Outpatient Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is considered one of the most successful operations ever invented and is now performed over 600,000 times annually in the US. It can offer substantial pain relief and functional improvement for patients suffering from knee arthritis.
Numerous advancements in the care for patients undergoing partial or total knee replacement have made it possible to dramatically shorten the length of stay and, for selected patient, to safely offer knee replacement as an out-patient surgery. Out-patient knee replacement can offer significant benefits for the patient. By avoiding the hospital stay, the patient minimizes the hospital-acquired infection risk, mobilizes quickly in the familiarity of their own home and typically sees a dramatic cost savings. Learn more about Outpatient Knee Replacement through Dr. Melvin's recent peer reviewed article
Outpatient Advantages
- Faster recovery
- Avoids risk of hospital-acquired complications
- Recovery in the safety and familiarity of your own home
- Substantial cost savings
Who is an outpatient candidate?
- Outpatient knee replacement can be considered for healthy, motivated patients with a good social support network. Only after a through history, physical exam and review of imaging can you and Dr. Melvin determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
How is outpatient knee replacement possible?
Outpatient knee replacement is possible through numerous technical improvements refined over the last 30+ years.
- Multi-modal pain management has greatly improved post-operative pain control while minimizing medication side-effects.
- Minimally invasive techniques have allowed for early mobilization, improved strength and less pain.
- Advances in blood management have greatly reduced operative blood loss and nearly eliminated the risk of blood transfusion for healthy patients.
- An emphasis on patient education and active participation by the patient and their support network in the surgery preparation and recovery has improved outcomes.
- Adapting recovery resources to the home or outpatient setting has led to greater patient independence.
- Technological improvements in communication between the patient and surgeon’s team.
Risks
The risks of out-patient knee replacement are similar to the in-patient procedure. The possible complications after out-patient knee replacement can include:
- Knee stiffness
- Infection
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Ligament injuries
- Patella (kneecap) dislocation or avascular necrosis
- Plastic liner wears out
- Loosening of the implant
- Constipation
- Anemia
- Heart attack, stroke, death
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