Expertise in Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) is a common surgical procedure that replaces the weight-bearing surface of the knee with a metal and plastic replica. This can greatly reduce pain caused by arthritis, severe injury, and other joint diseases.
Dr Ward has a particular interest in using the latest robotic technology to assist with knee replacement surgery. Dr Ward was an early-adopter of robotic-assisted surgery and has embraced it as a way of optimising treatment for his patients.
Dr Jason Ward provides assessment and consultation for knee replacement procedures in his rooms and operates across Adelaide and South Australia. Contact his clinics to book an appointment.
Preparing for a knee replacement
There are a number of things you can do in the lead up to your knee replacement surgery in order to simplify your recovery and make life a little easier during your recovery period.
Prepare your home
Your mobility will decrease post-surgery. You may need to move furniture or install safety equipment in your house.
Get in shape
Getting in shape before your knee replacement can make your recovery easier. Working your arms and upper body can help you use walking aids after the surgery, and losing weight can reduce the stress on your knee.
Ask questions
Before surgery is the best time to clarify things. Write your questions down and bring them to your consultation to help you remember.
Quit smoking
Using tobacco products slows your recovery by increasing the amount of time it takes for wounds to heal.
Practice your exercises
Learning how to correctly do your physical therapy exercises before your surgery can make them easier to do correctly afterwards.
Plan ahead
You will likely need time off work to recover from your knee replacement surgery, which is best planned in advance.
What to expect
Before your surgery you will be required to fast for 6 hours to ensure your safety under anaesthesia. You will need to discuss your medications with your doctor to determine whether you need to temporarily stop taking them for your knee replacement.
On the day of your surgery, you will be required to arrive a few hours before the procedure. This will allow time for check-in and any required surgery preparation. Before your surgery you will meet with an anaesthetist to discuss and administer your anaesthetic for the procedure.
Dr Jason Ward will remove the damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and attach implants to the joint surfaces. A plastic spacer is placed between the metal implants to help the joint move smoothly, and the wound is closed with sutures. The entire surgery will usually take 1-2 hours.
Dr Ward has performed thousands of knee replacements and will personalise the alignment of the knee for each patient, using the latest technologies including robotics. He also has an interest in complex revision knee surgery.
Recovery time
Following your knee replacement surgery, you will generally remain in the hospital for 4-5 days. During this time you will receive intravenous medication and assistance from nursing staff. You will have a sterile dressing on your knee and may have a drainage tube to remove excess fluid.
Dr Ward will usually ask you to start moving and using your newly-replaced knee within a few hours of surgery. The joint is stable immediately after the procedure, but weakened muscles and tissue will require a longer physiotherapy process to return to full strength.
On your return home, you will generally be prescribed oral pain medication. Dr Jason Ward and his team will be in touch to schedule a follow-up appointment around six weeks after your knee replacement.