Knee Replacement Surgery Journey to Regain Strong Steps and Pain-Free Movement
One of the most common age-related degenerative conditions facing seniors is osteoarthritis of the knee. This condition impairs mobility, making daily activities and exercise increasingly challenging. It can significantly hamper the overall quality of life and even have broader impacts on general health. In this edition of Patient Stories, we share the journey of Mr. Joe or Joseph Grunwell, a 67-year-old expatriate who has lived in Thailand for over 30 years. Mr. Joe faced the challenges of knee osteoarthritis and sought treatment at the Orthopedic Center at MedPark Hospital.
A Partial Knee Replacement That Turned into Total Knee Replacement
Mr. Joe had planned to undergo a unicompartmental knee replacement (also known as a partial knee replacement) under the care of Dr. Siripong Ratanachai, an orthopedic surgeon. Based on the initial evaluation, Mr. Joe was deemed a candidate for a partial knee replacement. However, the doctor would make the final definitive decision after direct inspection of the knee joint intraoperatively. If there was extensive damage, a total knee arthroplasty would be necessary.
“During the surgery, the doctor discovered that my anterior cruciate ligament was completely absent and that the cartilage on both the medial and lateral sides of my knee was extensively damaged. They meant I was no longer a suitable candidate for a partial knee replacement, and the surgical scheme had to be changed to a total knee replacement instead. The surgical team had discussed this possibility with me beforehand, so I was fully prepared for a total knee replacement. The operating theater was likewise prepared to serve either type of surgery.”
Dr. Siripong explained the details of the surgical steps and processes to address every concern Mr. Joe had, ensuring he was confident and felt at ease.
“Staff wheeled me into the operating theater, which was white and so well-illuminated that it could have lit up an entire football field.” Mr. Joe recounted. “The anesthesiologist administered the anesthesia, and I drifted off to sleep. When I awoke in the recovery room about two and a half hours later, I initially wondered when the surgery would begin, only to realize that the entire procedure was over.”
Postoperative Physical Therapy Accelerates Recovery of Mobility
Following the surgery, the hospital implemented a physical therapy program, which could be conducted right in the patient's room. A skilled physical therapist assisted Mr. Joe in regaining movement in both legs, providing close evaluation and supervision throughout the rehabilitation process.
Eager to regain full mobility as quickly as possible, Mr. Joe inadvertently overexerted his knee, resulting in mild discomfort. To alleviate the soreness after physical therapy sessions, doctors prescribed pain medication and administered ice packs. Nevertheless, the residual effects of anesthesia and analgesics enabled him to sleep through the night.
“The physical therapy consisted of stretching and short-distance walking using a walker, with two laps of 30 meters each. The physical therapist informed me if I could walk 100 meters and climb two rungs of stairs, I could go home in the next two days. By the following day, my knee had improved significantly, allowing me to walk around the room without assistance. The day after that, I completed my final physical therapy session before discharge, merely five days after the major surgery. The entire process was smooth and efficient.”
Five Days Following Surgery: Knee Pain Eliminated and Joint Function Restored
The postoperative pain management was highly effective, employing an appropriate combination of medication and ice therapy. Mr. Joe shared that during his five-day hospital stay, he experienced no significant pain—only some mild soreness and bruising from the surgery. It allowed him to sleep well and engage enthusiastically in the physical therapy sessions.
Approximately 2 months after surgery, Mr. Joe noticed a significant overall improvement. His knee moved well, and he could climb up and down the stairs comfortably without any assistive devices apart from a single walking cane. Numbness and swelling had diminished. He was able to swim three days a week and exercise daily for 20 to 30 minutes.
“Whenever I exercise, I notice a slight tightness in my knee. However, the doctor assured me that this is a normal part of the recovery process.”
Now, five months after the surgery, Mr. Joe shared that his knee has almost returned to its normal function. None of his friends or those around him can detect any abnormalities in his gait. He can even jog in place for 30 to 60 seconds without any discomfort.
“But what worries me is the swelling around my knee that occurs after exercise. However, the doctor assured me that this is nothing to be concerned about, as it may take up to 12 months for the swelling to subside completely. He explained that post-exercise swelling is quite normal and recommended applying cold compresses to help alleviate the symptoms.”
Mr. Joe further explained that he occasionally felt as though there was a foreign object in his knee — something that was not bone, muscle, or tissue. However, he experienced no pain and no longer required any painkillers or related medications. As for his range of motion, both knees now function nearly identically.
“Lastly, I would like to personally thank the medical team and the nursing staff for their outstanding care. Everyone greeted me with a smile and was always ready to help.”
Because in a Single Operation Lies the Hope and Quality of Life That a Patient Has Placed in Their Surgeon's Hands.
Dr. Siripong Rattanachai, the orthopedic surgeon responsible for Mr. Joe’s knee replacement, meticulously planned the entire operation, assembling the right team, preparing all necessary equipment, and ensuring the operating room was well-prepared and equipped to handle any unexpected situations that might arise. This thorough approach highlights the unwavering dedication and attention to detail that Dr. Siripong brings to every surgery he performs.
“This case involves knee osteoarthritis, where X-ray imaging offers about 80 to 90 percent diagnostic confidence. However, the remaining 10 percent relies on the surgeon’s direct evaluation during surgery—a crucial final step. Only by visually inspecting the joint can the surgeon definitively decide whether a partial or total knee replacement is warranted. In the case of Mr. Joe, intraoperative assessment led to the conclusion that a total knee replacement was necessary.”
Moreover, thorough and transparent communication with the patient can contribute to a smooth surgical journey and foster strong patient cooperation.
“When there is alignment of the medical team and patient with a shared understanding and unified goal, the chances of a successful surgery increase substantially. I strongly believe this, and as anticipated, the procedure went exceptionally well. The patient is satisfied and is steadily enjoying an improved quality of life.”
Thanks to meticulous preparation, lucid and efficient communication with the patient, and the surgeon’s expertise and experience, the surgery proceeded smoothly with minimal concern, and favorable outcomes could be expected.
“I believe we must continuously strive to outdo ourselves and maintain excellence in every procedure we undertake. Although I have performed thousands of surgeries, for each patient, this is often their very first, and they place their hopes and well-being in our hands for this crucial operation.”
