Knee Replacement Surgery in Hyderabad
What is Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial implant. It is a common procedure for individuals experiencing severe knee pain, limited mobility, and decreased quality of life due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injuries.
Why is Knee Replacement Performed?
Knee replacement surgery is performed for several reasons:
- Pain Relief: Severe knee pain that does not respond to conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or assistive devices can significantly impact daily activities. Knee replacement aims to alleviate chronic pain and improve overall function.
- Improved Mobility: A damaged knee joint can limit movement, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or engage in regular activities. Knee replacement surgery helps restore mobility and enhances the ability to perform daily tasks.
- Joint Stability: In cases where the knee joint has become unstable due to ligament damage or severe arthritis, knee replacement can provide stability and support to the joint.
- Correction of Deformities: Knee replacement surgery can address deformities such as bowed legs or knock knees, restoring proper alignment and function.
How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery
Preparing for knee replacement surgery involves several steps:
- Medical Evaluation: Your healthcare provider will assess your overall health, review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order tests such as blood work, X-rays, or MRI scans to evaluate the condition of your knee joint.
- Preoperative Planning: Your healthcare team will provide detailed instructions on medications to avoid, dietary restrictions, and any necessary lifestyle modifications before the surgery. They may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles.
- Education and Consent: Your healthcare provider will explain the surgical procedure, potential risks and complications, expected outcomes, and address any questions or concerns you may have. Informed consent will be obtained before the surgery.
More About Knee Replacement Surgery
Surgical Technique: Knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial implants made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. The procedure can be performed as a total knee replacement, involving all three compartments of the knee, or a partial knee replacement, targeting a specific compartment.
Anesthesia: Knee replacement surgery can be performed under general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural), or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. The choice of anesthesia depends on various factors, including patient preference and surgeon’s recommendation.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: Following the surgery, you will spend time in a recovery area before being transferred to a hospital room. Physical therapy and pain management strategies will be initiated to promote healing, restore strength, and improve range of motion. The length of the hospital stay and the duration of rehabilitation will vary depending on individual factors.
Long-Term Outcomes: Knee replacement surgery has a high success rate in terms of pain relief and functional improvement. Most individuals experience a significant reduction in knee pain, improved mobility, and an enhanced quality of life.
Consequences of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery
Increased Pain and Functional Limitations: Delaying knee replacement surgery can prolong the pain and functional limitations caused by a damaged knee joint, making it challenging to perform daily activities and affecting overall quality of life.
Progressive Joint Damage: Conditions such as osteoarthritis can progressively worsen over time, leading to further degeneration of the knee joint. Delaying surgery may result in increased joint damage, making the procedure more complex and potentially limiting the effectiveness of the replacement.
Compromised Quality of Life: Untreated knee pain and limitations can have a significant impact on physical and mental well-being, affecting mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both.
Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have severe knee pain and disability caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or other knee joint disorders.
The actual surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, you will need to spend additional time in the operating room for preparation and recovery.
Knee replacement surgery can be performed under general anesthesia, where you are completely asleep, or under regional anesthesia, where you are numb from the waist down. The choice of anesthesia depends on various factors and will be discussed with your surgeon.
Recovery time varies from person to person, but most individuals are able to resume light activities within a few weeks and experience significant improvement within a few months. Full recovery and return to normal activities can take several months.      Â