Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments like knee replacement.

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, knee replacement may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with knee pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery.

Always check with your physician before surgery for specific instructions.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.

Additionally, you will need to designate a family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

The length of the procedure will vary based on the individual patient and any variances necessary to complete the procedure safely and successfully.

Most can expect a “standard” knee replacement to take approximately two hours.

A knee replacement in Kansas City is an invasive procedure, but one that is relatively common. For your surgery, we will put patients under anesthesia and generally complete the procedure in approximately two hours.

With any knee replacement, it’s important to remember that your procedure is not a “quick fix” and that recovery will take time. Many of our patients go home the same day following their procedure. If necessary, most hospital stays are 2 days or less.

During your procedure, your surgeon will remove parts of the affected joint and replace it with a prosthetic implant. These artificial prostheses mimic your body’s natural design, allowing the joint to achieve normal range of motion and helping patients to resume their normal activities.

They’re also made with a variety of different materials, including metal, plastics, and ceramics. The material and geometric shape of the implant used for the procedure will depend on the individual needs of the patient.

Most implants used during a knee replacement in Kansas City last a minimum of 15 to 20 years. Ultimately, your surgeon will provide you with a recommendation for the type of prosthesis used.

All decisions made at KCOA are done collaboratively between the patient and their care team in order to provide the best possible experience.

The recovery process from any joint replacement surgery greatly varies on a number of factors. Your procedure, age, activity level, and other factors contribute to the length of your recovery.

Generally, however, most people can expect to see noticeable improvement to symptoms and function within about 12 weeks after the procedure.

In the aftermath of your knee replacement, taking care of your body is essential. Your provider and your care team will provide you with a post-operative plan to achieve the best results from treatment.

This treatment plan may include activities like exercise, mobility work, and physical therapy. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and don’t follow your treatment plan, you may not achieve optimal results.

Additionally, patients can improve their recovery results by taking medications and getting adequate amounts of rest.

We expect patients will need to use assistive devices such as a walker, crutches, or cane for a few weeks following the procedure.

Finally, make sure that you keep your incision both clean and dry throughout your recovery.

If you have any questions about your specific recovery process, contact your care team and they’ll get all your questions answered.