Overcoming 30 Years of Knee Pain:
60-Year-Old Patient Discharged 24 Hours Post-Joint Replacement at Sante Hospital

After enduring persistent knee pain, an altered gait, and progressive muscle atrophy for over 30 years, Ms. C.T.T. Huong (60 years old) has regained steady, confident mobility following two successful total knee replacements at Sante Hospital. Notably, following her second surgery, she was eligible for discharge in just 24 hours, supported by the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol.

1. A 30-Year Journey Living with Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

For Ms. Huong, chronic knee pain was a persistent burden spanning more than three decades. Throughout this period, she diligently pursued conservative management, including acupuncture, pharmacotherapy, and physical rehabilitation; however, symptomatic relief remained fleeting.

Upon her initial consultation at Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology – Sante Hospital, her knee had progressed to severe osteoarthritis, with the articular cartilage almost completely worn down, resulting in direct bone-on-bone friction during movement. Her gait had become unstable, and the left quadriceps muscle had gradually atrophied due to compensatory immobilization to avoid pain.

Although knee arthroplasty was clearly indicated, the fear of postoperative pain and concerns over prolonged immobility had caused her to hesitate for a long time. However, as her quality of life deteriorated significantly, she chose to place her trust in Sante Hospital to undergo her first left total knee replacement.

2. Returning for Contralateral Right Knee Arthroplasty: A Remarkable Recovery One Year Later

The initial procedure was an exceptional success: pain in the left knee was entirely resolved, the mechanical axis of the leg was realigned, and her gait became remarkably stable. After a year and a half, as the right knee began experiencing worsening pain from bearing compensatory weight, Ms. Huong returned to Sante Hospital with absolute confidence to proceed with the remaining knee replacement.

In contrast to the apprehension experienced during her first procedure, Ms. Huong approached her second surgery with complete peace of mind. Reassured by her understanding of the clinical protocol and the seamless collaboration with our medical team, she engaged with positive cooperation throughout every stage of care.

3. Postoperative Mechanical Axis Assessment and Radiographic Evaluation

Knee replacement surgery at Sante Hospital incorporates high-precision mechanical alignment techniques, allowing the prosthetic joint to be positioned with millimeter-level accuracy tailored to each patient's unique anatomical profile.

Postoperative imaging confirms optimal positioning of the metal components and biocompatible insert, achieving a uniformly restored joint space, completely eliminating bone-on-bone friction, and ensuring exceptional ligamentous stability throughout flexion and extension.

4. ERAS Protocol and the 24-Hour Discharge Milestone

The remarkable reduction in Ms. Huong's hospitalization period was made possible by the comprehensive standardization of Sante Hospital's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery: A meticulously planned incision minimizes muscle disruption while optimizing the preservation of ligaments and surrounding healthy tissue.
• Multimodal Regional Analgesia: Employing adductor canal block (ACB) in conjunction with periarticular infiltration effectively interrupts pain transmission pathways while preserving quadriceps motor strength, facilitating immediate postoperative ambulation.
• Meticulous Blood Preservation: Through the administration of antifibrinolytic agents and refined hemostatic techniques, the need for blood transfusion is eliminated, promoting an expedited and uneventful recovery.
• Early Postoperative Mobilization: Under the direct guidance of dedicated rehabilitation specialists, patients begin standing and walking on post-op day one. For further clinical details, please refer to the full article. How Soon Can You Walk After Knee Replacement Surgery?.

Frequently Asked Questions: Knee Arthroplasty (FAQ)