Initially, medication and walking aids and physiotherapy may help with the symptoms temporarily.

Medications commonly prescribed for OA include paracetamol, paracetamol combinations and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Paracetamol acts to reduce pain, whereas NSAIDs reduce both swelling and pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most common supplements taken for OA. These are derivatives of cartilage components known as glycosaminoglycans.

Physical therapy and exercise can strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints and improve cartilage nutrition and health.

Mechanical aids such as walking sticks, orthotics and bracing can also protect the joints from further damage.

Weight loss from exercise and controlled dieting can reduce the severity of symptoms in people with knee OA. Weight loss reduces the impact load on the joint and may reduce pain.

If other treatment options no longer provide sufficient relief, a total knee replacement is cost-effective and highly successful surgical procedure for the majority of people. A successful joint replacement should help relieve pain, deformity and disability.

Prior to surgery, to reduce the risk of infection or wound healing problems, smoking should be stopped at least one week prior to surgery. Dr Singh will organise a dedicated physician and anaesthetist to review your medical history and provide you with all the preoperative instructions you need including fasting times. Stopping eating and drinking at least 6 hours prior to your surgery will reduce the risk of vomiting whilst you are under anaesthesia.

If you are taking any medication, you will receive instructions about safe doses to take in the days leading up to surgery. In particular, stop taking any anti-inflammatory medicine at least one week prior to surgery, to prevent excessive bleeding during the surgical procedure.

Total knee replacement surgery was first performed in 1968. Since then, knee replacement surgeons have been using improvements in surgical materials and techniques have greatly increased its effectiveness. Total knee replacement, or total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts (prostheses). Dr Singh has been performing knee replacement surgery since 2004.

The type of anaesthesia include epidural, spinal, or general, and will be decided upon by your surgeon and anaesthetist, who will review with you the advantages and disadvantages.

The operation takes place with an anaesthetic, antibiotic cover and usually a tourniquet around the thigh to reduce the amount of bleeding particularly at the time of fixation of the implants. Dr Singh and his team wash and prepares the leg with an antibacterial solution and will wear protective clothing at the time of surgery in the form of a Charnley exhaust suit, disposable gown plus visor and the Steri-Shield system.

Prior to your total knee replacement, Dr Singh will plan which technology to use in order to optimize the surgery. There is a constant emergence of new technology including robotic assisted surgery, patient match cutting blocks that Dr Singh will consider in planning the best way to perform the surgery.

During a total knee replacement operation, Dr Singh will remove the damaged surfaces. The replacement surfaces will then be fixed into place. The surface of the upper bone (femur) is replaced with a rounded metal component that comes very close to matching the curve of your natural bone. The surface of the lower bone (tibia) is replaced with a flat metal component and a thin flat-shaped polyethylene plastic to serve as the cartilage. The underside of the kneecap (patella) may be replaced with a polyethylene plastic component.

The incision is typically placed midline over the knee joint and can be approximately 10 to 15cm in length depending on the size of the leg. The blood vessels, muscles and nerves are protected during surgery and special tools are used to measure and remove the damaged surface of the bone. When necessary, Dr Singh may use individualised patient cutting blocks to help reshape the knee to optimised the component placement. The components may be implanted by shaping the bone to form a tight fit with the prosthesis, bone cement may be used to hold the prosthesis in place (cemented).

During the operation, Dr Singh will check the alignment of the knee as well as test function and stability of the knee joint.

A special pain catheter will be placed onto the knee joint to facilitate post-operative pain control for 24 hours after your surgery. With this type of pain control technique your morphine requirement should be less and therefore less post-operative nausea and vomiting and constipation and facilitate early mobilisation. Often Dr Singh will encourage early mobilisation on day one after your surgery if your pain is particularly well controlled. The wound is closed with internal stitches to keep all the ligaments and muscles securely together, and sutures or special tape on the skin.

Unfortunately, if the replacement becomes loose, or gets infected another operation is necessary; this is called a revision knee replacement performed in order to replace the old replacement with a new one.

