The well-established knee replacement operation helps millions of individuals restore mobility and relieve pain from serious knee damage, frequently due to arthritis or injury. However, one of the most common questions asked by those considering the surgery is, “how long is knee replacement surgery?” Patients might feel more prepared and less anxious before surgery by understanding the process and timeline.
The Surgery Timeline
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) takes one to two hours, depending on the patient’s health, the surgeon’s experience, and the surgery’s intricacy.
Most knee surgeries remove diseased bone and cartilage and replace it with metal, plastic, or a combination of both. These components are carefully selected and fitted to match the patient’s specific anatomy, ensuring the new knee functions properly and provide long-term relief.
Preoperative Preparation
Before the surgery begins, patients go through a series of preparatory steps that can add time to the overall process. These steps typically include anesthesia administration, the positioning of the patient, and the sterilization of the surgical area. Most knee replacement surgeries are done under general or spinal anesthesia, which means the patient will either be completely asleep or numbed from the waist down. The patient’s medical history and surgeon’s advice determine anesthesia.
The patient is carefully positioned on the operating table to ensure easy access to the knee joint, and the surgical area is cleaned and prepped to minimize the risk of infection. These preparations take time but are essential for operation safety and success.
Surgical Procedure
After positioning the patient and sterilizing the area, the surgeon creates a 6–10-inch knee incision. The surgeon will then remove the damaged portions of the knee joint, which may include the femoral surface, the tibial surface, and sometimes the patella (kneecap). After removing the damaged tissue, the surgeon will prepare the underlying bone for the implant and test the fit of the artificial knee components.
The artificial knee joint is then securely placed in the prepared area, with careful attention paid to the alignment and function of the joint. The goal is to ensure that the new knee allows for proper movement and will provide stability for walking climbing stairs, and other activities. After the components are fitted and the knee joint is tested, the incision is closed using stitches or staples, and the surgical area is dressed.
Factors That Affect Surgery Duration
While knee replacement surgery typically lasts one to two hours, several factors can influence the overall length of the procedure. One of the most significant factors is the complexity of the surgery. In cases where the knee joint is severely damaged or has undergone previous surgeries, the surgeon may need additional time to clean the area and properly align the new components.
Other factors that can affect surgery duration include the patient’s health, age, and medical history. For instance, patients with other conditions, such as obesity or diabetes, may require additional precautions or modifications during surgery, potentially extending the time needed to complete the procedure.
Surgeons with different levels of experience may also influence the duration of the surgery. While experienced surgeons may complete the procedure more efficiently, it’s important to remember that speed should never come at the expense of precision or safety. Surgeons will always prioritize the health and well-being of their patients, regardless of how long the surgery takes.
Post-Surgery Considerations
After knee replacement surgery, the patient is attentively followed in a recovery area as the anesthesia wears off. The recovery period in the hospital can last anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the patient’s response to the procedure and anesthesia. Physical therapy and rehabilitation should begin soon after surgery to restore knee strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Although the surgery itself may be relatively brief, the recovery process is much longer. Most knee replacement surgeries take months to heal. Patients must follow a complete rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy to increase joint mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knee replacement surgery typically lasts between one to two hours, but the overall process can take longer due to preoperative preparation and post-surgery recovery. Surgery duration depends on intricacy and patient circumstances, but the goal is to improve quality of life and mobility.