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The knee is a vulnerable joint that bears a great deal of stress every day. It is used during light activities, such as lifting, walking and kneeling, and high-impact activities, such as jogging, dancing and aerobics. Years of these activities can begin to take their toll on the joint.
Many people experience knee problems and pain as a result of the aging process, continual wear and stress on the knee joint and arthritis. If severe knee pain limits your everyday activities, consider a Mercy of Sacramento knee replacement surgery.
At Mercy in Sacramento, knee replacement surgery may be
elected if you:
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Severe knee pain limits your everyday activities
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You are bow-legged or knock-kneed
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You experience moderate or severe knee pain while resting
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Your knee swells and does not improve with rest or medication
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Your knee bows outward
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You cannot bend or straighten your knee
Knee Surgery Details Knee replacement surgery involves removing or resurfacing parts of your thigh bone, shin bone or kneecap, and replacing it with a prosthetic. This prosthetic is a metal and plastic covering used to replace cartilage that has worn away over the years.
All components of a knee replacement procedure are cemented into place. The cement sets in about 10 minutes, allowing you to use the joint immediately after surgery.
The risk of complications after knee replacement surgery is low, with the most common complication being blood clots. To prevent these, your surgeon may prescribe one or more methods, such as special support hose, inflatable leg coverings or blood thinners. You may also receive antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Before, during and after knee surgery, Sacramento's Mercy orthopedic surgeons take a multi-modal approach to managing your pain. Our goal is to keep you as pain-free as possible. Not only will you be more comfortable, but optimal pain control is important to speed your recovery and ensure participation in necessary therapies.
Knee Surgery Recovery After knee replacement surgery, you will spend approximately two nights in the hospital. Walking and knee movement are important to your recovery and should begin the day of surgery. This will prevent swelling and blood clots from forming in your legs, which can occur from lack of activity.
Your surgeon will prescribe you home-care instructions and an exercise program. It is essential to follow these plans to ensure a safe and thorough recovery.
You'll most likely need crutches or a walker for three to six weeks, and a cane for the following three to six weeks. Many individuals are able to resume light activities, including driving, within three to six weeks following knee surgery. Some discomfort with activity and at nighttime is common. Complete recovery can take three to six months.
While most people will gradually increase activities such as recreational walking and biking, swimming, golf and ballroom dancing, it is advised you avoid active sports such as jogging, tennis, high-impact aerobics, skiing, repetitive lifting exceeding 50 pounds and contact sports.
Real Stories Learn about how Mercy of Sacramento knee surgery has helped real patients improve their lives.
Before her knee surgery, Barb had difficulty doing simple daily tasks like vacuuming and laundry because her pain was so great. Then Mercy Medical Group orthopedic surgeon William Junglas, MD, suggested knee replacement. "I'm proud of myself for having the strength to have the surgery done," she says. "I'm now able to spend quality time with my grandchildren. It's a whole new life." Watch this video to hear Barb's story.
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