What is Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is also known as knee arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability. It is most commonly performed for osteoarthritis, and for other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It can either be a total or partial replacement.
How can physiotherapy help patients undergoing a knee replacement surgery?
Pre-operative physiotherapy will help prepare your knee and its surrounding muscles for surgery because the better the state of your muscle strength and range of movement before surgery, the better the recovery rate after surgery.
Post-operative physiotherapy is also important in pain and swelling reduction, as well as, returning your knee back to a functional state after surgery.
Why would I need a knee replacement?
Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities
Pain that interrupts sleep
Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, day or night
Long-lasting knee inflammation and swelling that doesn’t get better with rest, medications, corticosteroid injection or physiotherapy
A severely unstable knee
Joint deformity
Mobility problems
What are the possible complications with knee replacement surgery?
Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
Wound infection
Amputation of the leg due to severe wound infection
Joint dislocation
The prosthesis breaking or working itself loose
Temporary or permanent numbness around the incision site
Paralysis of the foot due to nerve damage
Lack of blood supply to the leg due to blood vessel damage (this can sometimes lead to amputation)
Lung infection
Clots in the veins of the legs
Circulation difficulties
Heart attack
Stroke
Death
Not sure about your conditions?