(804)-678-9000
Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery
Same-Day Knee Replacement Surgery In Richmond, VA
As a leading orthopedic surgeon in Richmond, VA, G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine’s Dr. Vic Goradia offers outpatient knee replacement surgery for patients affected by knee arthritis when nonsurgical and alternative treatments fail.
With an outpatient knee replacement program in Richmond, VA, patients may now have the option of same-day knee replacement. The entire knee replacement process at the hospital or surgery center is less than 8 hours, and patients can be safely discharged home on the same day as surgery without being admitted to a hospital.
Advantages of Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery
The Value of Outpatient Surgery
Partial Knee Replacement
There are three different compartments within the knee joint. If arthritis is occurring in just one of these three compartments, that patient may be eligible for a partial knee replacement. In this surgery, the damaged, arthritic cartilage is removed, and the compartment is replaced with a knee replacement device.
Total Knee Replacement
When arthritis is present in two or more of the compartments within the knee, a total replacement can be performed. As with a partial knee replacement, this operation involves the removal of damaged cartilage from the knee as the bone is prepared for the knee replacement device. A femoral or thigh bone piece fits over the bone like a “glove”. The tibial or shin bone piece sits atop the bone with a small stem that helps hold it in place. A small kneecap button is attached to the back of the kneecap after the arthritis is removed.
Outpatient Knee Replacement Process
Prior to surgery, each patient is evaluated by Dr. Goradia to determine if they are a candidate for outpatient surgery. If a patient is deemed a candidate for outpatient knee replacement surgery, they may receive physical therapy visits prior to surgery to learn the most important exercises they will need to perform regularly after surgery to ensure a smooth recovery.
The entire process is completed in one day. In the case of outpatient knee replacement, as opposed to one or two nights spent in the hospital, the patient can be discharged on the same day to recover in the comforts of their own home.
Outpatient Knee Replacement Recovery
After surgery, patients return to see their physical therapist within 3-5 days – the earlier the better. Exercises, such as fully straightening the knee, squeezing the muscle on the top of your thigh (quadriceps), and ankle pump exercises, will encourage proper recovery and help you regain strength in your knee.
The anesthesiologist will give you a nerve block prior to surgery to numb your leg, the effects of which will last another 12-24 hours after surgery to reduce discomfort. Afterwards, Tylenol or acetaminophen may be recommended for you to take 4 times a day to help with baseline pain control. Applying ice to the knee may also reduce pain and swelling. Other prescription medications such as anti-inflammatory medication or medication to combat severe pain may be prescribed depending on your specific needs.
Real Success Stories
from Patients We’ve Helped
