What to Expect From Your Knee Replacement Doctor – Before, During, and After Surgery

When dealing with chronic knee pain or mobility issues, a knee replacement surgery might become your best option for regaining a better quality of life. Choosing the right Knee Replacement Doctor in Jaipur is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth, successful journey—from diagnosis to full recovery. But what exactly can you expect from your doctor before, during, and after surgery? Let’s walk through the entire process.

Before Surgery: Evaluation, Education, and Planning

Before your knee replacement surgery, your doctor will begin by thoroughly evaluating your condition. This includes reviewing your medical history, physical examinations, X-rays, and sometimes MRI scans. The goal is to understand the extent of joint damage and decide if knee replacement is truly the best option.

Your knee replacement doctor will also discuss your overall health, including conditions like diabetes, heart issues, or obesity, which can affect surgical outcomes. Blood tests and ECGs may be done to assess your fitness for anesthesia.

One of the most valuable parts of this stage is education. A good doctor will take time to explain:

• The type of knee replacement (partial or total)

• The materials used in implants

• Surgical technique (traditional vs. minimally invasive)

• Risks and benefits of the procedure

• The recovery timeline and expectations

You’ll also receive pre-operative instructions, such as stopping certain medications, fasting, or beginning pre-surgery physiotherapy to strengthen your leg muscles.

During Surgery: Precision and Care

Knee replacement surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours. On the day of the procedure, your doctor and surgical team will ensure that you’re comfortable, calm, and well-informed.

Here’s what the surgical process generally looks like:

1. Anesthesia: You’ll receive either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, depending on what you and your anesthesiologist decide.

2. Incision and Preparation: The surgeon makes an incision at the front of the knee, removes damaged cartilage and bone, and reshapes the joint surfaces.

3. Implant Placement: The metal or ceramic components of the artificial joint are positioned and secured, sometimes using bone cement.

4. Closure and Recovery: The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and your leg is bandaged. You’ll then be moved to a recovery room for monitoring.

Throughout the procedure, your doctor’s focus will be on accuracy, minimizing tissue damage, and ensuring optimal implant alignment to promote natural joint movement post-surgery.

After Surgery: Recovery and Rehabilitation

After surgery, your recovery plan begins immediately. Your knee replacement doctor, along with a team of nurses and physiotherapists, will help guide you through the crucial post-operative phase.

Hospital Stay and Early Recovery

• Day 1: You may start moving your leg and walking with the aid of a walker.

• Pain Management: You’ll be given medications to manage pain and inflammation.

• Discharge: Most patients go home within 3-5 days, depending on their progress.

Rehabilitation and Home Care

A personalized rehab plan will be created for you. This includes:

• Physical Therapy: Vital for regaining strength, balance, and range of motion.

• Wound Care: Proper care to prevent infection.

• Follow-Up Appointments: Your doctor will schedule check-ups to monitor healing and adjust your recovery plan as needed.

During this time, your doctor’s availability and responsiveness are key. A great knee replacement doctor will be proactive in checking your progress and addressing any concerns—whether it’s unusual swelling, stiffness, or pain.

Long-Term Expectations: Life After Knee Replacement

After about 6 to 12 weeks, many patients can walk without assistance and resume most daily activities. Full recovery can take up to 6 months to a year, depending on your health and dedication to rehab.

You should expect your doctor to provide long-term care guidance, such as:

• Avoiding high-impact sports

• Incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling

• Regular annual check-ups to monitor implant condition

With proper care, most knee replacements last 15 to 20 years or more.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right knee replacement specialist makes all the difference. From your first consultation to the final rehab session, a compassionate and skilled doctor ensures a smoother, more successful outcome. If you’re considering surgery, make sure to find an experienced best knee replacement surgeon in Jaipur who will support you every step of the way.