Total knee replacement is transformative and impactful. It is difficult to imagine a life where your movement is limited, every step is a struggle, and there is an excruciating pain in the knees. Total knee replacement gives relief from the pain and restores the functionality and give comfort of the patients.
In this informative article by Dr. Mahanta, top orthopedic hospital in Dwarka, Delhi will explain everything related to total knee replacement and how it is a much-needed treatment for patients facing knee-related issues.
What is a total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is a joint surgery process used for resurfacing the knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic pieces are used to cap the ends of the bones that make up the knee joint, as well as the kneecap. This procedure is recommended for someone with severe arthritis or a serious knee injury.
The knee can be affected by different types arthritis. Here is how arthritis affects the functioning of the knees:
- Osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease that affects middle-aged and senior citizens. It breaks down the joint cartilage and adjacent bones in the knees.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. It causes inflammation and is a result of excessive synovial fluids, which causes pain and stiffness.
- Traumatic arthritis: Accidents or injuries cause this type of arthritis. It damages the cartilage of the knee.
Why is total knee replacement done?
The most common reason for total knee replacement surgery is to relieve discomfort caused by arthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of chairs.
If only one portion of the knee is injured, orthopedic surgeon usually replace that section. If the entire joint needs rebuilding, the ends of the thighbone and shinbone are shaped and resurfaced. These bones are rigid tubes with a soft centre. The surgeons insert the prosthetic components’ ends into the softer centre of the bones.
Ligaments are fibrous bands of tissue that assist in connecting joints. If the knee ligaments aren’t strong enough to hold the joint together, the surgeon may choose implants that can be attached so they don’t break apart.
Total Knee replacement surgery Procedure in Dwarka, Delhi
First, the orthopaedic surgeon creates an incision in the knee and shifts the patella (kneecap) to one side. If any bone spurs (small bony growths) are present, which can occur in osteoarthritis, they will be removed.
They next install the prosthetic knee joint. Insert a plastic spacer to replicate the smooth cushion of your injured or removed cartilage. Reshape your patella (kneecap) to accommodate the new prosthetic knee joint (if necessary).
Benefits of total knee replacement
Total knee replacement has numerous benefits, they are:
- Relief from pain: Severe pain is one of the factors considered in this surgery. The surgery has proved to be quite helpful in alleviating pain caused by arthritis or other disorders affecting the knee joint.
- Increased mobility: Most knee replacement patients can move their knees more readily after surgery since their discomfort has diminished. With increased knee sensation, people can perform workouts improving their overall health.
- Better knee functioning: Many patients report improved overall function following a complete knee replacement. They may be able to walk longer distances or climb stairs with greater ease than before the procedure.
- More independence: Many patients can reduce or eliminate their requirement for pain medicines following a successful total knee replacement since the discomfort is significantly reduced.
Risks associated with total knee replacement
Although total knee replacements are generally safe procedures with a high success rate, there are some risks involved, as with any type of major surgery, such as infection at the surgical site, blood clots, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, long-term problems with joint loosening, and joint stiffness. The majority of these risk factors are transitory and can be considerably decreased with the aid of a skilled orthopaedic surgeon in Dwarka, Delhi.
Furthermore, orthopaedic surgeons work closely with their patients throughout the process, from pre-op to recovery, to optimise outcomes and avoid complications. They educate patients on what to anticipate before, during, and after surgery, ensuring everyone understands the expectations and difficulties.
Precautions
You must follow some precautions to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Here are some tips to avoid complications:
- Put your pants on while sitting on a stable surface.
- Try to change your sitting position every 45-60 minutes.
- Ensure that your knees are pointed straight and are not bent or moved in.
- Avoid sitting on stools, rocking stairs, low chairs, etc.
- Do not bend, squat or perform high-level exercises.
- Avoid long flights (stairs). Step first with the untreated leg.
- Lie flat on your back and perform easy knee exercises.
- Take small steps while walking. Use crutches or a walker.
Knee replacement offers pain relief, increased mobility, and a higher quality of life. Most knee replacements are predicted to endure at least 15 to 20 years.
Following rehabilitation, you can participate in low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, golfing, and bicycling. However, you should avoid high-impact activities such as running and sports that require contact or leaping. Consult your healthcare provider about methods to keep active after knee replacement.
To book an appointment with an orthopaedic doctor, visit the bone clinic and get your answers regarding the total knee replacement. They provide various bone-related surgeries to help individuals live a comfortable and healthy life. Take the first step towards an independent and healthy lifestyle.
