Orthopedic Knee Surgery

Arthroplasty, or total knee replacement surgery, is a major surgical procedure and to ensure proper healing it is important to follow the directions given by your orthopedic surgeon. The knee bears a great deal of weight and a well designed physical therapy plan should be followed after knee surgery to ensure restoration of movement and mobility to the knee joint.

Very basically, arthroplasty involves replacement of the knee joint cartilage with a prosthesis made up of special metals and plastics and involves a hospital stay of 3 to 7 days after the knee replacement surgery. Most hospitals will not discharge a patient who has had replacement knee surgery unless they can walk with the aid of crutches. Knee rehabilitation therapy commences almost immediately after the surgery and can continue for several months. This is a crucial key to good recovery.

Since it can take up to 3 weeks after surgery before the repaired knee joint can be expected to bear any weight, it may be necessary for patients to receive in-home assistance. If in-home care is not available then there are rehabilitation centers that can provide that service. This would mean staying at the center for 2 or 3 weeks after the operation. During this time the leg should be kept elevated as much as possible and use ice packs to help minimise swelling.

Since we are all different with different health, fitness and motivation levels and the complexity of knee surgery varies with each operation, the recovery procedure and recovery time can vary. The following are guidelines only and can vary from case to case.

For the first three to four weeks after the knee replacement, walking with aid of crutches or a walker is necessary.

After that period the use of a cane is recommended for two to three weeks.

Usually, after around 8 weeks, most people can walk unaided.

It generally takes from 6 to 12 months for the knee joint to heal completely. This time frame is dependent on the knee exercises and rehabilitation program being followed and on the knee not being damaged by trying to pursue some activities too soon.

The level of mobility of the knee following the surgery varies from person to person, however, most people should be able to bend the repaired knee joint to 90 degrees with two to three weeks after their knee replacement surgery. Eventually, many will get over 110 degrees of motion in the repaired knee.

It should be possible to return to jobs that are sedentary by 6 weeks after surgery. More physical jobs should be looked at on an individual basis in conjunction with your health care professional.

After about 12 weeks, most people are back to their normal activities and the pain experienced before the knee replacement has usually disappeared by this time.

It is important to remember that the components used in the knee joint prosthesis are not able to heal if the knee is damaged and so common sense must prevail when considering undertaking leisure, sporting and employment activities to lessen the risk of injury. Here is a list of recommended activities, activities that are allowed in moderation and ones that should be avoided altogether.

Recommended activities

* Swimming and water aerobics

* Cross-country skiing

* Golf

* Dancing

* Cycling

*Using training machines like cross trainers and exercise bikes

* Desk work

Permitted: Allowable in moderation:

* Hiking

* Sports like gentle tennis or gentle downhill skiing

* Jobs that do not require heavy lifting (driving, walking, standing etc).

These activities should be avoided at all costs:

* Jogging or running

* Impact exercises

* Contact sports and those sports that put a lot of stress son the knee through pivoting or twisting e.g. basketball, squash, football etc.

* Heavy labor and lifting.

With the advances made in total knee replacement surgery procedures and prosthetics, almost full use of the knee can be expected for many years.

Technorati Tags: arthroscopic knee surgery, arthroscopic surgery recovery, knee joint replacement surgery, orthopedic knee surgery, total knee replacement recovery, total knee replacement surgery

Total knee replacement surgery (also called arthroplasty) can be life changing for someone suffering from knee trauma but it is a major operation and so recovery can take quite a while. Recovery from this type of knee surgery could also mean suffering with quite a bit of pain and some loss of function of the knee joint. However, this knee operation can be a major player in helping restore quality of life.

Prior to knee surgery, the knee has usually suffered from some degenerative changes which, in turn, may have caused the muscles that help support the knee to lose some of their strength and to not function exactly as they should. After a knee replacement operation, exercise is a critical part of the healing process but because of the pain and loss of function of the knee as well as the weakened muscles, it can be difficult to stick with an exercise regimen.

