1. Once it has been decided that I will undergo total knee replacement surgery, how long will the surgery is actually performed?
Usually it takes about a month to get everything ready for your surgery. This includes the time it takes to do blood work, check the results of various tests and screenings and pick the right prosthesis for you.


2. What is a knee replacement made of?
Most are made of cobalt chrome alloy and a durable plastic called ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.


3. What kind of pain will I experience from this surgery?
On average the pain from this type of surgery is considered high, but tolerable. Remember that if the pain were unbearable several millions of people would not have undergone this surgery.


4. How soon after the surgery can I go home?
This depends on the extent, if any, complications you experience while in the hospital, but most patients can go home in about 3-5 days. Occasionally, patients are admitted to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility after being discharged from the hospital.


5. Will I have physical therapy following my surgery?
Yes. Most patients begin physical therapy the day after surgery.


6. What are my limitations once home?
Some patients may use a walker or wheelchair for several weeks after surgery to protect the new joint while it heals. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to get back to driving a vehicle. Other activities may be added to your routine within the next 6 to 8 weeks. Many patients are able to play golf, tennis or go bowling in 12 weeks. Sports that can cause impact to the new joint, such as jogging, may never be permitted after surgery.


7. How long do knee replacements last?
This depends on how well you take care of your total knee replacement. Most can be expected to last 10 to 20 years. A high level of activity and increased weight may decrease the longevity of a total knee replacement.


8. What are the complications from this surgery?
During your hospital stay, pulmonary and urinary complications are the most common problems. Blood clots and infections can be serious, but are rare complications of this type of surgery.


9. Who is a potential candidate for knee or hip replacement?
If a patient has knee pain that severely limits the ability to walk, work or perform even simple activities, a joint replacement may be an excellent option.


10. Are there alternatives to knee replacement?
Often, a physician will try treatments such as medications, exercise and arthroscopic surgery. However, since most medications do not slow down the progression of the injury, these options may become ineffective. Knee replacement is a long-term answer for pain relief and returning to an active lifestyle.


11. What happens if my replacements wears out?
When a knee replacement wears out, loosens or develops a problem, it can be replaced.


12. I received a Sulzer implant a couple of years ago, but I am not experiencing any problems. What should I do?
You should contact your physician so that he can evaluate the implant to make sure there are no medical problems at this time. You should also contact an attorney to evaluate whether or not you may have a claim against Sulzer.


13. Are there time limits in which I need to file a lawsuit against my physician?
Yes, there are statute of limitations which you require you file a claim within a certain period of time. Consult with an attorney immediately so he can let you know what the laws are in your state.


14. I recently had knee replacement surgery and I have not been recovering as quickly as expected. I am also still experiencing a great deal of pain. Could my physician have made a mistake during surgery that is causing my slow recovery and pain?
Yes, it is possible. Be sure to continue to receive medical care for the problems you are having. In addition, you should contact an attorney so that he may evaluate your case to see if you have any options for filing a claim.