Knee replacement is a surgical intervention that helps relieve pain and restore mobility for individuals with end-stage knee arthritis. It is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world today. In India, knee replacement surgery is also gaining popularity. The number of people suffering from knee problems is on the rise, especially among the older generation. If you are suffering from pain and discomfort in your knees, you may want to consider getting knee replacement surgery. It can significantly reduce your pain and help you get back to your normal activities and routines. As per recent statistics, there has been a 25% increase in total knee arthroplasty surgeries in Jaipur.
This article will help you understand everything about Knee Replacement Surgery and Rehabilitation in Jaipur that you need to know before making this important decision of selecting the best orthopedic surgeon In Jaipur. Dr. Dilip Mehta, the founder of 360° Knee Clinic in Jaipur is an eminent orthopedic surgeon, specializing in joint replacement surgeries and has a professional set-up for rehabilitation by orthopedic physiotherapy for patients who have undergone surgeries and for patients who have had minor impact injuries but need physiotherapy to regain complete motility.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee Replacement Surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where a surgeon replaces the diseased and damaged parts of an individual’s knee with artificial parts. The purpose of a knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and improve the function of your knee joint. Your orthopedic doctor will recommend the surgery only if other treatment options have failed to help manage the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis, says Dr. Dilip, well-known among the best orthopedic surgeons in India.
Knee replacement is also an option if you have severe knee damage as a result of an injury. The knee is a joint where the upper part of your leg bones connect with the lower part of your leg bones. This joint is surrounded by a soft tissue called the ligaments, which hold the bones together and provide stability. Also present in the knee joint are fluids that enable the knee to move smoothly and provide nutrients to the joint so that it stays healthy.
Types Of Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement – In total knee replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the entire knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint. Partial Knee Replacement – In partial knee replacement surgery, your surgeon removes only the damaged parts of your knee joint and replaces them with an artificial joint.
Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be put to sleep before the surgery. Your doctor will make an incision over your knee and remove the damaged parts of your knee with special surgical instruments. The surgeon will then replace the damaged parts of your knee with an artificial joint from an implant. In some cases, a partial knee replacement surgery may be recommended where the surgeon replaces the damaged parts of the knee joint with an artificial joint.
The surgery takes about two hours to complete. The total knee replacement surgery procedure is similar to a total knee arthroplasty and is performed under general anesthesia. Generally, the surgery takes 1-2 hours. The doctor will make an incision on the front of your knee and remove the damaged section of the knee joint. The surgeon will then insert the artificial joint into the void of the knee joint and close the incision with stitches. After the surgery, you will be put in a brace that will remain on your knee for about two weeks.
Recovery Time After a Knee Replacement Surgery
The recovery time for knee replacement surgery will vary from patient to patient. However, most patients are advised to rest for a few weeks, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to help improve mobility and reduce pain. The fastest recovery times are reported in patients who are younger, healthier, and have a strong support system.
- Expect your knee to be in a brace for about six weeks.
- You will need to take rest and avoid putting any pressure on your knee for at least three to four weeks after the surgery.
- You will also need to avoid climbing stairs and sitting for long hours.
- You will be able to walk after about six weeks, but it will take a few months before you are able to return to your normal activities.
- After the surgery, the swelling and pain in your knee will subside after a few weeks.
The minimum amount of time you will spend in the hospital after knee replacement surgery is two days. However, most patients spend four to seven days in the hospital. The amount of time you will need to spend in a physical therapy center after knee replacement surgery will depend on your healing process.
When Should You Not Go for A Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery is not recommended for individuals with:
- degenerative joint disease (DJD),
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- osteonecrosis (bone death),
- osteoporosis, or joint abnormalities.
- If you have a blood cancer like leukemia or multiple myeloma, you should not go for a knee replacement surgery.
- An individual who has uncontrolled diabetes should not go for a knee replacement surgery as it can affect the healing of the artificial knee joint.
- You should not go for a knee replacement surgery if you have a blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
- If you have severe osteoporosis, the risk of complications during and after the surgery is very high.
If you have degenerative joint disease, you may still be a candidate for knee replacement surgery. However, the surgery may happen sooner than expected because DJD progresses faster than osteoarthritis.
Limitations After A Knee Replacement Surgery
- The artificial knee joint will wear out after about 10 to 15 years.
- Your knee joint may not completely stop giving you pain even after the knee replacement surgery.
- You may face problems like infections and blood clots in the artificial knee joint.
Pre-operative Care and Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery requires a significant amount of rehabilitation to recover. However, you can expect to return to your normal activities and routines sooner than you think. The initial phase of recovery will include rest, swelling reduction, and pain management. You will be required to wear a knee brace to prevent any further movements or falls. You may start physical therapy to help improve motion, reduce pain, and build strength. You may also be prescribed medication to help reduce your pain. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle after knee replacement surgery. This will help reduce your recovery time and improve your overall health.
- Before the surgery, you should take vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Tetanus, and Typhoid.
- After the surgery, you should also take dietary supplements such as Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Potassium, and Iron.
- You will need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to reduce the chances of getting infections and blood clots after the surgery.
- You should also avoid eating foods that can increase your chances of getting an infection after the surgery, such as raw vegetables, fruits, and seafood.
- You should also avoid drinking alcohol after the surgery as it can affect the healing process and your overall health.
Conclusion
Knee replacement is a very common procedure that can be helpful for many people with knee osteoarthritis. Before undergoing this procedure, it is important to understand the risks and benefits, as well as your other treatment options. While knee replacement surgery can be a helpful procedure for some people, it is important to understand that it is not a cure for knee osteoarthritis and it is not always the best option for everyone. With advances in technology, knee replacement surgeries are now more effective than ever before. Knee replacement surgeries are also now less invasive than they used to be, which means there is less pain and fewer complications for patients. With proper rehabilitation and follow-up care, people who are considering knee replacement surgery can expect to experience significant improvements in their quality of life at 360° Knee Clinic in Jaipur with Dr. Dilip Mehta and his team.
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