Knee Replacement UL-BL

Knee Replacement UL-BL


Knee Replacement Surgery - Procedure & Treatment in India

A knee replacement, which is also called knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where the patient's dysfunctional knee joint is replaced with artificial material like metal or plastic. At most times, knee replacement is performed when the patient's knee suffers from endless pain, stiffness, and loss of function. The knee is a hinge joint which is responsible for the movement between your thigh and the lower leg. The thighbone (called femur) adjoins itself to the large bone of the lower leg (called the tibia) at the knee joint.

What is Knee Joint Replacement?

A knee joint replacement is almost always necessary when a knee disease progresses to an advanced level. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent cause of knee replacement, even though other medical conditions may cause knee discomfort. Knee arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage wears away and the bones scrape against one another. Pain, oedema and stiffness are all symptoms of this condition.

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured. However, exercise, weight loss, medication, and injections may help in the early stages. Surgery is the only choice if the condition persists and becomes unbearable over time. Knee Replacement is an option for those who are only experiencing pain in their inner joint. Knee replacement may be partial or total, depending on the severity of the disease. However, if the osteoarthritis worsens to the point that it affects all of the compartments in the knee, the only treatment option left is a total knee replacement.

Causes of Knee Joint Pain

Arthritis is the most prevalent cause of long-term knee joint discomfort and impairment. Many forms of arthritis may cause knee discomfort, but the three most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and post-trauma.

Osteoarthritis, this form of arthritis, develops due to the body's natural ageing process. It is most common in persons over 50, although it may also affect younger people. In time, the knee joint's cartilage softens and wears down. This causes friction between the bones, leading to swelling and stiffness in the knee.

Inflammatory joint disease (RA), RA is characterized by inflammation and thickening of synovial membranes around joints. Chronic inflammation may harm cartilage, resulting in degeneration, discomfort, and stiffness. Irritable arthritis, or inflammatory arthritis, is the most frequent type of this group of illnesses.

After catastrophic injury, there are times when this occurs after a significant knee injury. Fractures or rips may damage articular cartilage in the knee ligament, which can cause discomfort and restrict the mobility of the knee joint.

There are different types of knee replacements:

  • Total knee replacement: the whole knee is replaced
  • Bilateral knee replacement: both knees are replaced at the same time
  • Partial knee replacement: only the affected part of the knee is replaced

What happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?

Before Knee Replacement Surgery, you are administered either general or spinal anaesthesia. During the knee replacement, the bone and cartilage from the thigh bone and shin bone area, where they meet at your knee joint, are replaced. The knee area of your thighbone is replaced with a metal implant and the knee area of your shinbone is replaced with a channelled plastic implant. Depending on how deteriorated the kneecap portion also is, a plastic "button" may also be added under the kneecap surface. The knee replacement surgery provides a smooth surface to the knee joint so that it can move and bend more freely with lesser or no pain at all. The artificial components used in knee replacement surgery are called a prosthesis.

Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Knee Replacement Surgery cost may vary across the world. Where countries like USA, UK, Canada may provide surgeries at expensive costs, countries like India are more cost-effective and affordable for getting Knee Replacement Surgery with the same quality and brand. India is now a preferred medical destination for a lot of medical travellers for treatment of quite a few specialities like dental, orthopaedics, IVF etc. 

Our Doctors

CureIndia is a platform that bridges the gap between medical tourists seeking treatment in India and the state of the hospitals in India. It helps you choose the right doctor for your medical treatment. Most of the doctors in our associated hospitals have been internationally trained and are active members of many international medical councils and associations. Let's hear from some of the most reputed doctors for Knee Replacement Surgery in India.

1) Dr. Manoj Miglani

2) Dr. Nitiraj Oberoi

3) Dr. Debashish Chanda

4) Dr. Mandeep Singh

Conditions that Require a Knee Replacement Surgery

The knee replacement surgery is carried out to treat the following joint ailments:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Knee deformities
  • Osteonecrosis or Vascular Necrosis
  • Swelling around the knee joint area
  • Inflammation

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Depending on the condition of your knees, whether one or both knees are dysfunctional, the surgeon may conduct one of the following surgeries for your knee replacement:

Unilateral Knee Replacement Surgery

The diseased or damaged joint of a single knee is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Unilateral Knee Replacement Surgery can be advised to a patient from any age group depending upon the magnitude of pain and immobility.

Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery

Bilateral knee replacement is surgery conducted where both your knees are replaced at the same time. The advantage of this surgery is that you get both your knees replaced in a single surgery process without having to come again. However, you may take a little longer to recover as both knees are sensitive post-surgery.

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

This surgery replaces only that part of your knee that’s damaged. Hence, you may enjoy the advantage to the partial knee replacement surgery since that it requires a smaller incision as well as less bone and blood loss.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

In total knee replacement surgery, the whole knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial/prosthetic knee joint. This surgery also requires a longer time for recovery.

