You’ve had enough. The pain and stiffness in your knee is preventing you from doing the things you love. Even simple tasks such as climbing stairs or walking to get the mail is tasking. After a strong recommendation from your doctor and much thought and consideration on your part, you’ve decided to have your knee replaced by Texas Ortho Partners, orthopedic surgeon Frisco TX. So, what next? What should you expect?

What is knee replacement surgery and what happens during surgery?

During knee replacement surgery, surgeons replace damaged cartilage within the joint and replace it with new surfaces. Sometimes only partial joint replacement is necessary, replacing only the inner or outer surfaces of the joint depending on which is damaged.

The patient is often put under general anesthesia, which causes you to sleep during the surgery. A regional anesthesia may be used, numbing the area of the surgery and making you sleepy, but conscious. The type of anesthesia depends on your doctor’s choice, your health, and sometimes your preference.

What you should expect after surgery?

Your orthopedic surgeon Frisco TX will prescribe antibiotics to reduce infection risk, and will probably prescribe pain medication. You will wake up with your knee bandaged and a drain to keep fluid from building around your knee. Some doctors suggest that you use a continuous passive motion machine (CPM) to keep your knee flexible. The CPM machine slowly straightens and bends your knee.

Most patients start to walk with assistance the day of surgery or the following day and many are able to go home within a few days after surgery.

What rehabilitation is needed after surgery?

After surgery, a physical therapist will help you work toward the goal of bending your knee at least 90 degrees–which is enough to do daily activities such as walking, stair climbing, and sitting and standing from a chair. Most patients regain more motion than only 90 degrees.

Rehab starts while you are still in the hospital and continues after you go home until you have regained your strength and can function more independently without assistance. Your doctor will recommend an exercise program to speed your recovery in addition to your physical therapy.

Approximately 450,000 Americans a year have knee replacement surgery which helps them continue with their active lives. You don’t have to live with your knee pain and stiffness any longer! If you haven’t already, contact the orthopedic surgeon Frisco TX at Texas Orthopedic Partners and make an appointment today!

orthopedic surgeon frisco tx

Frisco Texas Ortho Partners

4401 Coit Rd, Suite 203

Frisco, 75035

469-287-7179