BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 8

Introduction

If required, a plastic button is put on the knee cap. A partial knee
replacement only replaces the worn part of the knee. The total and
partial knee replacement operations are designed to relieve pain,
reduce stiffness and improve your ability to walk.

What can be expected after a total knee or total
hip replacement?
A total knee or hip replacement will provide a large reduction in
pain in 90% of patients and allow patients to carry out normal daily
activities. Most total joint replacements last over 10 years (95%).
The artificial joint may or may not allow you to return to active
sports or heavy labour and you must be guided by your surgeon.
Taking part in high impact activities and being overweight may
speed up the wear and tear process, which could result in the
artificial joint loosening and becoming painful. Your surgeon will
advise you on what level of activity you can do.
The aim of surgery is for you to be able to resume your normal
everyday activities without pain, including climbing stairs and
walking. It is also possible to participate in recreational walking,
swimming, golf, driving, light hiking, cycling and ballroom dancing.
Activities not suitable include jogging or running, contact sports,
jumping sports and high impact aerobics. The reasons for this are
that the knee or hip replacement will wear out more quickly or an
injury involving the replacement may be difficult to treat.

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