Knee replacements are surgical procedures in which the worn, damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. Your doctor may consider knee replacement if you have severe pain which limits daily activities and is not relieved with medications, injections, physical therapy, or other treatments. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of your knee. Knee replacement provides the most dramatic relief of arthritis pain available to patients.

Traditionally, knee replacement surgeries have been inpatient surgical procedures. With the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, modern pain relief protocols, improved anesthetic techniques, and rapid rehabilitation, surgeons can perform knee replacement procedures on an outpatient basis.

With outpatient knee surgery, patients are provided with the support of a visiting nurse and follow-up rehabilitation services. Patients can often return to normal activities quicker and with less pain than with traditional knee replacement surgery.

Other advantages of outpatient knee replacement surgeries include:

• Rapid recovery
• Decreased hospital stay
• Improved pain management protocols
• Early mobilization
• Careful home monitoring
• Fewer complications
• Improved outcomes
• Increased patient satisfaction
• Lower out-of-pocket costs

Outpatient knee replacement is the same as traditional knee replacement, but patients can go home on the same day of surgery. This allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes instead of overnight in a hospital.