Knee replacement in Louisiana is a surgical procedure that is used to resurface a knee that has been damaged. Metal and plastic parts are used to cover the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, together with the kneecap. This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury.
Following are answers to the top 10 questions we receive regarding this procedure.
1. When is the right time to undergo a knee replacement in Louisiana?
If you’re experiencing difficulty while doing everyday tasks, you may be a candidate. A thorough examination should yield a recommendation.
2. Can surgery be avoided? For some, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medication, or alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture and injecting fluid to strengthen connective tissue can help manage knee problems. However, delaying or declining a necessary knee replacement could result in a less favorable outcome.
3. What will occur during surgery and how long will the knee replacement in Louisiana take? The surgeon will make an incision on the top of your knee in order to expose the damaged area of your joint. The standard incision size can be as long as 10”, but a minimally-invasive procedure can result in incisions as short as 4”.Most knee replacement procedures take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
4. What pieces are used in a knee replacement and how are they kept in place? Implants are made of metal and medical-grade plastic. To seal these components to your bone, either bone cement is applied or other components with a porous coating are used.
5. Should I be concerned about anesthesia during knee replacement in Louisiana? Any surgery that includes anesthesia has risks; however, complication rates and mortality for general anesthesia are extremely low.
6. How much pain will I experience after surgery? Although you’ll experience some pain after surgery, it should diminish quickly, usually within four or five days. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help you manage the pain.
7. What should I expect immediately following surgery? You will wake up with a bandage over your knee and, possibly, a drain to remove fluid from the joint. Your knee may be cradled in a machine that gently extends and flexes your leg while you’re lying down.
8. What can I expect during recovery and rehabilitation from a knee replacement in Louisiana? Most people are up and walking the day of surgery or the next with the aid of a walker or crutches. A physical therapist will help you bend and straighten your knee a few hours after your surgery. When you return home, therapy will continue regularly for weeks.
9. What do I need to do to prepare my home for recovery? If you live in a multiple-story house, prepare a bed and space on the ground floor so that you can avoid the stairs when you first return. Make sure the house is free of obstructions and hazards including power cords, area rugs, clutter, and furniture.
10. How long will the artificial knee joint last, and will I ever require a second knee replacement? Studies show that more than 85 percent of people who undergo this surgery still have a functioning artificial joint 15 to 20 years after receiving it. Younger people are more likely to require a replacement during their lifetime.
For most people, knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility and a better quality of life. If you have additional questions regarding the procedure, or would like to know if you are a candidate for knee replacement in Louisiana, call our office today to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to live in pain!
