Knee replacement surgery commonly called as knee arthroplasty, is a surgery that helps in treating knee injuries by reducing pain and regaining function. During the treatment, your thighbone, and caps of the knee are damaged bone and cartilage is removed, and they replace the knee through prosthesis or an artificial lens comprised of polymers, metal alloys, and premium plastics.
Total Knee Replacement
The knee joint (femoral condyles and tibial plateau) is replaced using highly cross-linked polyethylene plastic and smooth metal, during a total knee replacement (TKR) which is a standard procedure of orthopedic. TKA aims to advance function and provide a quality life for people with the end-stage of this condition by minimizing pain. In developed nations, more TKA procedures are being performed on younger patients.
Knee Replacement Treatments and Surgeries
Surgery for a knee replacement is not typically the first choice for managing knee discomfort. Different complementary therapies could provide some alleviation. Consult your doctor about less intrusive options, if you’re having knee pain. Here are a few ideas.
1. Exercise and weight loss
People who are obese or overweight are strongly advised to lose weight and exercise. Together, these steps can lessen pain and decrease joint damage. According to research, there is a 36 percent chance of developing knee osteoarthritis for every 10 pounds you gain. Losing 10 pounds may result in 4 times less pressure being applied to your knees. Cycling, walking, water exercises, yoga, etc. are suitable exercises or activities which can help in reducing knee problems.
2. Physical therapy
A physical therapist can devise a plan to lessen pain and improve the important knee-related muscles. Additionally, they can assist you in performing the workouts properly. The therapist may also apply heat and ice for decreasing inflammation and pain.
3. Hyaluronic acid injections
These acid injections into the knee are supposed to lubricate the knee joint. This might enhance knee motion, lessen discomfort, and enhance shock absorption. However, because there isn’t enough proof that these injections work, specialists don’t now advise using them.
4. Prolotherapy
In order to improve blood flow and nutrition supply, a healthcare expert administers prolotherapy by injecting an irritating solution into the ligament or tendon. This procedure tries to irritate the tissue in order to accelerate the healing process.
- 1. Generally, a dextrose solution—a sugar mixture—is used.
- 2. Knee osteoarthritis patients received five injections spaced four weeks apart. 26 weeks after the initial injection, they stated that their pain levels had decreased. They continued to see the improvement after a year.
- 3. Many researchers have stated that this procedure is safe and effective but they still believe more research is needed.
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5. Arthroscopic surgery
For repairing ligaments, a physician may advise arthroscopic surgery to remove bone fragments, damaged cartilage, or parts of a torn meniscus.
- 1. An arthroscope is a kind of camera. A little incision enables a surgeon to see into your joint. The surgeon uses the arthroscope to do surgery on the interior of your knee after making two to four incisions.
- 2. When compared to standard surgery, this method is less intrusive. Most people are able to return home that day. Quicker recovery is also probably possible.
- 3. However, it can not be suitable for all kinds of knee arthritis.
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All these alternatives to knee replacement surgery. These alternatives can help in relieving pain but for permanent solutions, knee replacement surgery is the only way possible.
Types of Knee Cap Replacement
1. Total Knee Replacement Surgery
In this type of surgery, the thigh bone and shin bone surfaces that attach to the knee are replaced by your surgeon.
2. Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
This procedure can be an option if your knee arthritis only impacts one side. However, it’s only appropriate for you if the remainder of your knee cartilage is healthy and you have strong knee ligaments. A smaller cut is required for a partial knee replacement.
3. Unicompartmental (Partial Knee Replacement)
A unicompartmental or partial knee replacement may be a good option if arthritis only affects one side of your knee, typically the inner side.
The inner (medial), outer (lateral), and kneecap are the three compartments of the knee (patellofemoral). A half-knee replacement may be an option if it only affects mainly the inner side, known as unicompartmental or partial replacement). Generally, it results in improved function and quicker recovery because it interferes with the knee less in comparison to a total knee replacement.
4. Knee Cap Replacement
This is also known as patellofemoral arthroplasty. If only the underside of the kneecap and its groove (the trochlea) is damaged by arthritis, a kneecap replacement only includes replacing these two areas. If arthritis just affects the underside of the kneecap and its groove (the trochlea), these portions can be replaced separately. The patellofemoral joint arthroplasty or patellofemoral replacement are other names for this.
Important:- For knee replacement surgery, you can feel free to connect with Glamyo Health coordinators, we provide free consultancy to our patients and provide personalized care. Furthermore, we are India’s favorite healthcare provider who works for your health and well-being.
