What Will Happen During An Orthopedic Evaluation?

How Will Knee Replacement Surgery Affect My Life?

Following your knee replacement surgery, you will see a big difference in your life in terms of reduction of pain and increase in mobility. However, before you decide to have knee surgery, it is important to understand that you cannot expect miracles from it. You can realistically expect to return to normal activities of daily living with reduced pain.

While total knee replacement surgery is something of a miracle surgery, with more than a 90 percent success rate in terms of reduction of pain and return to ADL (activities of daily living), it is important to keep its potential in perspective and be realistic about what it can do for you. It will not increase your athletic abilities, for example. If you were not a super-star athlete before, you will not be one following knee replacement surgery.

In fact, there may be some activities you will need to give up. If you have been doing very strenuous, active, high-impact sports, you should not do them with your knee replacement. Also, you must not jog.

Furthermore, you must understand that your knee replacement will be subject to normal wear and tear. Overuse will accelerate this. The plastic cushion may become worn, which in turn will cause your knee replacement to loosen and become painful. For this reason, it is wise to use your knee carefully to protect it and extend its life.

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Here is what happens during an orthopedic evaluation:

Medical History: You will be asked questions about your general health and about the level of pain and functioning you are experiencing with your knee.

Physical Examination: To assess the strength, stability and ROM (range of motion) of your knee as well as the alignment of your leg.

X-rays: Radiographs will be taken to verify the amount of deformity and damage that are present.

Fourth, a battery of tests will be taken. These may include a bone scan, blood tests, and an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

After your evaluation, you will have a consultation with your orthopedic surgeon to go over the results. He or she will review the options: Total knee replacement or other surgery, injections, physical therapy, or medication. Together, you will determine a course of action that will resolve your pain and mobility issues.

Your orthopedic surgeon will also explain the risks that are involved in the surgery, as well as the rehabilitation period and living with a total knee replacement.

Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, arthroscopic surgeries and full knee replacement.