KNEE SURGERY: A PRIMER

Dr.Alan Cheung, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and founder of the International Orthopaedic Clinic (IOC) sheds light on the questions and concerns surrounding knee surgery

What are the most common reasons for knee surgery and when do I know I need one?

As someone who treats injured athletes of all ages from different sports, and also performs robotic surgery on worn out knee joints, I see a wide variety of knee problems. These can be acute emergencies like a fracture or dislocation, subacute problems, such as a meniscus or ligament tear, or a more chronic problem like cartilage injury and osteoarthritis (degenerative change).

If you are experiencing significant pain; symptoms such as knee instability or locking (unable to fully straighten the knee), and cannot perform your regular home, work, or sporting activities, then I would recommend that you see an orthopaedic surgeon for further investigation.

For non-emergency cases, you may be prescribed physiotherapy, medicine, and even an injection. If your problems persist despite this, then you may be a suitable candidate for surgery.

What kind of pain should I expect during and after the surgery, and what is the best way to deal with it?

Many knee surgeries can be performed through arthoscopic ‘keyhole’ incisions that are less painful and invasive than a large open incision. Many patients can go home the same day following these types of surgeries. The knee will feel sore for a few weeks, but is manageable with rest, painkillers, and physiotherapy.

Meanwhile, joint replacement surgeries are more invasive with a larger incision and may take longer to heal and recover from.

On average, how long is the recuperation period and will I need rehabilitation after that?

For meniscus surgery, the average time to return to playing sports is around two months after a partial meniscectomy (removal of torn meniscus), and around four months following a meniscal repair.

For ligament reconstruction, like a torn ACL for example, returning to sports does not usually occur for at least nine months following surgery. For joint replacement surgery, patients can typically walk straight away, but may require several months of physiotherapy to fully recover.

Is knee surgery a guarantee that I will no longer have complications in the future or is this a misconception?

This is unfortunately a misconception as no surgery is absolutely risk-free! This is why you should have a long and detailed conversation with your surgeon about whether the operation is suitable for you, the risks involved, and what to expect in terms of length of recovery.

What are the most important things a knee surgery patient must remember after going through the surgery?

In the early stages, it’s important to keep the wound clean and dry. I advise not to go swimming right away after surgery as germs in seawater and public pools can cause infection. Otherwise, it is important to follow your surgeon and physiotherapist’s instructions and perform your exercises diligently to get the best result.

Will I be able to go back to doing sports and activities after knee surgery, and how long does it usually take to fully heal?

It depends on the nature of your problem, your physical conditioning, and what kind of surgery you have. Typically, wounds can take seven to ten days to heal. It takes longer for the body to recover from surgery and may take several months before you can return to play following a sports injury.

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