Before Knee Replacement
Anesthesia is necessary for knee replacement surgery. Your preferences may enable your surgeon in deciding between spinal anesthesia, which keeps you awake but prevents you from feeling discomfort below your waist, and they also give general anesthesia that helps in avoiding your consciousness.
To avoid post-surgical infection, you’ll receive an intravenous antibiotic before, during, and after the procedure. A nerve block may also be given to numb the area around your knee. After the operation, the numbness gradually subsides.
After Knee Replacement
You will spend one to two hours in a recovery room. Your particular demands will determine how long you need to stay after surgery. Many people are able to return home that day. Your doctor’s prescribed medication should help you manage your discomfort.
You will be pushed to move your foot and ankle because doing so will help in improving the blood flow to your leg muscles which further helps to blood clots and prevent swelling. You’ll probably be given blood thinners in addition to wearing a support hose or compression boots to further guard against swelling and clotting.
Medical Reason for Knee Replacement
Generally, the reason for this surgery is to reduce the pain that is caused due to knee conditions like osteoarthritis. People who require or seek knee replacement majorly face issues while doing any activities like walking, jumping, etc. Few people may also have knee pain even while resting.
Benefits of Knee Replacement
Knee replacement has many advantages for people suffering from knee pain. The following are the advantages of knee replacement.
1. Improves Mobility
Knee discomfort is particularly incapacitating since it makes it difficult to walk long distances. You may be unable to walk small distances inside your home or at work if you have severe knee pain. Even mild knee pain can make it difficult for you to care for your family or perform well at work. Knee pain can also lead to weight gain and illness.
If your ability to walk, climb stairs, sit down in a chair, or get up from one is severely limited by knee discomfort or joint stiffness, knee surgery may be the best option for you. If you struggle to walk more than a few blocks without feeling a lot of discomforts or if you need a cane or walker to go around, surgery may be the best option for you.
2. Pain Relief
Knee surgery can relieve the knee pain you experience while moving around, standing up, sitting, or even resting down. Then this pain can be relieved through knee replacement surgery.
3. Long-term benefit
To protect the replacement joint in the long run, you may still experience some discomfort and need to restrict high-impact activity. However, a knee replacement can significantly reduce your pain and improve your mobility. It has been seen that more than 90% of patients who had a total knee replacement are still in good health and their knees still function even 15 years after the surgery.
4. Better Treatment Response
If chronic knee inflammation and swelling do not improve with rest, medication, or other therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs, lubricating injections, cortisone injections, physical therapy, or other operations, knee surgery may be a suitable alternative.
Side Effects of Knee Replacement
The common side effects of knee replacement involve the following.
- 1. Dizziness
- 2. Sore throat
- 3. Discomfort
- 4. Pains and aches
- 5. Vomiting
- 6. Shivering
- 7. Drowsiness
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Avoid Activity After Knee Replacement
There are some activities that you must avoid after knee replacement surgery.
- 1. Activities or exercises with a high risk of falling.
- 2. Bearing too much weight after the surgery.
- 3. Prolonged sitting.
- 4. Jumping and running.
- 5. Sports activities.
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Conclusion
Knee replacement surgeries are recommended for those who have knee pain, reduced mobility, and pain even while resting. Moreover, it is recommended when other treatments don’t work. If you are looking for knee replacement surgery, you can connect with Glamyo Health, India’s favorite healthcare provider. We provide free consultation and personalized care before, during, and after the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Would I Need Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is majorly necessary when your joint is damaged and creates problems in mobility. If you feel pain even while resting then you need a knee replacement.
Is Knee Replacement Painful?
Sometimes knee pain after the surgery is common that may be relieved over time. However, you may have to take oral pain medicines for several weeks.
Is Knee Replacement Good or Bad?
Yes, Knee replacement is good as it provides relief from pain and enhances mobility. It is also expected that it lasts for almost 15 years after the surgery.
What is the recovery time for knee replacement?
Knee replacement may take six months to recover. However, it might take 12 months for a full recovery and for returning to physical activities.
What are the complications of knee replacement?
Wound infection, dislocation, pain, and stiffness are some complications you may face in knee replacement surgery.
Is knee replacement a risky operation?
Yes, knee replacement is a major surgery which is why it is also recommended if other treatments don’t work.
How do you face difficulty to climb stairs after knee replacement?
Immediately after the surgery, you will need crutches to climb stairs safely.
What is the common issue after knee replacement?
Knee stiffness is the general problem after knee replacement surgery.
What is the quickest way to get recovery from a knee replacement?
For the fastest recovery, you must follow the tips recommended by your doctor such as moving a little every hour, using equipment provided by your doctor, and also following the exercise plan.
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