What to Expect
Preoperative Evaluation
- Imaging will be reviewed (XR, CT, MRI, etc.) and best treatment option for your specific situation will be discussed
- Preoperative lab work will be ordered
- Medical clearance from primary care physician and any other specialist is necessary to ensure appropriate medical optimization
- Determination if you are a same-day joint replacement candidate (i.e. you can go home the same-day as the surgery)
Day of Surgery
- Rapid recovery protocol
- Arrive 2-3 hours prior to surgery to be evaluated by the anesthesia
- Multimodal pain control
- Adductor canal block + spinal anesthetic
- Surgery typically takes about 1 hour
- Skin glue to allow for most aesthetic scar
Postoperative Recovery
- Most patients go home the same-day or in the morning the following day
- Physical therapy in home for the first month followed by outpatient physical therapy
- It is common for knee replacements to feel stiff so it is important to work on range of motion exercises during the recovery process
- Typical recovery is 4-6 weeks with continued improvement up to 3 months