Total knee replacement has joined total hip replacement as one of the most beneficial surgical interventions of all time. The surgical goal is to replace the surfaces of the patella, femur, and tibia with conforming metal and plastic. Total knee replacement is usually reserved for patients over 60 years. Younger people are more active and often report less than satisfactory results because of the discomfort from the overworked ligaments that are expected to work with the implanted prosthesis in providing knee stability. The hospital stay for total knee replacement is usually three to five days with substantial time in the immediate postoperative period being spent in a continuous passive motion machine, which keeps the knee flexing and extending to prevent loss of range of motion.
Patients can expect to use a walker or crutches for several weeks following total knee replacement.
Intensive physical therapy is normally ordered for three months. After four months, most patients are barely conscious of their surgery as long as they avoid such strenuous activities as running, deep squatting, or racquet and jumping sports. These restrictions are permanent. Meniscus tears are one of the most often reported knee problems. The person with a meniscus injury commonly experiences pain, swelling, popping or even locking of the knee joint if a portion of the torn meniscus becomes trapped between the joint surfaces.