At Ashvin Dewan, MD we have recently been working to educate our patients on various types of knee surgeries, and we want to take a moment to examine the rapid recovery protocol with partial knee replacements. Recovery time can often be a major factor when considering surgery, but advancements in technology have allowed us to reduce downtime after partial knee replacements. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Rapid Recovery Knee Replacement?
With the innovative Rapid Recovery knee replacement protocol, patients can enjoy the benefits of traditional knee replacement surgery without a lengthy or painful recovery time.
What exactly makes this procedure different? In simple terms, Rapid Recovery Knee Replacement is very much the same procedure but with enhanced steps taken before, during, and after the procedure to help ease the process of recovery once you return home.
The skills you would typically learn after the procedure during physical therapy (such as rehabilitative exercises and how to use a walker) will be demonstrated and practiced before the procedure, removing any kind of learning curve that may present itself after surgery. Additionally, we will address any underlying medical concerns such as out-of-control blood sugar levels, general health issues, and quitting smoking before surgery.
These are all factors that can improve the outcome and recovery period of your surgery. By addressing these factors before your procedure we can help ensure you are in optimal health for a successful surgery.
You will also be prescribed pain medication before surgery to help minimize or even eliminate any postoperative reactions to what would otherwise be a new medication. Not only will this help you feel better after surgery, but it will also help speed up the process of getting you back on your feet.
What should I expect during the procedure?
During the procedure, we will also administer joint injections and nerve blocks to help decrease your pain after surgery. By taking all the necessary steps to help ensure that you experience the most optimal outcome, we can reduce the amount of blood loss and tissue damage. As mentioned above, you will be sent home with medication to help manage your pain during recovery.
When will my rehabilitation begin?
Though physical therapy won’t begin until after your surgery, your recovery and rehabilitation process will begin in the hours following your procedure. You should expect to begin walking and performing your given exercises the day of surgery, with more intense therapy in the following days.
With Rapid Recovery protocol, you are likely to experience a much smoother, easier recovery with fewer, less painful side effects than you would with traditional knee replacement surgery.
Other benefits to this approach include
- Quicker rehabilitation period
- Quicker process to being able to walk and use full range of motion
- Does not require strong pain medications such as postoperative opioids that often cause unpleasant side effects
- Shorter postoperative hospital stay (often only up to 24 hours)
- Reduced postoperative complications
- Provides many of the same benefits without the physically and mentally taxing recovery that comes with traditional surgery
We are proud to have the talent, technology, and skillset to perform Rapid Recovery protocols here in our office, and are here to answer any questions you may have about the procedure. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Ashvin K. Dewan, MD today.