Over the past few years a lot of progress has been made in developing knee prostheses that are extremely durable and long lasting. Even so, these synthetic knee joints are not as robust as the actual knee joint and are subject to being damaged by activities like running, jumping and twisting and other “high impact” physical movements.

Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you in the exercise routine that you should commence after knee replacement surgery. He will also advise when to start exercising. Major knee exercises generally should not commence until your knee can bear your full weight, swelling and pain at the front of the knee has subsided and you have good knee motion, usually being able to bend you knee through 90 degrees. This could be as long as three months after the surgery. As soon as possible after the knee surgery, patients are expected to do simple knee straightening and bending exercises, sometimes with the aid of a special machine. The exercises will progress from light exercises initially and slowly increase in intensity as time and the healing process progresses.

The aim of the knee exercises is not only to ensure the knee can be bent and straightened but also to build up the muscles around the knee that help support it and to develop balance.

Two of the best knee rehabilitation exercises are bike riding (on an exercise bike) and swimming. These not only provide excellent therapy to assist in the healing of the knee joint but also are excellent cardiovascular exercises that also help in weight control. Maintaining a healthy weight level will speed up recovery time as less pressure is applied to the knee joint.

• BIKE RIDING – Use an exercise bike. When sitting on the seat, the foot should just rest on the pedal and the leg should be straight. This will prevent over-bending the knee which could cause damage. Start on a low resistance setting and slowly increase the resistance and the time.

• SWIMMING – This is one of the favored exercises because it is not weight bearing and can provide a total body workout. Again, start slowly and, if necessary, use a float to support the legs. Avoid leg actions like in the breast stroke which can put excessive strain on the knee joint. Slowly work up to a normal kicking action.

As the strength of the muscles around the knee and the mobility of the knee joint increases, you should experience less pain and discomfort and be able to slowly get back to your normal daily routine.
Knee rehabilitation exercises post total knee replacement surgery are one of the best ways to reduce recovery time and ensure that the new knee will give you many years of pain-free use.

Knee Rehabilitation Exercises

Whether you are rehabilitating your knee form after surgery or after an injury, progression of exercises should be slow and pain free.

Knee Rehabilitation After Knee Surgery

A general rehabilitation program in a patient with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Day of surgery

Technorati Tags: arthroscopic knee surgery, Arthroscopy, knee joint replacement surgery, knee rehabilitation exercises, knee strengthening exercises, orthopedic knee surgery, surgery, total knee replacement surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery was first performed in the US in 1968.  It has since proved to be one of the most important surgical procedures in orthopedics of the 20th century and, with major advances in surgical techniques and materials, has become very highly effective.  In the US there are over three hundred thousand knee operations performed annually generally with impressive results.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is knee joint replacement surgery.  Basically there are two types of arthroscopic knee procedures:

• Total joint arthroplasty where both sides (shinbone and femur) of the knee joint are replaced and

• Hemiarthroplasty or partial knee replacement in which only one side of the knee joint is replaced.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint.  This prosthesis is made from surgical grade plastics and metal alloys and is designed to work in the same way as bone and cartilage does and to behave in the same way as a healthy joint.

In this surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged or diseased parts of the bones that make up the knee joint.  In a healthy knee joint the surfaces of these bones rub together using cartilage to act as the buffer between them.  In total knee replacement surgery the surgeon will remove the damaged surfaces of the three bones that rub together (the kneecap or patella, the thighbone or femur and the shinbone or tibia) and replace them the plastic or metal prostheses.  .  The surgery usually takes between 1 and 2 hours.

The components used in knee joint replacement surgery are designed to match the original bones that they replace.  The section of the femur or thighbone that is replaced is made of rounded metal alloy that is designed to closely match the curve of the natural femur.  A very smooth long wearing polyethylene plastic is used to replace the surface of the shinbone and act as knee cartilage.  This same material is used to replace the cartilage on the back of the kneecap.

The ultimate aim of this surgery is to replace the painful surfaces of the knee joint with new surfaces made from artificial materials.  The knee joint is then no longer painful and mobility is increased.  An added benefit is that joint deformities can sometimes also be corrected at the same time.