Top Brands which are used in Knee Replacement Surgery:

  • Zimmer
  • Stryker
  • Smith & Nephew
  • DePuy
  • Johnson and Johnson

The material used in knee implants for knee replacement surgery:

  • Cobalt-chromium Alloys
  • Titanium and Titanium Alloys
  • Tantalum
  • Polyethene
  • Oxinium oxidized zirconium
  • Zirconium Alloy

Advantages of Knee Replacement Surgery

There are several advantages of knee replacement surgery. These include:

  • Improved mobility
  • Freedom from pain
  • Improved quality of life because everyday activities and exercise are easier

Knee replacement surgery is the best option for the people who aren't happy with their knees. The main cause of dissatisfaction is continuous pain which may not be there after an operation.

Complications and Side Effects of Knee Replacement Surgery

The most common side effects or complications that may arise post the Knee Replacement Surgeries are:

  • Infection
  • Dislocation of the knee joint (partial or complete)
  • Formation of blood clot above or below the knee (treated with medicines)
  • Fever
  • Pain with initial movement.

Recovery post Knee Replacement Surgery

After your knee replacement surgery, as a patient, you would be expected to spend about 3-5 days at the hospital. Usually, before you leave the operating room, your knee may be cradled in a passive motion machine, and medical staff will monitor the bending in and straightening out limits of your knee. Immediately after the Knee Replacement Surgery, you might begin weight training as a therapy for your replaced knees. You would be also told to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level. It generally takes the knee replacement patients about 10-12 weeks to complete the rehab process and about 6-10 months to completely get back to normal movement.

What may you anticipate from this experience?

In advance of the operation

You'll need an anaesthetic for knee joint replacement surgery. As a patient, you can weigh the pros and drawbacks of spinal anaesthesia and general anaesthetic so that the medical team can make an informed decision. Antibiotics will be administered before, during, and after the surgery to avoid post-surgical infection. To make your knee more comfortable, a nerve block may be placed around it. The numbness subsides over time after the operation.

Throughout the process

The bent posture of your knee will allow you to see the whole joint. Surgery to remove damaged joint surfaces is performed by moving your kneecap out of the way and cutting an incision around 6 to 10 inches long near about 15–25 cm. Surgeons then connect the prosthetic joints to the joint surfaces. They will assess your knee's functionality before sealing the wound. About two hours are spent in the operating room for this procedure.

After the operation

You'll be transferred to a recovery room one to two hours later. It is entirely up to you how long you remain in the hospital after your operation. Many folks will be able to return home the same day. Painkillers prescribed by a doctor should help alleviate the discomfort. Movement of your foot and ankle are encouraged, which helps enhance blood circulation to your leg muscles and reduces swelling. To further protect yourself from swelling and clotting, your doctor will most likely prescribe blood thinners and have you wear support tights or compression boots.

After you have been discharged from the hospital, you will continue physical therapy either at home or in a facility. Breathing exercises and progressively increasing your activity level will be required of you. Your replacement knee will be exercised under the guidance of a physical therapist. Follow the directions for regular exercise. Follow your medical team's advice regarding wound care, food, and training for a speedy recovery.

Knee Replacement Surgery Success Rate

The success rate for knee replacement surgery is very high 9 out of 10 people experience immediate pain relief post the knee replacement surgery while 95% report complete satisfaction with the surgical procedure. In terms of longevity, 90% of the knee replacement prosthetics last up to 10 years and 80% remain in good condition even after 20 years.

Conclusion

Moreover, after knee joint replacement surgery, many patients begin physical therapy immediately to increase blood flow to the new knee's tissues. Your doctor may recommend continuous passive-motion machines. A brace-like device that moves your knee in a gentle bending motion is what this one is designed for. Your doctor will let you know when it's safest to go home. It depends on the outcomes of the operation and your current health.

FAQs

When it comes to knee surgery, what are the most typical procedures performed?

Arthroscopy and knee joint replacement are the most frequent knee procedures, and they are used to treat a wide range of knee issues. Keyhole surgery, known as arthroscopy, is employed when diagnosing and treating knee disorders.

After a knee replacement, do you have to remain in the hospital?

You will be in the hospital for one to three days after a hip or knee replacement. Your operation and anaesthesia will be fully recovered within this time.

How long does it take to recover after knee surgery?

It may take up to three months for a patient who has had knee replacement surgery to recuperate from their ordeal fully. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for patients to be able to drive again and 6 to 8 weeks for them to be ready to return to work. Three months of physical treatment is not out of the question.

Is significant surgery for the knee considered?

Recommendations for a knee joint replacement are often reserved for patients who have tried and failed to find relief from pain and better mobility using non-invasive therapies like physiotherapy or steroid injections. If your knee joint is painful, swollen, stiff, or above, and your mobility has been compromised, you may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery.

How painful is knee surgery?

A certain amount of discomfort is anticipated following the first knee joint replacement. However, this discomfort should not be excruciating. Even though you should experience the most discomfort in the days immediately after surgery, your doctor will provide you with pain medicine that is appropriate for your current degree of discomfort.