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Do you have constant knee pain that interferes with your daily life and activities? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from some level of knee pain, significantly impacting their quality of life. It is mostly caused by age-related degenerative joint changes (Osteoarthritis) wherein the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually deteriorates. Other reasons being inflammatory joint diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis) & previous joint injuries. BUT, there is hope in the form of Knee Replacement Surgery, a safe and effective procedure that can provide significant relief and restore mobility. In this blog post, we'll dive into the ins and outs of knee replacement surgery, including the procedure itself and what to expect during and after the procedure.
Knee Replacement Surgery, also known as Knee Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint. However, a knee replacement is typically recommended when non-surgical methods like activity modification (avoiding frequent stair climbing/squatting), local pain-relieving measures (hot packs, topical analgesic, physiotherapy) fail to tackle the knee pain, and when the functional disability is worsening thus affecting their normal lifestyle.
In the past 2 decades, improved surgical techniques, advances in the prosthesis design & material properties and highly dedicated training of surgeons along with their experience and expertise in the specific subspecialties have all contributed to making joint replacement surgery as one of the most reliable, safest and successful procedures. In current standards, a total knee replacement usually lasts for more than 20-25 years, and for most patients, it will be a lifelong solution for their arthritis problem.
What Worries do Patients have when Considering Knee Replacement Surgery?
The thought of having knee surgery can be daunting, as can the prospect of having a joint replaced. The most common worries among patients considering joint replacement surgery are the potential risks involved, the success of the surgery or whether their joints will be able to function normally once replaced, and how long it will last.
Patients may be concerned about the amount of time needed to recover from the surgery or the need for rehabilitation to restore the range of motion in the joint. Patients may also worry about being able to perform everyday tasks or return to the activities they enjoyed before arthritis affected their lifestyle.
When considering this surgery at the best orthopaedic hospital in millers road, Bangalore, patients should be open with the surgeons about all their worries they have prior to the procedure to ensure they are fully informed and comfortable with the decision to proceed.
Preoperative Workup
A preoperative workup is an important step in preparing for a successful knee replacement surgery. Typically, the workup is done 1 to 2 weeks before the planned procedure. It is important to ensure the patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery and that the surgical team is fully prepared.
During the preoperative workup, the patient will have a comprehensive assessment by an Anaesthesiologist including a thorough medical history review, physical examination and laboratory tests along with consultation with a Cardiologist and/or any other specialist as per the requirement for that particular patient. During the assessment, the anaesthesiologist will also discuss the type of anaesthesia to be used during the surgical procedure. Following that, your treating surgeon will review and discuss the further process regarding the scheduling of your procedure.
Admission to Discharge - How it goes about
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Once the patient is approved for Joint Replacement Surgery, they will be admitted to the hospital a day prior to the planned procedure. The surgeon and the anaesthetist will have a discussion with the patient and their relatives to explain the protocol from there on and to clarify any sorts of doubts before the surgery. The knee replacement surgery will be either done in one stage for both sides or the second side will be done after a gap of 2 to 3 days depending on the preoperative health status.
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After the surgery, the patient will be moved to the recovery room and monitored by a orthopaedic surgeons in Millers road, Bangalore. The patient is made to stand and walk with help of walker support on the same day of surgery (after 4 – 6 hours) and knee bending exercises are also started aided by a physiotherapist.
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Once in the ward, physiotherapy is continued encouraging the patient to move around, and walk independently with a walker and braces support, pain relieving measures are optimised, wounds are dressed, and drain tubes and catheters are removed over the next one or two days.
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By around 4 to 5 days following the surgery, the patient will be fit for discharge. On that day, again the wounds are dressed, and instructions are given regarding wound care, personal hygiene, medications to be taken and the next follow-up visit.
Post Discharge - Recovery, Rehabilitation & Follow-ups
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Once at home after discharge, rehabilitation is an important aspect of recovery for knee replacement patients. On a daily basis, they should undergo home physiotherapy sessions for the next 3 to 4 weeks. The physiotherapist will assist with a set of exercises to help them improve their knee range of motion and walking ability.
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The first follow-up visit will be at 2 weeks following surgery, for assessing the wound healing and to remove stitches. Thereafter follow-up visits will be at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post-surgery.
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By the end of 3 to 4 weeks, patients would be walking confidently, free of braces and walker support and can start stair climbing. By 6 to 8 weeks period, they’ll regain full knee range of movements and would be able to resume most of the day-to-day activities and travelling.
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Following a knee replacement, over time, it’s an unparalleled joy for most patients to be able to enjoy a life free of all the pain, stiffness, disability and dependency caused by their knee arthritis, thus making it even more blissful for their entire family and social community.
