Knee Replacement Surgery

About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, replaces parts of worn-out or injured knee joint. This surgery replaces damaged bone and cartilage of the knee joint with metallic and plastic parts. Knee replacement surgery helps ease pain and makes the knee move better.

The artificial joints and surgical technique needed for the knee replacement surgery depends on many factors including condition of knee joint, age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.

When do you need Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is usually performed to help relieve pain caused by arthritis or injury. If you have problem in walking, climbing stairs and getting up out of chair, you may need a knee replacement surgery.

To decide whether you need a knee replacement, your orthopaedic surgeon checks your knee joint’s range of motion, its stability and strength. Diagnostic tests are conducted to know the extent of damage.

Knee replacement is recommended by orthopaedic surgeon when other conservative treatments including medication, physiotherapy and lifestyle modification, have failed to provide relief from knee pain.

Some conditions that may lead to the need for a surgery include:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, causing the protective cartilage around the joint to wear away, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility in the joint.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation and damage to the joints. It makes joints painful, still and swollen making the movement difficult.
• Post-traumatic Arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis may develop following a knee injury, fracture or ligament tear. This can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in the knee joint.
• Knee Deformities: A knee replacement surgery may be required to correct a varus or valgus deformity in the knee joint.

Types of Knee Replacement

If only one part of the knee is damaged, orthopaedic surgeon can replace just damaged part of the knee, this is called a partial knee replacement.

If the entire joint is damaged or worn out, the ends of the thighbone and shinbone are reshaped, and the joint is resurfaced. This is called a total knee replacement.

A Revision Knee Replacement is performed when a previous knee replacement surgery has failed or requires correction.

Preparation for Knee Replacement Surgery

Your joint replacement surgeon will assess your joint and recommend certain investigations prior to the surgery.

Assessment:

The orthopaedic doctor will assess your joint along with any personal and family medical history.

Diagnostic tests:

Laboratory, diagnostic, and imaging tests will be performed to assess the joint and your fitness for the procedure. Imaging tests include a knee X-ray, MRI or a CT scan.

Medication review:

The doctor will review your current medications. You should inform the doctor about your current medication regimen.

Lifestyle Modification:

You will be advised to quit smoking a few weeks before the surgery, as it can impact the healing process.

Exercise:

Regular exercise before the surgery is recommended to strengthen the muscles and improve post-operative healing.

During the Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgeon makes an incision over the knee. He then removes the diseased or damaged bone and cartilage, leaving the healthy bone intact. The implants are then put into the thighbone, shinbone and kneecap.

The thighbone and shinbone are hard tube like structures that contain soft center. The ends of the artificial parts or implants are inserted into the softer central part of these bones.

Ligaments are bands of tissue that help hold joints together. If the knee's ligaments are not strong enough to hold the knee joint together, the joint replacement surgeon may choose implants that can be connected so that they can't come apart.

After the Knee Replacement Surgery

After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room. The doctors’ team will monitor your vital signs and pain level after the surgery.

Your stay in the hospital after surgery depends on the individual needs and the type of surgery performed. Your surgeon will advise on your discharge from the hospital.

The doctors may advise breathing exercises. A physiotherapist will guide you on exercise for your new knee. After you leave the hospital, you will be advised to continue physiotherapy at home or at a physiotherapy centre.

Yatharth Centre for Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement

Yatharth Centre for Orthopaedics and joint replacement offers comprehensive care for several orthopaedic afflictions, including knee, hip, shoulder and other joint problems. The advanced technology includes Orthopaedic Robots for joint replacement surgeries, which made us, rank among the best hospitals for knee replacement surgery in India. At Yatharth, we aim to provide the highest level of patient care with help of some of the best orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeons for orthopaedic disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement is a safe and effective surgery that helps relieve pain and stiffness of joint and help patients regain their mobility, and thus improve their quality of life.

How much time it takes to recover from a knee replacement surgery?

The orthopaedic doctor would normally recommend the return to daily activities after 6 weeks. However, it may take up to four months for the pain to subside, and up to an year for complete recovery post-surgery.

When can I walk after knee replacement?

Most patients can start walking with assistance within a day or two after the knee replacement surgery. Patient may be able to walk independently in few weeks to a few months, depending on individual conditions. Complete recovery after surgery and return to normal walk patterns can take up to a year. Your surgeon will best advise you when it’s safe to return to daily activities. Following a structured physiotherapy and rehabilitation program is very important to return to normal activities.

How painful is a total knee replacement?

There is an amount of pain associated with a knee replacement surgery, but the patient will be provided with pain medication so they can heal comfortably. If you have unbearable pain, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I call my doctor?

Call your orthopaedic surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Bleeding from surgery site
• Any sign of an infection at your knee, including bleeding, leaking, swelling, discoloration, or a feeling of warmth.
• New pain in your lower leg, ankle joint or foot
• Severe pain that goes off with pain medication

Which age is best for knee replacement?

While the average age for a knee replacement surgery ranges between 50 to 70, the best age to have a knee replacement is when the pain in knee does not seem to subside and interferes with daily functioning, and conservative therapy and medications have not brought any relief to the joint.

How long is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery can take 1-3 hours, depending on the knee condition and type of the knee replacement performed.

What is robotic surgery for knee replacement?

Robotic surgery for knee replacement involves the use of advanced robotic technology that assists the orthopaedic surgeon to perform the knee replacement with better precision. The result is less blood loss and early recovery for the patient.

What is the cost of knee replacement surgery?

The cost of knee replacement surgery can vary based on type of knee replacement procedure, your location and the specific hospital or orthopaedic centre. The cost of surgery typically includes preoperative assessments, surgery fee, facility charges, anaesthesia fee, the cost of implants used in the procedure, postoperative care, and physiotherapy.

Does insurance cover the cost of knee replacement surgery?

Many health insurance plans cover a major cost of knee replacement surgery. However, coverage can vary. The patients should check with their insurance providers to understand the amount paid by the provider and copayment.

Are there additional costs beyond the initial estimate for knee replacement surgery?

Patients may incur additional costs for pre-operative diagnostic assessment and postoperative rehabilitation, medications, and follow-up appointments.

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