Has simple walking become a task for you, or are you lately suffering from frequent pain in your knees?
Well, then the doctor might have recommended a Knee Replacement surgery for you! But you don’t have to worry anymore; the good news is, knee replacement is now a very common surgery and comes with a high success rate.
People go through knee replacement to replace the damaged or diseased knee joint with a new plastic and metal one. This procedure in medicine is termed “arthroplasty”. It’s an entirely safe and effective one that can help you move and feel better.
What happens during knee replacement surgery?
During the surgery, you will be put under anesthesia (injection to produce numbness) to prevent the pain you may go through during the operation. You can get a regional (only limited to the area of operation) or general (full body) anesthesia, which the medical team decides is best for you.
The surgery takes a total time of an hour or two and involves the following steps:
- Cutting the knee area
- Getting rid of damaged bone and surrounding structures of the knee joint
- Placing the knee implant (artificial joint) in the position of the original knee joint
- Before closing the area, the surgeon rotates your knee to test it, to ensure proper function.
Read what happens during knee replacement surgery in this article and learn more about the surgical procedure.
What happens after the knee replacement surgery?
After you go through a knee replacement surgery, your doctor will prescribe you some painkiller medicines to relieve post-surgery pain and boost the healing process.
Knee replacement provides improved movement, pain relief, and a better quality of life. Most knee replacements are expected to last for over 15 years and some for even a lifetime.
You can resume activities three to six weeks after surgery
After recovery, you can engage in various low-intensity activities, such as walking.
According to AAOS, less than 2 percent of the population experienced extreme complications, including blood clots or infections, or knee implant failure. So to prevent these, your doctor may also advise you antibiotics, blood thinners, and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy will help you restore your move quickly and with ease. Practicing it daily can be very important in making the surgery a success. So make sure to carry it out regularly.
What is the success rate of knee replacement surgery?
Here are the approximate figures of the patients who underwent Total Knee Replacement Surgery in India that indicates how common this surgery is becoming and is being done in routine practice.
The surgery also has a high success rate in India because of individualized treatment planning or patient-specific procedure that is being performed for knee replacement.
People suffering from arthritis (inflammation of joints)of the knee show a wide variation in anatomy, and furthermore, people with previous injuries to the knee joint also benefit from this surgery.
Patient-specific instruments simplify the process of knee replacement to give a desired surgical outcome.
Knee replacement surgery helps people stay active and return to regular day-to-day activities like walking or outdoor sports. This surgery gives people the hope of leading a higher quality of life, better mobility, and less pain.
According to a 2019 study, around 82% of total knee replacements were still functioning even after 25 years.
Within 6 months to a year after surgery, people notice a significant improvement in the physical functioning of joints, ease in movement, and reduced stiffness and pain.
When is the best time to return to normal activities?
Your doctor will guide you when you are fit to return to your normal day-to-day activities. Generally speaking, people can get back to their usual activities within 3 to 6 weeks after the surgery.
You will be given a specific set of instructions by your health care professional relating to your recovery. Further, the doctor will give you stepwise guidelines on how to get back to normal activities that will include a slow walking program and climbing stairs with support, and slowly and gradually getting back to normal household activities.
What to do to help the recovery process?
Soon after the surgery, you will need to walk with the help of a walker, cane, or stick. You will also need additional help relating to activities like:
- Cooking
- Bathing
- Shopping
- Cleaning or doing laundry
So it would be best if you plan out who can help you after the surgery or ask your health care professional for help.
Conclusion
Knee replacement is a very safe and pain-relieving process opted by millions of people around the globe. The success rate of the operation is relatively high, but some also go through risks and complications. So make sure to take necessary precautions and follow the instructions laid down by the professionals.
If you face severe knee joint issues and have concerns regarding knee replacement surgery consult with Orthopedic Surgeons now!
