Knee Resurfacing

The Procedure

• The procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis
• Discharge can be 4 - 6 hours after surgery, if you feel happy.
• You will be out of bed and walking 2 - 3 hours after surgery.
• Your operation will take approximately 1 1/2 hours and about 45 minutes to an hour in recovery.
• The incision is approximately 10cms or 4 inches and is made down the middle of your knee over the top of your kneecap. The scar line may not be completely flat immediately after surgery, but will settle down after a few weeks.
• A tourniquet is placed around your thigh during surgery; this may cause bruising from your thigh down into your foot.
• When you wake up, you will have a drain in your knee. This will be removed before you go home.
• A knee brace will be in place for 48 hours after your operation.
• The operation will be performed under general anesthesia. Dr D Kerr will discuss the anesthetic and pain control with you. It is important you make an appointment to see Dr Kerr approximately 1 week prior to your operation.

Possible Complications

As with all types of surgery, there are certain risks and complications. Joint replacement is considered major surgery, and often requires prolonged anaesthesia, and frequently requires blood transfusion. Unicompartmental knee resurfacing surgery has reduced complication rates associated with joint replacement surgery, but it is important to note that while this procedure is resurfacing the joint surface the complication rates still exist. Naturally there is a possibility of major complications, and complications can be life threatening. Although these risk factors are low, each patient needs to be informed of the possible complications prior to surgery.

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