Knee replacement surgery is performed by orthopedic surgeon for stiff and painful knees which do not allow even basic movement activities. It is mostly done in people above the age of 50 when no other treatment works for knee pain and in 85% of the cases, the artificial knees last for 15 to 20 years.
There can be a partial knee replacement in which the damaged portion of the knee is replaced with plastic or metal parts. In total knee replacement, the damaged knee is replaced with an artificial joint that requires major surgery and hospitalization.
What Exactly Happens During the Knee Replacement Surgery
It is performed under general anesthesia and a 8-12 inches incision is made to remove the damaged part of the joint. An artificial joint of metal or plastic is inserted and attached to thigh bone, shin, and knee cap using special adhesive material. This artificial joint slowly gets support from surrounding ligament and muscles and starts functioning gradually. The orthopedic specialist provides necessary guidelines to be followed during the recovery phase.
The two major benefits that come with knee replacement surgery are the reduction in joint pain and an increased mobility.
Recent Development in Knee Replacement Surgery
The minimally invasive knee surgery requires a smaller incision to be made between the quadriceps muscles instead of the large cuts made through the tendons in regular method of surgery. It results in less pain, quick recovery, and better movement due to less scar tissue formation.
Risks Involved in Knee Replacement Surgery
The surgery has some obvious risks as any other surgery.
- If you have heart disease, diabetes, or a poor immune system, the problems of blood clotting and infection may appear. Your orthopedic doctor may suggest antibiotics and blood thinners.
- Failure in gaining expected range of movement. The knee might feel weak and stiff failing to move as expected. You knee to have physiotherapy, exercising, rest, and medications.
- Dislocation of joint. It is rare but for precaution, you need to visit the orthopedist regularly for a checkup.
Precautions after the surgery
- Do not twist the operated leg for at least six weeks.
- While sleeping keep the leg straight.
- Kneeling, squatting, and stair climbing should be avoided.
- Even after six weeks, running and jumping should be avoided
- Follow your physiotherapist, take rest, and have medicines on time.
Living with continued pain is not easy. So, find your nearest orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad, discuss your problem, get an idea of the knee replacement surgery cost and plan to get freedom from your confinement. A timely operation will help you a lot in getting the best result.
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