Following the total knee replacement you will be transferred from the operating theatre into the recovery area where there may be several other patients. You will be here for up to 1-2 hours while most of the anaesthetic wears off. If you have had a spinal anaesthetic you may not be able to feel your legs initially when you wake up.

The day after your surgery, it is also important to get out of bed and mobilise (initially under supervision by the physiotherapist and nursing staff) to reduce digestive/circulatory problems and encourage healing. Delay in mobilisation can increase the chances of developing post operative constipation and clots in the leg.

Both Dr Singh and your physiotherapist will be available hands-on to give specific advice on pain control, wound care, diet, exercise and how much weight you can put on your operated leg (weight bearing). If the knee is particularly stiff following surgery, Dr Singh may order a machine to help begin movement of your knee up and down.

During your stay, a physiotherapist will visit you on the day after your surgery and teach you how to use your new knee. It is important that you get up and about as soon as possible after surgery. Even when lying in bed you can “pedal” your feet on a regular basis in order to promote blood flow in your legs. It is during your stay in hospital that your physiotherapist will help you to achieve the activities such as getting in and out of bed, walking and going up and down stairs also moving about (using a frame or crutches), and using the toilet. The physiotherapist will guide you through performing everyday activities such as bathing, range of motion and strengthening of your knee.

While in the hospital, Dr Singh recommends you wear tight-fitting, anti-embolism stockings that help control swelling in your legs. They are allowed to be removed daily for bathing and then should be reapplied. The stockings should be worn day and night for up to six weeks after surgery.

You will be ready to leave the hospital when you can get in and out of bed and a chair, go up and down a few stairs, bend your knee between 80 and 90 degrees, and manage your pain with oral medication.

You should be able to fully bear weight on your leg when discharged from the hospital, but most patients may need to use crutches, a cane, or a walker for a few weeks until they are comfortable walking on their new knee. You will be given a prescription for pain medication and schedule a series of follow-up visits starting sometime around six weeks after surgery.

Depending on how well you heal after the surgery, your stay in hospital can vary from between 4 to 10 days and you will need help at home for several weeks. Based on your own individual circumstances you will be able to go directly home or a rehabilitation centre after your surgery. Any sutures that need to be trimmed or removed is usually done around 10 to 14 days following your joint replacement.

Dr Singh recommends that you follow your physiotherapy program and generally avoid strenuous activities that may irritate your knee typically for first six weeks following surgery. The goal is to restore your motion and improve your strength. Progressively walking longer distances each day is helpful.

Try to arrange for someone to visit you at home to help you for up to six weeks. You may need assistance with putting on the elastic stockings, cooking, doing laundry, cleaning, and getting around town. Whenever possible during the first few weeks after surgery, you should periodically elevate your leg to help reduce the swelling. It is normal to have swelling for the first 3 to 6 months after surgery.

Most patients may shower when they get home. Dr Singh recommends your wear a waterproof dressing and avoid bathing for 6 weeks
Following your surgery, you may feel pain or discomfort for the first few weeks at home and you should make sure your prescribed pain control medication as required. Taking one every four to six hours as directed is usually required for the first few days to suppress pain.

Swelling in your knee usually slowly reduces over the first few weeks following surgery. The surgical incision should be dry, but there may be occasional slight spotty bleeding along the wound. A light dressing may cover the incision and the compression stockings should be worn at all times for the first six weeks. Icing your knee for 20 to 30 minutes a few times a day during the first few weeks after surgery will help reduce pain and swelling. If you notice increased swelling, redness, or wound bleeding, you should call Dr Singh’s team.

The presence of new onset calf pain, chest pain or shortness of breath can be a sign of a possible blood clot. Please arrange to see your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms

Dr Singh will prescribe blood thinning medication to reduce your risk of forming blood clots for a period of 6 weeks. Anti-Embolism precautions, including regular exercise should continue for 6 weeks.

