For those suffering from chronic
knee pain, total knee replacement
surgery is often a life-changing
solution, offering pain relief and
restored mobility. Recently, we sat
down with experienced orthopedic
surgeon Dr. Uday Patel, who is
leading the newly developed Center
for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
at CalvertHealth, to discuss the
procedure, recovery and what
patients can expect from this
transformative surgery.
Q: How do I know if I need a total knee replacement?
Dr. Patel: The knee contains cartilage that cushions the joint, but
over time, this cartilage can wear down due to normal aging, injury,
obesity or arthritis. When this happens, patients often experience
pain, swelling and even deformity in the knee. While some
discomfort is manageable, if knee pain begins to interfere with
your daily activities—such as walking, climbing stairs, traveling or
exercising—it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery.
Q: What are the risks associated with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Patel: Like any major surgery, there are risks, but they
are rare. The two biggest concerns are infection and deep
vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as blood clots. Fortunately,
advancements in surgical techniques and infection prevention—
such as IV antibiotics, surgical spacesuits and specialized
sterilization methods—have significantly reduced these risks.
For blood clot prevention, most patients take aspirin after
surgery, while higher-risk individuals may require a stronger
anticoagulant.
Q: What makes your approach unique?
Dr. Patel: While IV antibiotics before, during and after surgery
are standard practice, I take additional precautions to minimize
infection risk. I use double-glove techniques, change gloves
multiple times during surgery, apply antibiotic powder in the
bone cement, wrap the knee with an antiseptic wrap during
surgery and thoroughly wash the joint before closure. In my
23 years of performing joint replacements, I’m proud to say
I have not experienced a single infection directly after knee
replacement surgery.
Q: How long does the surgery take, and what is the recovery process like?
Dr. Patel: The surgery itself takes about 90 minutes, with an
additional three hours in recovery. Most patients can return home the same day. Remarkably, patients are allowed full
weight-bearing without the use of a brace immediately,
meaning they can stand and walk with assistance right away.
The most significant pain typically lasts about two weeks, but
90% of recovery occurs within the first three months. Many
patients can return to office work in about six weeks.
Q: How is pain managed after surgery?
Dr. Patel: We use a combination of pain management strategies,
including spinal anesthesia, localized injections that last 48-72
hours, and a mix of oral and IV medications. This multimodal
approach allows patients to recover comfortably at home with
reduced reliance on narcotic pain medications. Patients are
advised to use ice as much as possible when resting, especially
in the first few weeks after surgery.
Q: What kind of follow-up care can patients expect?
Dr. Patel: After surgery, patients receive physical therapy
at home for the first three weeks. They also have follow-up
appointments in the office at two and six weeks post-surgery.
After that, most patients only require annual or biannual checkins
to monitor the knee’s condition. As part of rehabilitation,
most insurance providers approve a home exercise bicycle
designed to improve knee flexibility. This specialized bike is
delivered to the patient’s home, and the company handles both
drop-off and pick-up. The bike adjusts to accommodate limited
movement initially and gradually increases range of motion
over time. Additionally, it includes Bluetooth tracking, allowing
me to monitor patient progress and provide guidance as needed.
It’s a key tool in ensuring a smooth recovery.
Q: What are the long-term expectations for a knee replacement?
Dr. Patel: A knee replacement typically lasts between 15-20
years, depending on factors like patient weight and activity
level. To maximize the lifespan of the implant, patients should
avoid high-impact activities like running or prolonged kneeling.
Q: When can I resume normal activities, like driving or traveling?
Dr. Patel: If the surgery was on the left knee and you drive
an automatic, you can resume driving in about two weeks,
as long as you are off narcotic medications. If it was the
right knee, you’ll need to wait about six weeks to ensure
you can safely perform emergency braking. For air travel,
we recommend waiting at least four weeks due to the risk of
blood clots associated with flying.
Q: What’s your philosophy when it comes to patient care?
Dr. Patel: My goal is to provide meticulous surgical care and
comprehensive follow-up to ensure the best outcomes. This
is a journey, and I take pride in guiding my patients every
step of the way. Through advanced techniques, personalized
pain management and thorough post-surgical monitoring,
I strive to make total knee replacement as seamless and
successful as possible.
MEET THE EXPERT
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Uday R. Patel has
joined CalvertHealth Medical Group, bringing more than 20
years of experience in orthopedic surgery. He earned his medical
degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed
his internship and residency at New England Medical Center.
Dr. Patel is now leading the newly established CalvertHealth Center for Orthopedics
& Sports Medicine, located in the Calvert Medical Arts Building on the Medical
Center campus. The center offers in-office X-rays and is adjacent to CalvertHealth
Outpatient Rehabilitation, providing patients with convenient access to
comprehensive orthopedic care and physical therapy services. To learn more or
to schedule an appointment, please visit
calverthealthmedicine.org/center-for-orthopedics-sports-medicine or
call 410.846.8800.