After a certain age, your body tends to give up on you. All those adventurous dreams you had, to go trekking in the mountains for the sake of adrenaline rush of your young blood or simply to transcend your spirituality, your knees surrendered at some point. Fortunately, these days there are numerous comprehensive treatments and surgeries for Knee Replacement.
Knee replacement is a type of arthroplasty. The term Arthroplasty means “the surgical repair of a joint,” and it involves the surgical reconstruction and replacement of degenerated joints, using artificial body parts, or prosthetics. When the articular cartilage of the knee becomes damaged or worn out, it becomes painful and it becomes difficult to move the knee. Instead of sliding over one another, the bones rub and crush together.
With prosthesis, the patient will feel lesser pain, and the knee will move in a proper way.
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Why does one need a Knee Replacement Surgery?
One can choose to get a knee replacement surgery based on these reasons –
Osteoarthritis: This is an age-related type of arthritis, caused by the normal wear and tear of the knee joints. It mostly affects patients aged above 60 years, but younger people may also have it.
Osteoarthritis is caused by breakdown, inflammation, and the gradual and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Over time, the cartilage wears down and the bones rub against one another. To compensate for this problem, the bones often grow thicker, but this results in extra friction and pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This type of arthritis is also called inflammatory arthritis. The membrane around the knee joint thickens and gets inflamed. Chronic inflammation damages the cartilage, leading to soreness and stiffness in the joints.
Post-traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis is caused due to a severe knee injury. When the bones around the knee break or the ligaments tear, this will affect the knee cartilage.
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Who might need a Knee Replacement Surgery? Knee Replacement Surgery is recommended to those who experience severe knee pain or stiffness that hinders their everyday tasks and activities, such as walking, climbing the stairs, getting in and out of cars, getting up from a chair, etc. It is also recommended to those with moderate but continuous knee pain that continues while sleeping or resting. Those with chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve after taking medications or resting can also get the surgery done. Also, those with knee deformity, where there is a noticeable arch on the inside or outside of the knee, and those with depression, resulting from an inability to carry out daily or social activities can opt for the surgery.
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Which type of Knee Replacement Surgeries should you get?
Knee Replacement Surgeries are basically of two types:–
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This surgery involves the replacement of knee joints on both sides. This is the most common type of procedure.
This surgery involves replacing both sides (inner & outer) of the knee joint Typically the surgery takes around an hour or so, with the patient being able to walk within 24 hours of the surgery. Following the surgery, the patient experiences no pain and a better range of motion as compared to the pre- operative status.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): This involves replacing only one side of the knee joint, typically the inner side. It is done typically, in the early stages of knee arthritis and relatively younger patients. Whether one opts for a TKR or PKR, is the surgeons decision, based on what’s best for the patient.
Patients who have undergone Knee Replacement Surgery, are expected to participate in moderate and low-impact exercise activities, such as walking, swimming, and biking, but extreme sports is something that has to be avoided at all costs.
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Busting the myths about Total Joint Replacement
Myth: Too Old for the Surgery
Fact: Knee and hip replacements are safe and successful at any age. With modern anaesthesia & medical care, you don’t have to live with the pain.
Myth: Too Young for the Surgery
Fact: Today’s technology makes artificial joints last longer than ever before. When performed well, they can last for about 15-20 years. When the 1st replacement wears out, a new one can be put in.
Myth: Too Overweight
Fact: For people with knee arthritis, it’s almost impossible to lose weight because even walking seems too painful. In fact, it’s much easier to exercise and lose weight when knees are pain-free after knee replacement.
Myth: Too long to recover
Fact: Patients are usually allowed to walk within 24 hours of surgery. Discharge from the hospital is around the 3-4 days after surgery. Healing and recovery after knee replacement is generally complete in 4-6 weeks.
Dr. Om Prakash Agrawal has one of the finest Orthopaedic teams in Hyderabad. The team also has expertise in minimally invasive techniques, which enables shorter hospitalization. A multi-speciality approach is used to diagnose and plan the ideal treatment option. With success rates that match the best in the nation, Dr. Om Prakash Agrawal has extensive experience in knee and hip replacement procedures. If there’s anything more you KNEED to know about us, visit our website Dr. Om Prakash Ortho