Be sure to notify your dentist you have had a recent knee replacement and let your surgeon know if your dentist schedules an extraction, periodontal work, dental implant or root canal work. It may be necessary to take an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection of the joint replacement.

Total knee replacement is a predictable and durable procedure in the majority. How you treat your new knee will influence its longevity. Therefore, it is important to know which activities are permissible and which are not following total knee replacement. As soon as the stitches have been removed and the wound is dry you can begin swimming provided appropriate aids are present, (pools with step ladders to get in and out are not recommended and avoid twisting movements to begin with). Initially, avoid activities that place stress on the joint such as lawn bowls, tennis, badminton, horse riding, any contact sports or jogging until discussed with Dr Singh at your follow up appointment. Do not do any heavy lifting initially. Your Physiotherapist will also help guide you through activities to do and avoid following your joint replacement. These precautions are necessary to prevent the new knee from dislocating and reduce the risk of complications. Don’t cross your legs for at least 8 weeks and avoid turning your feet excessively inward or outward. Remember not to use pain as a guide for what you can and cannot do.

For sports and fitness regimens must be individualized. Participation in sports and recreational activities should be discussed with your surgeon and physiotherapist.

Recommended Activities following your total knee replacement Gentle Cycling, swimming, low-resistance rowing, stationary skiing machines, walking, hiking, and low-resistance weight lifting all are excellent ways to maintain fitness without overstressing the implant.

Activities to avoid following your total knee replacement generally, high-impact activities that cause high stress loads on the implant and therefore may potentially increase the risk of early failure. Specific activities to avoid include baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, basketball, high-impact aerobics, gymnastics, jogging, power lifting, rock climbing, hang gliding, and parachuting.

Dr Singh and your physiotherapist will guide you through your rehabilitation following your knee replacement. Physiotherapy forms an important part of your recovery and can have a significant influence on the speed of your recovery and the muscle control you have over your new knee. Your physiotherapist will give you your own set of exercises to perform. The exercises listed below are a general guide to movements you can perform both before and after your knee replacement. The rationale for doing the exercises prior to your operation is that you will build up the muscles around your knee and make the exercises afterwards easier. Generally, try to perform your exercises 2 – 3 times daily with 10 repetitions each time. Initially you may find them difficult, so aim to increase movement with gentle repetition. As you progress try to hold each exercise for around 5 seconds. Remember, to perform your exercises safely.

Singh PJ, Kotnis R, Bulstrode C. Expert Review – Clinical Examination of the Knee Joint. The Journal of Clinical Examination, Feb, 2007 http://www.bjjprocs.boneandjoint.org.uk/content/93-B/SUPP_II/94.2.abstract

Caroline Blackey, Yogesh Kamat, Parminder Singh, Alexander Dinneen, Anne Vie, Vipul Patel, Ajeya Adhikari, Richard Field. The Oxford Knee Scores for Primary Total Knee Replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Br,2011 Vol. 93-B no. SUPP II 94

Abstract

Publication of normal and expected outcome scores is necessary to provide a benchmark for auditing purposes following arthroplasty surgery. We have used the Oxford knee score to monitor the progress of knee replacements undertaken since 1995, the start of our review programme.4847 Oxford assessments were analysed over an 8 year follow-up period.

The mean pre-operative Oxford knee score was 39.2, all post-operative reviews showed a significant improvement. Patients with a BMI > 40, and the under 50 age group showed early deterioration in outcome scores, returning to pre-operative levels by 5 and 7 years respectively.There was no significant difference in outcome between surgeons performing < 20 knee replacements a year and those performing > 100 / year.

The age of the patient at the time of surgery and the pre-operative body habitus have been identified as factors affecting long term outcome of total knee replacement surgery. Awareness of these factors may assist surgeons in advising patients of their expected outcomes following surgery.

International Presentations

Kamat Yogesh, Singh Parminder, Dinneen Alexander, Vie Anne, Patel Vipul, Adhikari Ajeya, Field Richard. The Oxford knee scores for primary total knee replacement. Efort June 2-5th 2010, Madrid, Spain.

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