Diabetic patients take time and often face difficulty recovering from an injury. The inadequate blood flow to the site of the injury makes it really difficult to heal. This happens because of the narrowed blood vessels, which don’t allow the oxygen to reach the wound site, resulting in delayed healing.
That’s why the outcome of knee replacement surgery in Mumbai is often not in favor of the diabetic patient. While the surgery might provide them relief from arthritis and mobility issues, the wound doesn’t heal easily. These patients are also at an increased risk of post-surgery side effects.
Possible Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery in Diabetic Patients
The post-surgery complications in diabetic patients include blood clotting, loose joint, fracture, a stroke, and severe infection on the incision site. To mitigate these risks, knee replacement surgeons in Thane check the blood sugar levels and ensure that they are controlled well before the patient is brought for surgery. A normalized blood glucose level limits the risk of complications.
Diabetes can affect your recovery from knee replacement surgery, as it delays the healing around the incision. This might increase the risk of infection and other issues like pneumonia, stroke, and urinary tract infections. In some cases, diabetes co-exists with obesity, both of which make any kind of surgery challenging for the patient. Apart from these, some diabetic patients might develop a metallic reaction to the artificial joints implanted on their knees.
Is Knee Replacement Worth It For Diabetic Patients?
People with diabetes might experience unique challenges after surgery, especially if their blood sugar levels are unmanageable. Consulting a knee replacement surgeon in Thane to learn about the potential risks of the surgery is highly recommended for diabetic patients. They might help you determine if the surgery is actually a good fit or if is it better to rely on other non-invasive procedures to treat arthritis.
It’s not just the knee replacement, but any invasive procedure results in slow recovery in diabetic patients, since their bodies have weakened immune systems, tissues, and muscles. That said, faster recovery is possible. In fact, a diabetic patient might heal just like a normal patient after a TKR given that they take care of their blood glucose levels and follow a healthy lifestyle post-operation.
Also Check : Diabetes & Knee Replacement Surgery: What you need to know?
Tips for Healing Faster After Knee Replacement
Your surgeon will give you instructions to recover faster and ensure proper healing. Since the risk is particularly higher in diabetic patients, you must work with your diabetologist and surgeon throughout your treatment. One of the basic pre-operation tips for people with diabetes is maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.
Exercising regularly and eating foods rich in fiber and low in saturated fats are some essential steps to stay in shape. Other instructions are the same for general and diabetic patients. For instance, you need to avoid aspirin and other blood thinners 2-3 weeks before surgery as well as alcohol, cigarettes, and foods that might interfere with your post-operation healing.
