Outpatient Total Knee Replacement

What is Outpatient Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement is the surgical treatment for knee arthritis, where the damaged knee is removed and replaced with an artificial knee implant. Traditionally performed as an inpatient procedure, total knee replacement surgery is now being conducted on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home on the same day of the surgery.

This is made possible with recent advances such as improved perioperative anesthesia and initiation of rehabilitation protocols soon after surgery.

When is Outpatient Total Knee Replacement Suggested?

Outpatient total knee replacement is considered when the patient has a high level baseline function and minimal medical co-morbidities.

Outpatient Total Knee Replacement Procedure

The goal of total knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of your knee.

• The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the affected knee to expose the knee joint. Then, the damaged portions of the femur bone are cut at appropriate angles using specialized jigs. The femoral component is attached to the end of the femur with or without bone cement.
• Your surgeon then cuts the damaged area of the tibia (shinbone) and the cartilage. This removes the deformed part of the bone and any bony growths, as well as creates a smooth surface on which the implants can be attached. Next, the tibial component is secured to the end of the bone.
• Your surgeon will place a plastic piece called an articular surface between the implants to provide a smooth gliding surface for movement. This plastic insert will support the body’s weight and allow the femur to move over the tibia.
• The femur and the tibia with the new components are then put together to form the new knee joint.
• To make sure the patella (kneecap) glides smoothly over the new artificial knee, its rear surface is also prepared to receive a plastic component.
• With all the new components in place, the knee joint is tested through its range of motion. The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully closed; drains are inserted and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.

What to Expect after Outpatient Total Knee Replacement

Several hours after surgery, you will be discharged home after meeting requirements for discharge.

Advantages of Outpatient Total Knee Replacement

The advantages of the outpatient procedure include:

• Minimal surgical dissection
• Shorter recovery period
• Shorter hospital stay
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Increased range of motion after surgery
• Less damage to surrounding tissues