Overview:
When you are recommended for a surgical procedure, your mind is crowded with countless thoughts. It’s not just the procedure that one worries about but also what happens before and after it. On average, a knee replacement procedure can last for around 1 to 3 hours, depending on the damage to the knee joint, however, the impact of the surgery lasts for months. It is also important to note that this impact is both physical and psychological. The whole experience can be overwhelming for anyone and the best possible way to deal with it is by being prepared beforehand. For this, you need to educate yourself about the procedure, how to prepare for it and what to expect once it is done. This blog, by the leading experts specializing in knee replacement surgery in Gurgaon, covers all the important and authentic information related to knee replacement. Continue reading if you wish to know more.
Understanding Knee Replacement beyond the medical definition:
Knee replacement is one of the most common surgical interventions in the field of orthopaedics. It involves the replacement of a damaged, dysfunctional or diseased knee joint with prosthetic components so as to restore normal function and mobility. It has been estimated that nearly 2.5 lakh people undergo knee replacement in India on an annual basis. The first knee replacement procedure was performed in 1968 and ever since the procedure has seen tremendous improvement in the face of better techniques and advanced technology. The procedure has become safer and more effective over the years, eliminating various complications that were earlier associated with it. At present, knee replacement surgery is offered at all the leading hospitals and recommended by the top orthopaedic doctors.
Why have you been recommended to go for a Knee Replacement?
If the patient who has been recommended to go for a knee replacement is elderly, we naturally tend to believe that it is due to the age-related wear and tear of their joints. This common assumption is owing to the fact that joint problems are relatively more common in elderlies. Although this is true to some extent, it is important to understand that joint problems not only affect the elderly but can affect younger people as well. There are several other factors besides age-related wear and tear, that can lead to the degeneration of the joints. You may also be recommended to go for a new replacement if your knee joint has been damaged owing to an injury or due to an underlying degenerative joint disease like arthritis.
What is the major indication of Knee Replacement?
Although there are several different indications that point towards the need for a knee replacement surgery, Osteoarthritis tops the list. Affecting millions of people across the globe, it is the most common type of arthritis and is also referred to as wear and tear arthritis. The condition is marked by the gradual wearing of the protective cartilage that protects the ends of the bones. The condition can affect any joint of the body but is more likely to affect your hands, hips, spine and knees. Once your joints have been osteoarthritis, there is no way in which you can reverse the damage. The condition is progressive in nature hence it is better to seek proper care in the initial stage.
Is there any alternative to Knee Replacement Surgery?
If you are looking for an alternative to knee replacement surgery, there are a few, however, all of these only offer temporary relief from the symptoms as there is no way to completely reverse the damage. Even if you wish to postpone your surgery, you can try these alternatives, but eventually, you will need surgery as these do not stop the damage but only slow it down. Some common alternatives include
Do you need to prepare for Knee Replacement?
Whether you have been recommended to go for a knee replacement or any other surgical procedure, there are certain protocols that need to be followed prior to the procedure in order to ensure better outcomes. So, the answer to this question is YES, you do need to prepare for the knee replacement, and when we talk about preparations it not only means being mentally prepared for it. You need to make necessary changes at your home and workplace to make sure that everything is sorted when you get back home after the surgery
What to expect after the procedure?
The procedure, which lasts up to a few hours, is followed by months of rehabilitative care. The surgery replaces the affected joint but you still need proper rest and care to get back on your feet and move around without any pain or discomfort. The journey is slow and gradual. It may take a couple of months to recover completely.
You will be discharged from the hospital within a week, with a list of guidelines that are to be followed. You are likely to experience slight pain and swelling which is temporary and can be managed with the help of prescribed medicines.
You will be required to indulge in low-impact exercises and go for physiotherapy to improve the mobility and flexibility of the knee joint. This will also help to improve the circulation of blood to the surgical wound, thereby speeding up the process of healing.
It is advisable to see your doctor on a regular basis as this will help to keep a track of your prognosis and make necessary adjustments in your diet, medication and lifestyle.
If you wish to know more about this phenomenal procedure, consult the experts specializing in orthopaedic surgery in Gurgaon.
Dr. Rohit Lamba, Head of the Department & Senior Consultant
Bone, Joint Replacement And Orthopaedics
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