Knee replacement surgery is vital to relieve pain and restore active function in the knee joints. The procedure of this surgery involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone and polymer, shinbone and kneecap. And, replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis). It is made up of metal alloys, high-grade plastics.
To decide whether a knee replacement is right for you, an orthopedic surgeon of Orthopedic Hospital in Hyderabad assesses your knee’s range of motion, stability and strength by conducting X-rays examination. After the examination, your doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, knee size and shape, and overall health.
Why Have Knee Replacement Operation?
There are three common reasons for undergoing the Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure.
Osteoarthritis:
This type of arthritis is age related. It is caused by the normal wear and tear of the knee joint. It mostly affects patients above 50 years. Although younger people may also suffer from it. This knee related medical disorder is caused by inflammation, breakdown, and the gradual and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. With the passage of time, the cartilage wears down and the bones rub together. To compensate, the bones often grow thicker, but this results in more pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
It is also called Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. The membrane around the knee joint becomes thick and inflamed. Chronic inflammation damages the cartilage. Thus, causing soreness and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis or RA leading to painful swelling shall be treated with the knee replacement surgery.
Post-traumatic arthritis:
This type of arthritis occurs as a result of extreme knee injury. If the bones around the knee break or there is a tear in the ligament, this will affect the knee cartilage.
Who Might Need a Knee Joint Replacement?
Knee replacement operation may be suitable for patients who experience:-
- Severe knee pain or stiffness that prevents them from carrying out everyday tasks and activities.
- In case of moderate but continuous knee pain that continues even while sleeping or resting.
- In cases of chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve after taking medications.
- Knee deformity resulting in a noticeable arch on the inside or outside of the knee.
Knee Surgery Types
Knee replacement can be total or partial types. For example, if a knee is injured by arthritis, replacing that specific part of the joint may bring lot of relief. However, total knee replacement surgery involves the replacement of both sides of the knee joint. It is the most common procedure and the surgery lasts between 1 and 3 hours. But, there will be scar tissue. And, it can make it slightly difficult to move and bend the knees.
Partial knee replacement surgery helps to replace only one specific side of the knee joint. In this type of operation, less bone is removed, so the incision is smaller. But, it does not last as long as a total replacement. It is usually performed on patients with damage to only one particular part of the knee. Post-operative rehabilitation is more simple. And, there is less blood loss and a lower risk of infection and blood clots. Physical therapy rehabilitation after total knee replacement is recommended for recovery.
Preparing for Surgery
- Medical EvaluationWhen you plan to go for a knee operation or knee cap replacement, your orthopaedic surgeon will surely ask you to undergo a proper physical examination. This would be recommended several weeks before the operation. It is important to make sure you are healthy enough to have the knee replacement operation and complete the recovery process. Patients with chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, may also be evaluated by a specialist before the surgery.
- TestsSome of the tests such as blood and urine samples may be needed to help your orthopaedic surgeon plan your osteoarthritis knee surgery.
- Medications
Before undergoing knee cartilage replacement surgery, you must inform your orthopaedic surgeon about the medications you are taking. The doctor will tell you which medications you should stop taking and which you should continue to take before surgery. - Dental EvaluationAs per reports, the cases of infection after knee replacement operation or knee implant is very low. But, an infection can occur if bacteria enters your bloodstream. In order to reduce the risk of infection, major dental procedures should be completed before your knee arthroplasty.
- Urinary EvaluationsPeople suffering from frequent urinary infections should have a urological evaluation before undergoing the surgery. It needs to be noted that the older men with prostate disease should go for essential treatment prior to undertaking knee replacement surgery.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Knee Replacement?
The hospital stay and recovery period in case of knee replacement surgery are normally shorter. And, there is certainly a higher chance of natural movement. A patient who has had a robotic knee replacement or knee prosthesis will be hospitalized for few days. The number of days of hospital stay would depend on how well they follow and respond to rehabilitation. On the basis of the operation performed, there will be pain. But, in most cases, a day after the procedure the medical staff will encourage patients to get up and try to walk a bit. It is highly important to follow all the instructions for rehabilitation
Physical therapy sessions aim to strengthen the knee. These sessions may be painful, but they considerably reduce the risk of future complications. In many cases, patients who do not have help at home may need to stay in the hospital for longer.
You must look for the best knee replacement surgeons near me when you decide to go for the surgery.
Protecting Your Knee Replacement
You need to be careful about certain things before and after knee replacement surgery,
After the knee replacement surgery is performed, you must make sure to do the following:-
- Participate in regular light exercise programs. This would help to maintain proper strength and mobility of your new knee. Try to avoid strenuous exercises before the knee replacement surgery.
- You must ensure to take special precautions to avoid falls and injuries. In case, you break a bone in your leg, you may require more surgery. So, you must take care.
- It is important that you must see your orthopaedic surgeon periodically for a routine follow-up examination and x-rays.
If you need to undergo knee replacement surgery, you must book an appointment at the Multi-Specialty Hospital in Hyderabad where the Knee replacement surgery success rate is higher. This will ensure that the procedure of the surgery is performed successfully.