Knee surgery recovery is relatively quick and knee joint rehabilitation commences almost immediately after the orthopedic knee surgery.  Walking with the aid of crutches or a walker and knee physical therapy usually start within 24 hours of the operation and can take several weeks.  Generally many normal activities like climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs can be attempted within a few days.  Knee replacement exercises are an important part of rehabilitation.

Orthopedic knee replacement surgery has a success rate of up to 95% with most knee implants functioning well for many years after surgery.  Most knee implants should last for about 15 years with moderate levels of activity.  However, continual strenuous activity can reduce the life of the knee implant.

Technorati Tags: arthroscopic knee surgery, knee cartilage, knee joint replacement surgery, knee operation, knee physical, knee replacement exercises, Knee Surgery Recovery, orthopedic surgeon, total knee replacement surgery

 Knee joint replacement surgery  is a major operation and whether you have a full or partial knee replacement problems can occur. This article discusses what you need to ensure you are prepared for rehabilitation after invasive or arthroscopic knee surgery.

What You Need To Know Before Your Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement is pretty scary, but you can do it, especially if you are prepared! After you and your Doctor have decided you need your knee replaced, it’s time to make preparations.

First and foremost, check with your insurance company to make sure which benefits you have. Find out specifically how long they will allow you to stay in the hospital. Many insurance companies will make you leave the on the fourth day after the operation and they may send you to a ‘rehabilitation facility’, which in their jargon could mean a nursing home.

In my experience, I was transferred to the nursing home on a Friday. This meant I would not be evaluated by their visiting physical therapist until Monday. Because of that, I declined from a 90 degree bend in my new knee to a 70 degree bend, in just three days. All my rehab in the hospital had just gone down the drain and I had to start all over again. Just so you know, you will be working towards a 125 degree bend after the Knee Replacement Surgery.

It is very important to know how the insurance company will deal with you before, during and after the knee surgery.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:

* Find out with whom you are speaking, their position and their extension number.

* I want to know what benefits I have for a total Knee Replacement.

* Do I have skilled Physical Therapy benefits in the hospital where the surgery takes place for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they?

* Do I have Rehabilitation benefits for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for the services?

* Do I have Rehabilitation equipment and supplies covered for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Is there a co-pay?

* Do I have ongoing outpatient therapy benefits for after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for services?

* Do I have home therapy benefits after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Which Home Health agencies may I use after the Knee Replacement?

To maintain your independence at home, after your Knee Replacement Surgery, buy a bar refrigerator that will go on a table next to your bed. This will be invaluable when you do come home. Stock it with water, sodas, milk, Jell-O’s and individual pudding snacks. Fresh fruit is also a good snack. Purchase the 2 oz boxes of cereals and stack them beside the refrigerator. Put a large plastic drinking cup next to the bed and weight it with a golf ball, which will hold plastic utensils, knives, forks and spoons (the golf ball keeps it from tipping over). Use a plastic bowl for the cereal and throw it away when you’re done. Bumblebee Tuna makes an individual lunch kit that comes pre-made with crackers and a little wooden spoon.

These little things will help you feel independent by being able to get breakfast, snacks and an occasional lunch on your own. It also gives your care giver a little break. I found that there were some days that I had no appetite due to pain and/or medication so I kept a stock of Slim Fast or Boost in the refrigerator for basic nutrition.

If you smoke, now is the time to stop or at least cut down. Smoking constricts your blood vessels which is not a good thing when you’re going in for major surgery. If you tend to be a little over weight try to lose a few pounds. A little less weight on a new knee joint means a little less pain. Okay, no more preaching.

Line up the people that will be helping you after your Knee Replacement Surgery and, believe me, you will need them. If you can afford it, hire someone to come in for 4-6 hours a day. They will help you get out of bed, shower and get dressed. They prepare your meals, help you with your therapy exercises, keep you company and give your spouse or significant other, a break. Interview them now and let them know what your timing is. Your church would be a good place to find someone, or if you live near a retirement community, many times they have companions of their own that are looking for some extra income.

