your surgery.

  You will likely continue to receive physical therapy at home after your surgery.

  
  

  Frequent breathing exercises and gradually increasing your activity level will be required. A physical therapist may demonstrate how to exercise the new knee.