Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that treats damaged bone or injured cartilage, and joint with a replacement of an artificial joint. The replacement takes place for some knee joints or all knee joints. In fact, almost a year is needed for complete recovery. Knee replacement is also known as arthroplasty.

Essentially, this is the procedure of removing the natural knee joint, i.e., which is somehow damaged, and it is replaced with an artificial (prosthesis) joint that is made of metal or plastic material.

Types of Knee Joint Replacement

Let's understand, in a simple way, the types of knee joints.

The types of knee joints are:

Total Knee Replacement: As the name suggests, it is a complete replacement of the knee joint, including the inside, outside, and knee cap. This is one of the most common types of knee replacement surgery in India.

Partial Knee Replacement: This involves the replacement of one or two damaged areas of the knee, not the entire joint. However, partial knee replacement is not so common in adults. Typically, it is more often performed on younger people, usually due to trauma or injury.

Conditions That Require Knee Replacement Surgery

Here are some of the conditions listed that need medical attention for knee replacement surgery. Additionally, all the other alternatives have proved to be failed for treating knee problems. Severe symptoms of knee replacement include:

Stiffness

Limited function (pain in moving the knee)

Swelling

Car accident

Sports injury

Fall

The most common condition that requires total knee replacement is arthritis. Moreover, some of the more common reasons include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

In cases of bone fracture, the top orthopedic surgeon of India needs to perform knee replacement. One of the reasons is traumatic injury, and arthritis.

Knee Replacement: Surgical Steps and Process

First of all, anesthesia is given to the patient for numbing the body. This procedure makes the patient fall into a deep sleep state, which reduces the feeling of pain. Here are some steps that will help to understand the procedure:

The surgeon will remove the damaged bone or cartilage.

In place of the natural bone, an artificial or prosthetic knee joint is placed.

A plastic spacer is inserted, which remakes the smooth cushion for the joint that was removed during the procedure.

Reshaping plays an important role, as it gives a shape to fit the new artificial joint.

Knee replacement surgery normally takes two hours to complete.

Risks and Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery

Here are some risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery that a patient may encounter:

Infection near the area of incision or inside the knee

Blood clots

Nerve problems

Blood vessel problems

Issues with the prosthetic joint, which may become loose from its place

Formation of scar tissue inside the knee

Low mobility or motion

Stiffness

Additionally, some health conditions may lead to slow recovery, such as:

Diabetes

Autoimmune disorder

Hemophilia

Tips for Faster Healing After Knee Replacement Surgery

Here are some common tips that can help heal the wound or incision faster. Although the surgeon will surely prescribe some medication and a treatment plan, these are some common actions that will enhance your journey of recovery:

Lifting the knee: Try to keep the knee above the level of the heart. This can be done with the help of a pillow or cushions placed below the knee.

Icing the knee: Regularly icing the knee for 20 minutes will help reduce both pain and swelling.

Keeping the incision site clean and dry: Always follow the instructions that your surgeon has given you for incision care. Only let it get wet when you have consulted the doctor, as it is important to keep the area dry and clean.

Exercising at home: This will help to move the knee and increase mobility. Additionally, it will be beneficial in strengthening the muscles and preventing stiffness.

Physical therapy: A physical therapist will start the therapy a few weeks after surgery, as it will help with moving, bending, or walking.

Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in India

The cost of knee replacement surgery in India is cheaper than in other nations. However, without compromising on the quality of facilities and equipment, India provides the best services for patients who approach from Western countries. In fact, the best knee replacement hospitals in India perform the surgeries at the most affordable cost.

Conclusion