Knee replacement surgery in Mumbai is considered the last resort for patients diagnosed with arthritis or who have injured their knee joint to the point where the cartilage has completely worn away. This may cause the bones to rub against each other as the knee joint moves, resulting in extreme pain and joint stiffness.
If the symptoms do not respond to the non-invasive procedures, like medication or therapy, you may want to discuss knee replacement surgery with your doctor. To help you weigh the benefits and risks of the surgery, we’ve compiled a detailed guide on the truth about knee replacement surgery. Let’s explore.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
In knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes your damaged joint and replaces it with a prosthetic, which is designed to last for several years. This alleviates pain, improves your range of motion, and helps you resume your physical activities like normal. Depending on the severity of the damage, your doctor may recommend total or partial knee replacement.
1) Total Knee Replacement:
In most cases, the surgeon removes and replaces the entire knee joint, including the inside, outside, and kneecap.
2) Partial Knee Replacement:
If arthritis or an injury affects only a part of your knee joint, you can consider partial knee replacement.
Knee replacement is recommended mainly for arthritis patients. Arthritis can result from aging or an accident that causes a bone fracture. It’s also advised for people with degenerative diseases like osteonecrosis.
The Surgical Procedure
i) Pre-surgical Preparation
Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. A physical exam, blood work and imaging tests are needed to examine your overall health. An electrocardiogram is another test that shows your heart health before the surgery. Additionally, you may need to stop blood thinners and other medications that can interfere with post-operative health.
ii) The Day of Surgery
You will be given regional or general anesthetic. Most knee replacements are performed under a regional anesthetic that numbs your body from the waist to your feet. The doctor will make an incision, examine the damaged joint, remove it, and implant a prosthetic. The entire operation may take 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of surgery.
iii) Recovery and Rehabilitation Process
You will stay in the hospital overnight. Your knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai will monitor your vitals and make you walk shortly after the surgery. The full recovery from knee replacement can take a year, but most people can resume most physical activity within 6-12 weeks. It’s advisable to follow RICE (Rest, Ice Compression, and Elevation) to speed up the recovery.
Risks and Complications
Pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility are common issues after surgery, but they should resolve within a few weeks. Here are some rare yet possible complications that require medical attention:
- Infection on the surgical site
- Blood clots
- Scar tissues
- Nerve damage
- Permanent limitation of mobility
Alternatives to Knee Replacement
Medication for pain and inflammation can help in some cases. Low-impact exercises can also improve knee flexibility and strength. A healthy and balanced diet is another way to relieve knee pain in overweight or obese people.
