Outpatient knee replacement, also known as same-day or ambulatory knee replacement, is a surgical procedure where a patient is discharged on the same day without an overnight hospital stay. This differs from traditional knee replacement surgeries which typically require a hospital stay of one to several days. Outpatient knee replacement aims to speed up the recovery process and lower the overall cost of healthcare. This is made possible by using minimally invasive surgical approaches, improved pain management, and accelerated rehabilitation programs.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee is composed of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). The femur and tibia meet at the knee joint. The patella sits in a groove on the front of the femoral end. The fibula, another bone in the lower leg, joins with the shin bone. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles hold the bones together. Synovial fluid helps the bones move smoothly, and the meniscus—a soft, crescent-shaped cartilage—acts as a cushion and shock absorber.

Indications and Preparation

Outpatient knee replacement is typically recommended for patients with degenerative knee diseases, such as osteoarthritis, that don't respond to other treatments. Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage, leading to painful bone-on-bone friction. Not all patients are suitable candidates. Good candidates are generally in good health, have a healthy BMI, have strong social support, and are motivated and compliant. Preparation includes a medical evaluation, blood tests, imaging studies, and a discussion with your doctor about allergies, medications, and other health conditions. Patients are advised to stop smoking and to avoid food or drink for at least 8 hours before surgery. An informed consent form must also be signed.

Surgical Procedure

The outpatient knee replacement procedure uses advanced anesthetic techniques, like a femoral regional block, which provides a centralized anesthetic effect that doesn't require a hospital stay.