Knee Replacement Surgery

Dangers of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery

Generally, patients delay Surgery because of fear of the procedure or concerns about the knee replacement surgery recovery time. If you delay the knee replacement Surgery, you are likely to experience the following conditions:

• Increased knee pain
• Further damage to the joint
• Reduced mobility and ability to use the knee

If you continue to delay the knee replacement Surgery, then it can bring serious consequences, such as the inability to walk, work and perform normal daily tasks. Knee replacement may get more complicated if you keep on delaying. Listed below are some ways the surgery can become more complex if you continue to delay:

• The surgical procedure can take longer
• Kneecap resurfacing may be required
• The knee may become deformed and, therefore, harder to replace
• Options may become more limited. For example, early on, a patient may only need a “partial” knee replacement Surgery, but if they wait, they may need a “total” knee replacement Surgery, which is a more complex procedure.

In What Conditions Is Knee Replacement Surgery Required?

A healthcare provider usually suggests knee replacement Surgery if:

• Walking, climbing stairs, or getting up is painful.
• Medication and other treatment options fail to provide relief.
• Your knees are stiff and swollen.
• Constant pain throughout the day, even at rest.
• Knee cartilage is so damaged and worn away that you are walking “bone on bone,” in which the joint bones are scraping together

How Do You Find the Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in India?

If you are looking for the best knee replacement surgeon in India, then you must consider the following factors before choosing one-

• Consider the experience of the surgeon: It is one of the primary factors that you should consider before choosing an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons deal with some serious health issues, so it is extremely important to consult an experienced surgeon with a good track of successful outcomes. Moreover, experienced surgeons are more compassionate and can empathize with their patients. 
• Look through the patient’s review and history: It is extremely important to look check the patient’s review. It helps understand the surgeon’s professionalism, bedside manner, and communication skills. In short, it gives you a rough idea about the quality of care and the knee replacement surgery success rate.
• Check the surgeon’s credentials and expertise: It is crucial to check the credentials of an orthopedic surgeon to ensure that the surgeon is up to date in his/her knowledge. It also clarifies that the surgeon has no major issues/complications in performing any treatment or surgery. Moreover, it also gives you an idea about the experience and expertise of the surgeon. 
• Consider location and convenience: Consider a surgeon who is at a reasonable driving distance to avoid any complications during the treatment procedure. Apart from quality treatment, it is important that the orthopedic surgeon is easily accessible or available to maintain quality care, especially in emergency cases.
• Research about the hospital: Apart from choosing the surgeon, it is important to investigate the hospital your orthopedic surgeon is associated with. It gives an idea about the medical staff, hygiene, and also the quality of care they provide. We suggest checking the patient testimonials and recovery outcomes before finalizing the surgeon.

Post operative care after Knee Replacement Surgery

After knee replacement Surgery, you must take the following precautions to avoid the chances of complications and make the artificial knee last long:

Wound care: Knee replacement Surgery is an invasive process and thus involves sutures and staplers over the wound. You must avoid cutting these sutures at home as it may worsen the wound. It must be removed by a healthcare professional.

Avoiding blood clots: First few weeks after the surgery are crucial as there is a risk of developing blood clots. It is important to take anticoagulants recommended by your doctor to avoid the chances of blood clots. Be vigilant if you see any signs of blood clots, such as swelling, redness, excessive pain in the calf, and irritation in the treated area. 

Limited physical activities: Remember not to put your total body weight on the replaced joint right after the surgery. A surgeon usually gives some instructions on how much pressure you can put on your knees. During the first week of the surgery, a doctor advises using crutches, sticks, or cranes to walk around. Some other instructions include:

• Don’t cross or twist your legs
• Don’t stand for long hours
• Avoid excessive kneeling
• Don’t sleep on the side body
• Climb only one stair at a time

Pain management: Pain after knee replacement surgery is a part of the natural healing process. A doctor usually prescribes medications for short-term pain relief after the surgery. Some common medicines that help manage pain include opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen. A doctor may suggest using a combination of these medications to improve pain relief, as well as minimize the need for opioids.

Diet: Sometimes, patients lose their appetite several weeks after surgery. A balanced diet, often with an iron supplement, is important to help your wound heal and to restore muscle strength.

Avoiding falls: After surgery, be more cautious while walking. A fall during the first week after surgery can damage the knee and may result in a need for further surgery. Avoid stairs until your knee is strong and mobile. A doctor usually suggests using a cane, crutches, a walker, or handrails, until you have improved your balance, flexibility, and strength.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Knee Replacement Surgery

Listed below are some questions that you must ask your surgeon before the Knee Replacement Surgery to have a better understanding of the procedure and the risks and complications associated with it: 

• What precautions do I need to take before the Surgery to reduce the chances of complications?
• How long will the results last of the Surgery?
• What type of anesthesia is used during the Surgery?
• What type of implant is used during the Surgery?
• What are the risks and complications of Surgery?
• What is the best age to have Surgery?
• Can I live a normal life after Surgery?
• How long does it take to recover completely after Surgery?
• What are the risks of infection after Surgery?
• How successful is arthritis Surgery?
• What is the knee replacement surgery cost in India?
• What is the knee replacement surgery success rate?
• Are there permanent restrictions after Surgery?
• Is physiotherapy compulsory after Surgery?
• What is the fastest way to recover after Surgery?
• How long does it take to walk normally after Surgery?
• Do I need to stop taking any medication before the Surgery?
• In which condition bilateral Surgery is required?
• What is the cost of partial Surgery in India?

Top 5 mistakes after Knee Replacement

1. Consistently attend physical therapy sessions to improve knee mobility and strength.
2. Adhere to activity restrictions to prevent complications and promote proper healing.
3. Manage pain effectively with guidance from healthcare providers to facilitate rehabilitation.
4. Monitor for signs of infection or complications and seek prompt medical attention if necessary.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including weight management and regular exercise, to support long-term joint health after knee replacement Surgery.