Facts About Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure where the surgeon replaces the bones of the knee with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The lower leg portion of the joint is replaced with a plastic component. The upper leg portion is replaced with a metal component.
There are two main types of artificial knee replacements: cemented prosthesis and non-cemented prosthesis. The cemented designs use a fast-curing bone cement to hold the prosthesis in place. The non-cemented designs rely on bone growing into the surface of the implant. The majority of knee replacements performed today use the cemented design, but both types have very positive results. The longevity and performance of a knee replacement is dependent on your activity level, weight and general health.
Rehabilitation with Girling After Your Surgery
It is Girling's mission to help you return to the comfort and convenience of your home and lifestyle as soon as possible. We have some patients return home the day following their surgery, but most have about a three-day hospital stay. Regardless, Girling's excellent staff will be ready to begin your intensive rehab program immediately.
Our total joint replacement program will ensure that you receive:
- One-on-one services from a physical therapist, occupational therapist and skilled nurse
- Exercises to help decrease swelling and stiffness, to improve joint motion and increase muscle strength
- Instructions for the proper use of equipment and assistive devices
- Recommendations for safely getting in and out of the shower, bathing, dressing and other normal activities of daily living
- Effective pain management
The initial pain from your surgery will improve in four to eight weeks. Girling's staff will teach you methods for relieving pain and will ensure that your pain medication is administered properly. We will have frequent contact with your physician and provide care under her/her direction.
