How long is the incision for a total knee replacement?

After making an incision about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) long, your surgeon moves aside your kneecap and cuts away the damaged joint surfaces.

Where is the incision for total knee replacement?

The surgeon makes an incision across the front of your knee to gain access to the patella, more commonly referred to as the kneecap. In a traditional knee replacement, the incision is usually about 8 to 10 inches long. In minimally invasive knee surgery, the incision is usually about 4 to 6 inches long.

How long does it take for a knee replacement incision to heal?

Your incision six weeks after surgery You should feel an improvement in the amount of pain you have after six weeks. Continue to monitor the appearance of your incision and your symptoms as you begin to return to your normal activities.

What muscles are cut during total knee replacement?

Traditional total knee replacement entails cutting into the quadriceps tendon, which connects the large quadriceps muscle group on the front of the thigh to the kneecap. The surgeon then moves the kneecap out of the way to access the arthritic joint.

Do you still have a knee cap after knee replacement?

A plastic spacer is placed between the pieces of metal. This acts like cartilage, reducing friction as your joint moves. The back of the knee cap may also be replaced, depending on the reasons for replacement.

How long is physical therapy after a total knee replacement?

Outpatient physical therapy after a total knee replacement typically lasts 4 to 8 weeks. Remember that everyone heals at different rates, and your recovery time may be shorter or longer. Be sure to work closely with your doctor and physical therapist to understand your specific rehabilitation process.

Why is my knee so tight after meniscus surgery?

The fluid in your knee often remains there for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery until your body can reabsorb it. This fluid will make your knee feel tight or stiff, especially with deep knee bending or squatting.

What is the most painful day after surgery?

Pain and swelling: Incision pain and swelling are often worst on day 2 and 3 after surgery. The pain should slowly get better during the next 1 to 2 weeks.

How long should your knee hurt after arthroscopic surgery?

Pain is quite common, most often in the area where you had pain before surgery, in the soft tissues below the knee cap, over the athroscopy wounds and occasionally the whole knee. The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks.

What to expect with a total knee replacement?

Generally, total knee replacement takes about two hours. During this time, your surgeon will bend the affected knee in the air and make an eight- to ten-inch incision. Then he’ll move your knee cap out of the way and take out the cartilage and bone that comprise your old knee.

What is the recovery period for a total knee replacement?

The average short-term recovery time for a total knee replacement is 6 to 12 weeks. Long-term recovery involves the complete healing of surgical wounds and internal soft tissues.

What is the healing process for total knee replacement?

Most patients must undergo two months of intense physical therapy and limited activities to fully recover from knee replacement surgery. This healing process begins in the hospital the day following surgery, and is continued at a rehab facility or in the patient’s home.

What do you need to know about total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement is considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in orthopedics . During a total knee replacement, a surgeon removes some bone and cartilage from the areas of your thighbone and shin bone, where they meet at your knee joint.

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