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Is Knee Replacement Outpatient?
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Traditionally, knee replacement surgeries were only done in an inpatient hospital setting and required hospital stays of three to five days. Advancements in surgical techniques and pain management have now made it possible to perform outpatient knee replacement surgery on some patients.
Outpatient knee replacements have been done in the U.S. for more than two decades now, but they’ve gained more popularity in the last few years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most patients underwent outpatient knee replacements because inpatient facilities were needed for COVID patients, and people generally wanted to avoid hospital stays. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty, only around 1.8% of Medicare patients who were prescribed knee replacements had undergone an outpatient procedure in the year 2015. By 2020, this percentage had increased to 57.2%.
About Outpatient Knee Replacements
Outpatient knee replacement is a cheaper option, as you can go home on the same day as your surgery. Other benefits are that you’ll have a comfortable recovery at your home, and your recovery will be faster. So, is an outpatient knee replacement the best solution for your knee pain?
When you opt for knee replacement surgery, you must be prepared to spend time and money and be committed to all the do’s and don’ts of a successful recovery. Surgery also carries the risks of infection, blood clots, and loosening of implants. Some patients may also need revision surgery.
Therefore, you owe it to yourself to explore all the available options. One alternative to knee surgery is regenerative medicine. At QC Kinetix, we provide regenerative therapies that harness the body’s innate ability to renew damaged tissues. These therapies are non-surgical, minimally invasive and are very effective in reducing knee pain.
How Much Does a Total Knee Replacement Cost?
Let’s look at what your hospital bill would look like after a replacement procedure. How much knee replacement surgery costs depends upon various factors like:
- Location: Choice of hospital/clinic
- Surgical procedure: Surgery type, implants used, additional precautions for any other health issue that might interfere with surgery
- Length of stay: Number of days in the hospital, additional care provided in case of any complications
In the U.S., an inpatient knee replacement procedure costs around $30,249, and an outpatient procedure costs around $19,002, and these are just the in-clinic or hospital charges. There are additional costs for services before and after your procedure, including pre- and post-op doctor visits, tests, and physical therapy. Other expenses include accessories and home modifications such as canes, crutches, shower benches and toilet seat risers.
What To Expect After Outpatient Knee Replacement
The recovery after outpatient knee replacement is similar to an inpatient procedure; the main difference is the amount of time you spend in the facility. In an outpatient procedure, you just spend a few hours in the hospital, whereas in an inpatient procedure, you spend one to four days. Staying longer in the hospital may be useful, as your medical team, nurses and physical therapists are always around to help with pain or other complications.
Your recovery after surgery depends on your commitment to post-op exercises and lifestyle changes. You may need rigorous physical therapy for two to three months after surgery.
Risks of Outpatient Knee Replacement
Patients undergoing outpatient knee replacements are at risk of the following:
- Infection: With any incision, there is a small risk of infection. To avoid this, follow the instructions given by your doctor to keep your wound dry and clean.
- Knee pain and stiffness: Generally, it takes around three to six months for complete pain relief. Lack of knee exercise can cause stiffness, so follow your doctor’s instructions regarding physical therapy and pain medication routine.
- Failure of the implants: Knee implants typically last 15 to 20 years. Infection, knee instability (caused by the weakness of muscles and other structures that support the joint) and knee stiffness are the most common causes of implant failure. If you experience an implant failure, you will likely need revision surgery.
- Blood clots: There is a risk of developing blood clots in the leg veins after surgery. Rarely, a clot may travel towards the lung and heart and cause life-threatening complications. To lower this risk, your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medications. Exercises such as walking and doing calf pumps and raises can improve circulation and prevent clots from forming.
Disadvantages of Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery
Here are some of the disadvantages of outpatient knee replacement surgery:
- Not all patients are fit for outpatient procedures:Â The outpatient procedure is not meant for patients with pre-existing health conditions, smokers, older patients with dementia and those with severe osteoporosis (fragile bones).
- Pre-existing conditions can complicate surgery:Â Health issues that are common in elderly patients, such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, can affect the surgery and the recovery process, so a longer recovery time may be required.
- Outpatients have less medical supervision: Patients undergoing outpatient knee replacements do not have professional medical supervision and may have some difficulty for the first few days after surgery.
- Outpatients require a strong support system: Outpatients will need a dedicated caregiver for the first few days — this can be family, friends or hired help.Â
How Painful Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement is a complicated surgery that involves cutting the damaged bone surfaces of the knee joint and replacing them with implants. Immediately after surgery, as the anesthesia wears off, patients might experience severe pain, which is managed with strong pain-relief medications. Knee replacement patients experience mild to moderately intense pain and swelling for a few months after surgery. Regular physical therapy, exercise and the right diet help with the pain and recovery.
How Long Does Recovery From Outpatient Surgery Take?
An outpatient procedure requires from two to three months for recovery. Some patients may need more time.
A successful recovery requires that you:
Take good care of your surgical wound
You should know the signs of infection. Follow your doctor’s advice for wound care, and always keep your wound clean and dry.
Walk regularly
You will be asked to walk starting the first day after surgery. Walking strengthens your knees, helps with circulation and prevents clots from forming.
Do knee exercises are prescribed
Knee exercises help to prevent knee stiffness and help to strengthen muscles that support the knee.
Return to routine gradually
You should be patient and take sufficient time to get back to your routine. Avoid stressing your knees excessively.
Modify your home
Install handrails and side bars, and remove anything that might be a walking hazard.
Avoid standing or sitting for a long time
Don’t keep your knee in one position for a long time; keep moving your knee gently from time to time to prevent stiffness.
Regenerative Knee Therapy at QC Kinetix
Your body has amazing potential to restore itself, and at QC Kinetix, we help you utilize that power. We use regenerative therapies to reduce knee pain. Regenerative treatments activate the body’s own repair mechanisms to restore the structure and function of damaged tissues.
Knee pain has a number of causes, and not everyone with knee pain needs replacement surgery. Our therapies have been a game changer for many people who have tried every other treatment for knee pain.
When you schedule a free consultation, we will evaluate your condition, and we’ll let you know whether or not knee replacement is the best option. If regenerative knee pain therapies can help you, we’ll explain all your options in detail. Learn about our therapies on our QC Kinetix Frequently Asked Questions page.
Joint & Bone Health Quickstart Program
QC Kinetix Joint & Bone Health supplements help your body to repair and renew injured joint tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, while reducing inflammation of the bursae. Unlike steroids or pharmaceuticals, our supplements for joints work with your body to promote healing.
Supplements can boost your overall joint health as part of a general fitness program. However, they are particularly valuable for treating damaged or inflamed and painful joints. The Arthritis Foundation finds that joint health supplements show promise for relieving pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of arthritis.
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