The bones in your joints are covered by a layer of cartilage. Cartilage is a tough, lubricating tissue that provides smooth, pain-free motion to your joints. Arthritis causes the cartilage to wear away, eventually resulting in painful bone-on-bone contact.
As the layer of cartilage wears away, bone begins to rub against bone, which causes the discomfort and stiffness commonly associated with arthritis.
Minimally invasive knee replacement is really a cartilage replacement with an artificial surface. The knee itself is not replaced, only the damaged tissue on the ends of the bones. The replacement implants include a metal alloy on the end of the thighbone and polyethylene (plastic) on the shinbone and kneecap. The implants create a new smoothly functioning joint designed to prevent painful bone-on-bone contact.
Rapid Recovery minimally invasive knee replacement utilizes Microplasty® Instrumentation and is performed through a smaller incision, up to half the length of a typical knee replacement incision. Surgeons can perform surgery through such a short incision because they use instruments specifically designed to move around soft tissue.
It is important to remember that surgeons still use implants that they feel will best treat your specific condition.
The Biomet Rapid Recovery Program is an evolutionary concept in joint replacement involving improved technology and techniques. The program encompasses comprehensive patient education, nutrition, physical conditioning and rehabilitation methods to facilitate a rapid recovery.
All implants have a limited life expectancy depending on an individual‘s age, weight, activity level and medical condition(s). A joint implant‘s longevity will vary in every patient. It is important to remember that an implant is a medical device subject to wear. While it is important to follow all of your surgeon‘s recommendations after surgery, there is no guarantee that your particular implant will last for any specific length of time.
The most common reason for failure in knee and hip replacements is loosening of the implant from the bone or wearing of the plastic liner. Old components can usually be replaced with new ones.
Results will vary depending on the quality of the surrounding tissue, the severity of the arthritis at the time of surgery, the patient‘s activity level and the patient‘s adherence to the doctor‘s orders.
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, misalignment and premature wear, any of which may necessitate implant replacement surgery. While these devices are generally successful in attaining reduced pain and restored function, they cannot be expected to withstand the activity levels and loads of normal healthy bone and joint tissue.
Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience pain and stiffness. No implant will last forever and factors such as the patient‘s post-surgical activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.
Your doctor will decide if you are a candidate for the Biomet Rapid Recovery Program. Their decision will be based on your history, exam and X-rays. Your doctor will ask you to decide if your discomfort, stiffness and disability justify undergoing surgery. Most doctors recommend waiting to have surgery if conservative, non-operative methods can adequately control your discomfort.
Age is usually not a problem if you are in reasonably good health and have the desire to continue living a productive, active life. You may ask to see your personal physician for an opinion about your general health and readiness for surgery. An advantage of the Biomet Rapid Recovery Program is the potential to return patients to their daily lives and activities at a faster rate than traditional joint replacement surgery.
Yes, an integral part of the Biomet Rapid Recovery Program is a comprehensive preoperative exercise program. Your surgeon will prescribe the exercises that will benefit you the most.
You may need blood after surgery. You can donate your own blood, use the blood bank, or have your relatives donate blood for you. Read "Decide Whether to Donate Blood" found in the appendix of the GuideBook.
Your surgeon‘s office will work out the details of your blood donation.
Yes, minimally invasive joint replacement patients may need either a walker, cane or crutches to facilitate a rapid recovery. Your surgeon can help you make the arrangements for necessary equipment.
Most patients are able to go directly home after discharge. Some patients may transfer to a sub-acute facility and stay there between three to seven days. Your surgeon will help you decide where to go after you are discharged from the hospital and can make the appropriate arrangements. Either way, you will continue to receive physical therapy.
Most patients do not require any special equipment. However, your occupational therapist may recommend specific tools to assist you in activities of daily living.
Yes for the first several days, or weeks, depending on your progress, you will need someone to assist you with meal preparation, cleaning, etc. If you go directly home from the hospital your surgeon may order a home healthcare nurse to come to your house until the sutures are removed (approximately two weeks). Family members or friends need to be available to help if possible.
A home physical therapist may provide initial physical therapy in your home. You may then go to an outpatient facility two to three times a week to assist in your rehabilitation. The length of time required for this type of therapy varies with each patient. If you live alone, you may stay at a sub-acute facility following your hospital stay or you may go directly home. A home healthcare nurse and a home physical therapist may assist you at home.
Your first postoperative office visit will occur two to three weeks after discharge. You will then be seen for further follow-up as required by your orthopedic surgeon. After the first year, you will need to see your orthopedic surgeon for a check-up every one to two years.
The ability to drive depends on whether the surgery was performed on your right or left leg and the type of car you have. If you had surgery on your left leg and you have an automatic transmission, you could be driving as early as two weeks. If you had surgery on your right leg, your driving may be restricted for as long as four to six weeks. Getting "back to normal" will depend somewhat on your commitment and individual circumstance. Consult with your surgeon or therapist for advice on your level of activity.
Most people take at least one month off from work. Patients with more sedentary jobs may be able to return to work sooner. The timing of your return to work depends considerably upon your commitment to recovery.
The time to resume sexual intercourse should be discussed with your orthopaedic surgeon.
Yes, you will be restricted from performing high-impact activities such as running, singles tennis and basketball. You will also be restricted from performing contact sports and downhill skiing. Hip patients will additionally be restricted from crossing their legs or bending their hips more than 90° for at least three months after surgery.
Most patients are encouraged to participate in low-impact activities such as dancing, golfing, hiking, swimming, doubles tennis and gardening as your surgeon allows. Ask your physician about other acceptable activities.
Yes, you may have some numbness on the outside of the scar. The area around the scar may feel warm. Refer to the GuideBook for hips or knees for more information on recognizing a blood clot. In knee patients, kneeling may be uncomfortable for a year or more. You may also notice some clicking when you move your hip or knee as a result of the artificial surfaces coming together.
Biomet is a manufacturer of orthopedic implants and does not practice medicine. This brochure was prepared in conjunction with a licensed physician and presented as general information only. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine what treatment is appropriate. Individual results of total joint replacement may vary. The life of any joint replacement surgery will depend on your weight, age, activity level and other factors. For more information on risks, warnings, and possible adverse effects, see the Patient Risks Information section found within Biomet.com. Always ask your doctor if you have any questions regarding your particular condition or treatment options.