Knee Replacement: Some Benefits of Outpatient Surgery

Total knee replacements have come a long way. Afterwards, people no longer lay in a hospital bed for three weeks; instead, they generally begin walking at home within a day of the procedure.

Of course, recovery still takes time. But it may surprise you to see how quickly that time passes after outpatient surgery, which is an option for some people.

1. Less pain

You won’t need a pain pump for self-administered medications or IV painkillers with outpatient surgery.

Instead, you’ll get a spinal injection that numbs you from the waist down for two hours. A long-lasting local anaesthetic will help control your pain for up to two days afterwards.

2. Lower infection risk

Spending less time in the hospital lowers the chances of infection in your surgery site.

3. Better recovery at home

Leaving the hospital means you get to recuperate in the comfort of your own home. You’ll progress better in a familiar environment where you’re more likely to get a good night’s sleep.

4. Faster, more aggressive physical therapy

A physical therapist begins working with you the day of surgery or within a day of you returning home. He or she will help you exercise to regain full function in the joint.

Are you the right patient?

In a total & best knee replacement, the surgery itself is the same for both inpatient and outpatient options.

But, you’re a strong candidate for outpatient surgery if you are:

Motivated. A positive attitude and willingness to follow your doctor’s post-surgery instructions will increase the likelihood of a good outcome.

Mobile. If you’re active and independent before surgery, you’ll automatically respond better to physical therapy. And you’ll resume your daily activities more easily, however, if you use a walker or wheelchair before surgery, an inpatient procedure is likely your best option.

Healthy. The fewer medications you take or ailments you have, the better outpatient candidate you are. If you take medications for chronic pain, for example, your surgery may be better suited in an inpatient setting.

Supported. Having a wider social network — meaning, several friends and/or family members who can help you after surgery — will make your recovery faster and better.