Outpatient knee replacement provides a safe, effective treatment for musculoskeletal problems, including knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. At the Joint Preservation Institute, with offices in Sacramento, Walnut Creek, and the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood in San Francisco, California, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Amir Jamali, MD, specializes in outpatient knee replacement. Call the nearest office today to schedule an outpatient knee replacement consultation, or book your appointment online.
Traditional knee replacement surgery involves Dr. Jamali making several large incisions directly over your kneecap. He then uses surgical instruments to remove the damaged or diseased portion of your joint and replace it with a prosthesis.
Outpatient knee replacement is very similar; the difference is that Dr. Jamali makes smaller incisions on the side of your knee, which lets him access your knee joint without affecting your mobility. The smaller incisions allow for quicker recovery and a reduced risk of infection.
You’re likely a candidate for outpatient knee replacement if you’re between 18-70 and healthy.
During your surgical consultation, tell Dr. Jamali about your medications, vitamins, and supplements. Certain drugs, like blood thinners, can increase your risk of complications, so he might ask you to stop taking them before your procedure.
Outpatient knee replacement takes about 90 minutes on average.
On the day of your operation, Dr. Jamali administers a general anesthetic, causing you to fall asleep. After the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Jamali makes a small, six-inch incision on the side of your knee. He then uses surgical tools to remove damaged or diseased portions of your knee joint, replacing it with metal, ceramic, or plastic artificial components.
Dr. Jamali secures your artificial joint with cement, removes the tools, and closes your incision. He moves you to a recovery suite while the anesthetic wears off. The anesthesia lasts several hours, so you need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward.
After outpatient knee replacement surgery, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and pain. Take your medications as prescribed and carefully follow Dr. Jamali’s recovery instructions. A day or two after your operation, you begin physical therapy to strengthen your knee joint and help you return to your routine.
Rehabilitation after outpatient knee replacement typically takes 10-12 weeks. Most people use crutches or a cane for the first three weeks. You should be able to drive and do other routine activities about a month after your operation.
Call the Joint Preservation Institute today to schedule an outpatient knee replacement consultation or book your appointment online.