Total Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. Some also have knee pain at rest. In determining whether a knee replacement is right for you, an orthopaedic surgeon assesses your knee’s range of motion, stability and strength. X-rays help determine the extent of the damage. Your doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.

The knee is the largest joint in the body and having healthy knees is required to perform most everyday activities. One can experience knee pain due to several reasons:

  • Osteoarthritis: There is “wear-and-tear” of knee joint as one ages. It is a kind of degenerative disorder where there is an age related type of arthritis. The bones then rub against one another, due to the wearing away of cartilage, causing knee pain and stiffness. Young people also experience severe joint pain and known to have arthritis termed as “Juvenile Arthritis”
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of a group of disorders termed “inflammatory arthritis.” It is a condition in which synovial membrane of the joint becomes inflamed. This can cause the cartilage to cause intense pain and stiffness.
  • Post-traumatic Arthritis: Traumas are a major cause of Post-traumatic Arthritis. It can be following a serious knee injury or trauma to the joint. Fractures, if any, may damage the articular cartilage causing knee pain and limiting range of motion.

When does one require Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

It is recommended to take the decision of having a knee replacement surgery co-operatively, after discussing it with your family, friends, your doctor and your orthopaedic surgeon. Your orthopaedic surgeon must evaluate you thoroughly before deciding of having a surgery.

It is recommended to have a surgery if you have chronic-unbearable knee pain or stiffness that limits you from performing daily activities including walking, climbing or even standing. Or, if you are experiencing chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or NSAIDs. Knee Deformity can also be a reason to perform knee replacement surgery. Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient’s pain and disability, not age. Most patients who undergo total knee replacement are age 50 to 80, but orthopaedic surgeons evaluate patients individually. Total knee replacements have been performed successfully at all ages, from the young teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.

What are the key benefits of Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

India is the most affordable option to undergo orthopaedic surgery. The pool of orthopaedic surgeons available in the country is well experienced and uses the latest technologies and innovations for performing orthopaedic surgery. The implants used are all FDA approved, however, the implants cost much lesser in India.

1. Faster Recovery: You can expect a faster recovery, sooner discharge and the fastest rehabilitation after a total knee replacement surgery. You are hospitalised for only 4-6 days after which your rehabilitation begins.

2. Improved range of motion: The range of motion and the flexibility of the joint instantly increases after the surgery. The patient experiences instant pain relief and can do all the muscle activities with absolutely no pain.

3. Minimally invasive procedure: Recovery time in Knee Replacement Surgery is not too long. Because the procedure is minimally invasive it does not harm or damage the neighbouring tissues thus reducing the recovery time for patient.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries performed in India?

One can opt for knee replacement surgery based on their medical condition and according to the suggestion of their orthopaedic surgeon.

Total Knee Replacement: It is recommended when all the non-surgical treatment options fail. Total knee replacement surgery is done to replace the damaged surface with an artificial implant through a 7-8” incision around the joint. Post-operative therapy for the patient is a must to get accustomed to the artificial implant.

Partial Knee Replacement: It is also known as uni-compartmental knee replacement; it replaces the parts of the knee joint which are severely damaged with artificial implants.

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement: It makes use of surgical methods to make a small 5-7” incision in order to insert the implants. It does not cause any damage to the neighbouring quadriceps muscles hence it is called Quadriceps Sparing Knee Replacement Surgery.

Hi-flex knee replacement: It allows a candidate to flex their full knee upto 155 degrees. However, not every patient can be a candidate for Hi-flex knee Replacement Surgery. This degree of high flexion is attained only by selecting the right patient, implant design, surgical technique and aggressive rehabilitation post-surgery.

Computer navigated knee replacement: As the name suggests the surgery is performed with the highest level of precision with the skilled hand of an orthopaedic surgeon. With the most advanced and revolutionary navigation technology the surgeon can accurately implant the prosthetic with minimum scarring.

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India and Success Rate:

The cost for Knee Replacement Surgery is approximately 1/6th of the cost that is charged in the United States. The quality, however, is uncompromised. You can expect your quality treatment to be done at state-of-the-art hospitals equipped with top-notch infrastructure and skilled surgeons.

It costs up to USD 600-1000 to evaluate and examine the patient and around USD 3500-5000 for the surgery. However, the average hospital charge for a total knee replacement (TKR) in the United States is $49,500.

Success Rate:

Due to thousands of successful surgeries and the effectiveness patients from worldwide come to India for Knee Replacement Treatment. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of all total knee replacement operations performed are successful for approximately 10 to 15 years, depending on the patient’s level of activity, after which time revision surgery may be recommended by your surgeon.

FAQ’s about Knee Replacement Surgery:

1. How long does the recovery take after Knee Surgery?

It takes about 6 weeks to completely recover from the surgery, during which the patient can move with the aid of crutches. It is advised to resume routine activities gradually, first with the help of a walking stick and then without any support. However, in certain cases, it could take even three months for the swelling and pain to subside.

2. What can I do for faster recovery?

Sitting in a firm straight-back chair, and ensuring your joint is kept straight while lying in bed can help. You should also avoid kneeling, squatting and excessive use of stairs to help speed up your recovery.

3. What Activities Should I Avoid After Hip Replacement Surgery?

You shouldn’t downhill ski or play contact sports such as football and soccer. In general, avoid sports that require jerking, twisting, pulling, or running. You should be able to do lower-impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing.

4. What Can I Do at Home After Hip Replacement Surgery?

If you’ve had knee surgery, chances are very high that you’ll feel far less pain and can move around much better than before. Physical therapy (PT) is an important part of that recovery. Rehab exercises will help you walk, climb stairs, and return to other normal activities more quickly.

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