What is knee replacement?
Knee replacement is a type of Arthroplasty. The term ‘Arthroplasty’ translates to ‘the surgical repair of a joint.’ It refers to the surgical reconstruction and replacement of worn-out joints with prosthetics or artificial parts.
The knee becomes uncomfortable and difficult to move when the articular cartilage is worn out or injured. The bones collide and rub against one another rather than slipping over one another. With knee replacement or prosthesis, the patient will experience less pain and their knee will function normally.
Why knee replacement surgery?
The three common reasons to have knee replacement surgery are as under-
Osteoarthritis
An osteoarthritis is an age-related form of arthritis brought on by the natural wear and strain on the knee joint. Patients over the age of 50 are most commonly affected, while it can also affect younger people.
This condition is caused by joint cartilage breakdown, inflammation, and eventual cartilage loss. The bones scrape against one another as the cartilage deteriorates over time. In order to make up for this, the bones frequently thicken, but this causes extra friction and discomfort.
Post-traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis is an arthritic condition caused by a serious knee injury. The knee cartilage will be impacted if the ligaments or the bones around the knee break.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Also known as inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes the knee joint’s lining to thicken and swell. Chronic inflammation erodes cartilage, resulting in stiffness and pain.
If you are experiencing any of these health conditions, look for the best knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh for consultation. Dr. Siddharth Agarwal is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports injuries and ACL surgeries.
Who Needs Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery is for patients who experience-
- Severe knee discomfort or stiffness that makes it difficult for them to perform daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of cars, or getting up from a chair.
- Knee discomfort that is moderate and ongoing, even when sleeping or relaxing
- Chronic knee inflammation that does not subside with medicine or rest
- An obvious arch on the inside or outside of the knee.
How long does a knee replacement last?
The possibility of a revision surgery to replace an outdated artificial knee joint years down the road is one of the main reasons some patients choose to delay or forego joint replacement altogether. However, modern total knee replacements are more durable than ever before because of improvements in surgical methods and the creation of longer-lasting prosthetic materials. The most recent prostheses are actually made to last up to 20 years.
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How long does it take to recover after knee replacement surgery?
Patients should enter this key recovery period with realistic expectations because a full knee replacement recovery could take several months. Medication may be provided to help reduce discomfort right after surgery, and the reconstructed knee may need to be elevated to reduce swelling around the joint. Within a few days of surgery, many patients may stand and walk with crutches. Following a knee replacement, these crutches will be required to help with mobility for at least a week. Less physically demanding occupations may allow patients to resume work within a week or two of the procedure, and one month following a full knee replacement, it’s customary to begin driving.
Is knee replacement surgery painful?
After your procedure, there will undoubtedly be some pain, but your surgical team will make every effort to limit it to a minimum.
In addition to using a long-acting local anesthetic during the procedure to help with pain management following the treatment, your surgeon might also provide a nerve block to you beforehand.
For you to better control your pain, your doctor will prescribe medication. This can be given to you intravenously (IV) right away following surgery. The doctor will prescribe you pills or painkillers when you leave the hospital.
Your knee should be substantially less painful following recovery from surgery. However, it is impossible to foresee precise outcomes, and some patients experience persistent knee pain for several months after surgery.
Conclusion
After having a knee replacement, most people will experience substantially less pain, but some discomfort is common during the healing process.
Sometimes people who have knee replacement surgery find out later that their discomfort actually originates from their hip. After a knee replacement procedure, hip discomfort can also be caused by tissue damage, nerve injury, or other factors.
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