This isn’t essential but I think wise. Donate two pints of your own blood in case of an emergency. Make sure that this is completed at least a week before the surgery. You have to donate one pint per week. If you are taking antibiotics wait five days before giving blood. The blood bank will give you a card with the unit number on it that you present upon admission to the hospital.

You will need Grab Bars put into your shower/tub (don’t use your towel bars). Put them in before you have the surgery, installation is not that difficult and you will be grateful for the assistance over the next couple of months. This is a major safety issue. Balance will be tough after your Knee Replacement Surgery especially the first couple of weeks. You should buy a shower stool so you can sit while bathing. Your doctor may supply you with a cast protector to keep your new knee dry.

Purchase three rubber mats, one for in the shower/tub and the other two to be lined up parallel outside the shower/tub. You do not want to slip on a wet bathroom floor.

There is a product; a disposable body wash cloth, available that you can use to bathe in your bed. They can be placed in the microwave to be heated up and you can use them on days that you just can’t face the shower. They come in packs of eight. While they say to use all eight for one bathing I found that four were sufficient. Just close up the remaining four and use save them for the next time.

You will need a pair of slippers that cover the entire foot with a non skid bottom, flip flops are just too dangerous. You will also need a pair of lace up shoes for stability.

Some other items that you may need are:

* TV with Remote Control

* Telephone/emergency numbers

* A night light for the bathroom

* Handi-wipes

* Bedside Commode/Toilet paper

* Tissues

* Dental floss, toothbrush, toothpaste

* Bell to ring for assistance

Another suggestion is to clear all the pathways in your home. Scatter rugs and cords are often the cause of falls, so are pillows and magazine. Remove articles from around the bed and chairs. Keep your pets under control. A dozing cat or a playful puppy in the wrong area can cause accidents.

Please see my other article on what you need to know about the day of knee replacement surgery and your rehabilitation.

Copyright, Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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By: Mary Hanna

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About The Author Mary Hanna writes eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles. Visit her websites at: www.biaxininfo.com www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com All of the products recommended in the article can be found at: www.MedicalCheap.com

Technorati Tags: arthroscopic, knee joint replacement surgery, knee replacement recovery time, partial knee replacement problems, problems, recovery, rehabilitation, rehabilitation after arthroscopic knee surgery

Avoiding total joint replacement surgery  on the knee or hip with physical therapy is the best road to recovery.

Due to arthritis, you may need total hip or knee joint replacement surgery in your later years. Physical Therapists may prevent or delay a surgery by showing individuals pain management skills, exercises, and stretches that improve function. Ultrasound, low level laser, electric stimulation, and taping techniques are other ways used to assist with pain management.

To find the source of the pain in your leg, Physical Therapists will evaluate you. A qualified Physical Therapist will customize a program to match your rehabilitation needs and abilities. You will also learn how to put only small amounts of stress on your joint that has been injured, so that the pain will be minimized.

If joint replacement surgery is unavoidable, it is recommended that in order to know what to expect after surgery, you begin working with an experienced Physical Therapist prior to your surgery.

After  total joint replacement surgery, why is Physical Therapy so essential?

A well thought out exercise regimen will increase the function of your new joint. Weak strength or range of motion post operation can leave some with limited walking and pain. The procedures your doctor performed will determine which strengthening and flexibility exercises you require. Some procedures will limit how you will be able to bend your leg or the weight you can put on it while it heals.

The exercises prescribed by your Physical Therapist should focus on strengthening your hip, trunk, and leg muscles and making them more flexible. Neuromuscular control is an important factor in the activity of leg muscles balance. Therefore, having a balance training added to the rehabilitation program to improve muscle co-ordination and movement patterns can be helpful. Your physical therapist will help you limit the effects of post-surgical scar tissue and muscle imbalances.

Rob Tendick is a physical therapy student who has helped rehabilitate patients after a total knee replacement. Rob knows firsthand the importance of trying to prevent surgery with physical therapy. Based on his experience Rob recommends Westwood Physical Therapy for outstanding physical therapy, including treatment for injury prevention. For more information visit westwoodpt.com.

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