Knee Replacement Surgery
Arthritic knees are commonplace in people over 65 years of age. Arthritis of the knee is usually a result of general wear and tear of the knee joint. An arthritic joint is recognised by deterioration of the healthy joint cartilage. The normally smooth joint surfaces become both rough and uneven causing discomfort, pain and swelling within the knee joint itself.
Underlying conditions due to rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic arthritis may also necessitate the need for joint replacement surgery. The knee replacement can be performed either as a total knee replacement if the joint is completely worn, or hemi-arthroplasty where only parts of the knee are replaced. Hemi-arthroplasty is only suitable when the rest of the knee is in good condition.
An indicator for knee replacement surgery may be chronic knee pain that has not been relieved by anti inflammatory medication or other aids such as a cane or other devices. Severe pain may restrict every day activities such as walking or recreational activities and getting up from a chair. Sleep may also be disturbed due to an arthritic knee.
Underlying conditions due to rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic arthritis may also necessitate the need for joint replacement surgery. The knee replacement can be performed either as a total knee replacement if the joint is completely worn, or hemi-arthroplasty where only parts of the knee are replaced. Hemi-arthroplasty is only suitable when the rest of the knee is in good condition.
An indicator for knee replacement surgery may be chronic knee pain that has not been relieved by anti inflammatory medication or other aids such as a cane or other devices. Severe pain may restrict every day activities such as walking or recreational activities and getting up from a chair. Sleep may also be disturbed due to an arthritic knee.
The knee replacement is a major surgical procedure to remove the damaged areas of the knee joint. The arthritic knee is then replaced with prosthetic knee components. The joint replacement is designed to function and move like a natural knee joint. Some patient's knee replacements last for the rest of their lives, other patients still have good, pain free function 10–15 years following knee replacement.
Watch the Video: Total Knee Replacement.
Knee replacement surgery is performed at Hollywood Hospital. Patients normally stay five to seven days following a partial or total knee replacement. The rehabilitation team at Hollywood Hospital will be actively involved in your rehabilitation and exercise program to regain maximum mobilisation of your new knee.
Before surgery
Prior to surgery, a preoperative appointment will be scheduled for review with the Pre-Admission Clinic at Hollywood Hospital. During this meeting your personal and clinical details will be checked to allow for smooth admission process on the day of surgery. Admission on the day will be mid to late morning with surgery scheduled late afternoon the same day.
You may require an anaesthetic assessment with your Anaesthetist prior to admission. Further information will be provided upon booking your surgical procedure. We do suggest you contact the anaesthetist a week prior to surgery if you have had any of the following:
You may require an anaesthetic assessment with your Anaesthetist prior to admission. Further information will be provided upon booking your surgical procedure. We do suggest you contact the anaesthetist a week prior to surgery if you have had any of the following:
- Head or Heart Surgery
- Lapband Insitu
- Blood Thinning Medication
- Relevant Medical History.
During surgery
In preparation for a knee replacement an incision will be made down the front of the knee joint. The incision is about 20 centimetres long exposing the joint, blood vessels, muscles and the patella.
Once the patella is moved to the side, surgical tools are used to remove the arthritic knee joint. Prosthetic knee components, similar in size and shape are then cemented into position. The knee is then checked that the replacement moves correctly once all components are insitu. With time, the knee prosthesis is held with bone growing into the replacement joint.
Knee Replacement surgery normally takes just over one hour.
Once the patella is moved to the side, surgical tools are used to remove the arthritic knee joint. Prosthetic knee components, similar in size and shape are then cemented into position. The knee is then checked that the replacement moves correctly once all components are insitu. With time, the knee prosthesis is held with bone growing into the replacement joint.
Knee Replacement surgery normally takes just over one hour.
After surgery
Following surgery you are transferred to the recovery room where you will be monitored by nursing staff. There will be a large bulky dressing applied over drains to your knee. The bulky dressing will be reduced and the drains will be removed after a couple of days.
Nursing staff may provide ice packs to help reduce the initial discomfort and swelling and place your leg on a pillow for support.
Nursing staff may provide ice packs to help reduce the initial discomfort and swelling and place your leg on a pillow for support.
Rehabilitation staff from Hollywood Rehabilitation Clinic will commence an exercise program in the ward the next day. You will be encouraged with nursing help, to start walking with a walking aid. This is an important part of your recovery to prevent stiffness and help you to regain knee movement.
Most patients remain in hospital for 7–10 days following a knee replacement. You will be given further instruction for when you leave the hospital and Mr Kozak will review you the following week.
Most patients remain in hospital for 7–10 days following a knee replacement. You will be given further instruction for when you leave the hospital and Mr Kozak will review you the following week.
At home
Once you have left the hospital, if you experience any of the following please phone Kon Kozak's rooms on 9381 3084:
- Temperature higher than 38.5°C
- Severe pain or tenderness
- Heavy bleeding from the operative site
- Redness around the incision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Worsening flexibility or inability to bend the knee
- If you fall and have less mobility in the joint.
Surgical Appointments
Hollywood Hospital
Monash Avenue
NEDLANDS
WA 6008
Glengarry Hospital
53 Arnisdale Road
DUNCRAIG
WA 6023
Monash Avenue
NEDLANDS
WA 6008
Glengarry Hospital
53 Arnisdale Road
DUNCRAIG
WA 6023
Practice Details
Level 2, 280 Rokeby Road
SUBIACO
WA 6008
Sports Medicine Centre
1/64 Arnisdale Road
DUNCRAIG
WA 6023
Opening Hours
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Subiaco rooms
Duncraig rooms
Professional Affiliations:
