Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Total Knee Replacement Surgery - What it is

What is total knee replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the knee joint.

Total knee replacement surgery - SingHealth

It is often used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. When these cartilages begin to breakdown or damaged, the underlying bones begin to rub together resulting in narrowing of the joint space. Bone spurs (abnormal bone growths) are a common feature of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time.

What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?

Pain
Stiffness
Difficulty climbing up and down the stairs
Swelling
Weakness
Unable to squat
Unable to walk long distance

Total Knee Replacement Surgery - Post-surgery care

What can you expect after total knee replacement surgery?

The aim of care after your surgery is to allow you to return to your daily activities. The team will advise you regarding the daily activities and the physiotherapy sessions.

Orthopaedic team

You are cared by a multidisciplinary team comprising of the Surgeon / Doctors / Advanced Practice Nurses/ Resident Nurses/ Nurses/ Physiotherapist/ Occupational Therapist / Medical Social Worker / Dietician.

Activity

The nurses and physiotherapists will assist / advice you on your daily activities. The therapists will teach you on the specific exercises. You can increase the activity daily to enhance your strength. Your rehabilitation program will continue after you go home.

During your hospital stay, inform the nurses if you need assistance to go to the toilet take a shower or cannot reach your personal belongings.

Breathing

There may be an oxygen tube in your nose which would be removed when you are feeling better. You will do deep breathing and coughing exercises. You may be given a breathing device to expand your lungs and help get oxygen to your lungs.

Circulation

It is important to perform leg exercises to help your blood flow. You may be given a pair of anti-embolic stockings and sleeves (pneumatic pumps) wrapped around your legs to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Pain management

You will have pain after surgery. The degree of pain you may have will vary and differ for individual. Your nurse will ask you to rate your pain on a scale. The goal is to minimize the pain so that you can rest and exercise. Pain medicine can be given in different ways. You will be prescribed with oral medication to manage your pain and keep you comfortable.

You may receive analgesia through an intravenous (IV) access into your blood vessel (vein). This can be infused to you by either a continuous pump or a Patient Controlled Analgesia pump (PCA). You may also receive your analgesia via intramuscular (IM) injection.