Five things to ask your knee surgeon

Only you and your doctor can come to the conclusion of whether or not knee replacement is the right treatment for your pain. There are many factors that can influence the appropriateness of a total knee replacement for your needs. A total knee may be appropriate for you if you exhibit:

• Severe pain or stiffness that limits everyday activities
• Moderate pain while resting or sleeping
• Chronic inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest
• Visible knee deformity
• Failure of other pre-surgical treatments

While historically it has been recommended that patients wait as long as possible before undergoing a total knee replacement, recent studies have shown that it is beneficial to pursue TKR earlier. Younger patients with less-advanced arthritis have been shown to have reduced complication rates and improved results, but again, only you and your doctor can decide what is best for you. ^1,2,3

Talk to your doctor about the number of these procedures performed at your hospital, and how routine this procedure is for them.

Ask about the style of implant your surgeon plans to use. MicroPort Orthopedics specializes in the design and manufacture of Medial-Pivot knee implants. Medial-Pivot total knees have been shown to yield higher patient satisfaction relative to other implant designs⁴. The “feel” of your new knee will be important to your happiness with the procedure. MicroPort’s Evolution® Medial-Pivot knee is designed to mimic the motion of a normal knee in a controlled, stable manner.

If you and your surgeon decide that total knee replacement is the right path for you, preparation begins with you and at home. A healthier lifestyle can lessen the chance of complications and aid in recovery. Maintaining a well-balanced diet, minimizing behaviors such as smoking and drinking, and beginning a work-out regimen prior to your operation can help prepare your body for surgery. Additionally, there are several things that can be done to prepare your home for life immediately following your knee surgery:

• Arrange your transportation to and from your surgery
• Prepare meals ahead of time to minimize the need for cooking/cleaning
• Place regularly used items at heights that are convenient
• If you plan to use a walker or cane, practice in your home prior to surgery to make sure your home is easily navigated with these aids.
• Place safety railings on stairs, showers, and bathrooms to help you navigate these areas
• Remove loose carpeting, cords, and other tripping hazards
• A stable chair for your early recovery with a firm seat cushion (and a height of 18 to 20 inches), a firm back, two arms, and a footstool for intermittent leg elevation
• Prepare a temporary living area on the same floor, to minimize your need to use stairs

It is important to understand the risks and potential complications involved with your knee replacement. You and your doctor should discuss these risks and how they could potentially affect you. Similarly, you should also discuss your medical history and lifestyle to see what you can do to minimize these risks.⁵

Discussing and managing expectations after surgery with your surgeon is very valuable and has been shown to have the biggest impact on patient satisfaction⁶. Knowing what to expect immediately before, during, and after your surgery can greatly aid in recovery. Talk to your surgeon about what to expect during your stay in the hospital, from before until after surgery:

• When and where should I arrive?
• What should I bring?
• How long should I expect the surgery to take?
• What kind of anesthesia is used? How long will it last?
• How much pain can I expect and how will it be managed?
• When will I go home?
• What will my rehabilitation be like? When will it start?
• When can I return to normal activities?
• Who do I contact if I have a problem?

While implant technologies have improved greatly and survivorship is very high, the longevity of the implants varies from patient to patient. In addition to the preoperative activities you can do to yield better results, there are steps that can be taken after surgery to help your implant last as long as possible. Discuss these factors with your surgeon:

• Follow your surgeons instructions
• Adhere to rehabilitation and follow-up schedules
• Stay active and healthy
• Avoid heavy lifting and pushing
• Avoid long periods of squatting, kneeling, or using low seating surfaces
• Take your time when standing up and sitting down