Our Summary

Total knee replacement surgery (TKA) greatly improves the lives of many patients by reducing pain and improving function. However, up to 30% of patients are not completely happy with the results. This dissatisfaction often arises from the fact that their quality of life post-surgery is not as good as they had hoped. Elements like physical health, behaviour, social life, and psychology are not considered in standard measures of surgical success. The paper examines how patient-related factors, the surgical technique used, and the program followed after surgery can impact a patient’s quality of life. It also looks at what patients usually hope for after TKA, such as returning to work and sports.

FAQs

  1. What factors may contribute to a patient’s dissatisfaction with their total knee replacement surgery?
  2. How can the surgical technique and post-surgery program impact a patient’s quality of life after knee replacement surgery?
  3. What do patients typically hope to achieve after undergoing a total knee replacement surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about knee replacement surgery is to actively participate in their recovery process. This includes following their physical therapy regimen, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active to strengthen the muscles around the knee. It is also important to communicate openly with their healthcare team about any concerns or challenges they may be facing during the recovery process. Additionally, setting realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and understanding that full recovery may take time can help manage post-surgery expectations and improve overall satisfaction with the results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery are those who have severe knee pain and stiffness that limits their daily activities, who have not had success with other forms of treatment such as medication or physical therapy, and who have a significant loss of function and mobility in the affected knee. Patients who have conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis are often good candidates for knee replacement surgery.

It is important for patients considering knee replacement surgery to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and to understand that it may not completely eliminate all pain and limitations. Patients who are committed to following a post-surgery rehabilitation program and who are motivated to regain function and mobility in their knee are more likely to have a successful outcome from knee replacement surgery.

Timeline

Before knee replacement surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss the need for knee replacement due to severe pain and limited mobility.
  2. Pre-operative appointments for medical evaluations, imaging tests, and discussions about the surgery procedure.
  3. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.
  4. Preparing the home environment for post-operative recovery, including arranging for assistance with daily activities.

After knee replacement surgery:

  1. Hospital stay for a few days to monitor recovery and manage pain.
  2. Rehabilitation program to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the knee.
  3. Gradual return to daily activities with the help of assistive devices like crutches or a walker.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications.
  5. Continued physical therapy and exercise to maintain and improve the function of the knee.
  6. Gradual return to work and recreational activities, with guidance from healthcare providers on safe practices.
  7. Ongoing monitoring of the knee joint for signs of wear or complications, with potential for future interventions if needed.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after knee replacement surgery involves a comprehensive approach to improving quality of life and function in the affected knee joint. It is important for patients to actively participate in their recovery process and follow the recommendations of their healthcare team to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain management?

  3. What type of rehabilitation and physical therapy will be necessary after the surgery?

  4. Will I be able to return to my normal activities, such as sports or exercise, after the surgery?

  5. How long will the knee replacement last and are there any restrictions on certain activities?

  6. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of pain relief and improved function?

  7. Will I need any assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, after the surgery?

  8. What are the factors that could impact the success of the surgery, such as my overall health or weight?

  9. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery and what is the follow-up care plan?

  10. Are there alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered before opting for knee replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: Canovas F, Dagneaux L. Journal: Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2018 Feb;104(1S):S41-S46. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2017.04.017. Epub 2017 Nov 26. PMID: 29183821