Question 1

what is the procedure like for a total knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

TKA: Resurfacing the femur, tibia, and patella through an incision. Quite reproducible, usually with great results, initial pain, and requires lots of pt/exercises.

Question 2

what is the recovery typically like from a total knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

Takes effort: Most patients are hospitalized for 2-3 days for pain medication, antibiotics and physical therapy. Most patients then participate in outpatient physical therapy for 3-6 weeks. Patients will usually continue exercises after that for a few months.

Question 3

when is a total knee replacement needed?

Accepted Answer

When all else fails: Total knee is done when the pain in the knee is present all the time including at night and when all compartments of the knee are involved.

Question 4

how can i exercise with a total knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

Low impact: The type of exercise depends on the timing following knee replacement.  Initially, one focuses on range of motion exercises and learning how to walk properly.  Following the immediate recovery period, one focuses on low impact quadriceps strengthening exercises.  Good exercises are riding a stationary bike, elliptical machines and swimming.

Question 5

why does my butt hurt after a total knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

Butt attached to leg: You have likely been compensating for your knee prior to your surgery. This can throw your pelvis off but you don't notice it because it works. Now that your knee is fixed, you're likely walking more normally so you notice that your pelvis is off and your butt hurts. A good do can apply some omm to re-right your pelvis and help alleviate some of the pain.

Question 6

how long does a total knee replacement surgery take?

Accepted Answer

TKA duration: It varies on the deformity, the instruments used, and the experience of the surgeon. Average range of 40-60 minutes.

Question 7

what kind of exercises can a total knee replacement patient do?

Accepted Answer

Low impact: There are really no restrictions on what one does after a replacement if one follows basic common sense and avoids any activity that produces undue stress on the knee.

Question 8

what are the causes of stiffness after a total knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Causes of stiffness following knee replacement include scar tissue formation, component size and position among many factors.  However, the most important factor is the patient's preoperative motion (i.e. Preoperative stiffness is likely going to lead to less than optimal postoperative motions).

Question 9

what over-the-counter medications help relieve pain from a total knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

Current medications : Other than the ones your surgeon already prescribed, the nsaids you are taking are usually the recommended otc meds after the global post-operative period.  Hope that helps.

Question 10

what should i do if i had a total knee replacement and now have pain and stiffness?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up: Be sure to follow-up with your surgeon to be sure there are no issues with the surgery or complications.  It can take several months to fully recover so be patient.  Pt is important both at home and with your therapist.  Stiffness may be due to non-compliance with your pt program.  Otc meds for the pain and they are not effective then stronger meds may be needed.

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