Knee Replacement Surgery

Do you feel knee pain while walking, getting up from your chair, or standing up first in the morning after your sleep?

Have you tried all your medications, injections and therapies which do not seem to work?

If this is the case with you, it’s time to consider Knee Replacement Surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty!

Knee replacement in India is one of the most common orthopedic procedures done to give you better mobility and freedom from knee pain. It eases the severe arthritic pain and gives a new lease of life to your knee joints which makes your life easier and faster.

These days, knee replacements are also done with robotics. The surgery involves removal of the damaged knee and its replacement with an artificial knee joint made of metal, ceramic or plastic. The joint is artistically attached to the thigh bone, sheen, and kneecap with the help of acrylic cement.

Who needs a knee replacement surgery?

Age-related joint complications in which the cartilage providing the cushion between the knee and the bone joints wear out, are the major causes to opt for this surgery.

In addition, grade 4 osteoarthritis and its various types which are degenerative and inflammatory in nature also lead to joint issues necessitating knee replacement surgery.

Other reasons include:

Rheumatoid arthritis attacking the knee
Deformities like knock-knee or bowed knees
Knee injuries leading to broken bone or torn ligaments

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

There are two major types of knee replacement surgeries.

Total Knee Replacement

This is one of the most commonly preferred surgeries in which the surgeon replaces the surfaces of the thigh bone and the shin bone that connects to the knee. The Knee joint is totally replaced with an artificial joint.

Partial Knee Replacement

It is done when only one side of the knee is affected and the patient has strong knee ligaments and cartilages are in normal condition. Anterior or posterior part of the knee is replaced through surgery which requires smaller cut than what is needed in total knee replacement.

Types of implants

Implants	Longeiviety
Cocr	15 Years
Oxinium (Oxidized Zirconium)	20-25 years
Opulent (Titanium Nitride)	20-25 years

Procedure

General or spinal anaesthesia is chosen based on your preferences and body time. General anaesthesia will keep you totally unconscious while spinal anesthesia will make your lower body part numb, not to let you feel any pain.
An intravenous antibiotic will be administered before, during and after the surgery to avoid any post-surgical infection.
A nerve block might also be administered around the knee to induce numbness around the knee.

During the Procedure

An incision of around 6-12 inches is made and the surgeon moves aside the knee cap to access the damaged knee portions. The damaged part is removed and the joint surfaces are prepared to place the artificial joint.
The artificial joint is attached and checked for its functioning by bending and rotating the knee.
The incision is closed.

After the Procedure

An incision of around 6-12 inches is made and the surgeon moves aside the knee cap to access the damaged knee portions. The damaged part is removed and the joint surfaces are prepared to place the artificial joint.
The artificial joint is attached and checked for its functioning by bending and rotating the knee.
The incision is closed.

Precautions to take after a knee replacement surgery

Walk in the hospital after the surgery
Prefer using an assistive device for a few weeks
Do not ignore taking physical therapy
Take antibiotics as prescribed to avoid infections
Don’t overdo the activities as they may delay healing and induce more pain

What to expect after a Knee Replacement surgery?

People often live with their pain, compromise their quality of life, and wait for their problems to subside on their own, but always try to avoid surgery. However, with worn-out knees, you don’t need to do this.

Knee replacement surgeries are always successful and most of the people return to their daily activities with improved quality of life. The benefits always outweigh the complications related to the surgery and that is why this procedure is preferred by a good number of people worldwide.

Most of the knee replacements last for more than 15 years and in many cases for a lifetime.

The common benefits of knee replacement surgery are:

Complete pain relief at the end of 3 months
Good alignment of the leg
Improved mobility
Better quality of life

What to expect?

First 1 to 7 days	A physiotherapist will help you with slight movements and bending of the knees You would be guided for basic activities using assistive devices
After 1st week	You can walk and stand for some time (10 min) still using a walker or crutches Continue physiotherapy and don’t go on uneven floors
After 1st month	You can travel avoiding jerks and perform everyday tasks like cleaning and cooking without using assistive devices Increase the intensity of exercise, however, avoid strenuous exercises.
After 3 months	You can start to return to normal and higher impact activities as per your surgeon's advice. You can drive slowly.
After 1 year	By this time, your knee should have regained its full strength and you should be able to return to most activities. You will no longer have knee pain and restrictions with movement

Care at Medicover Hospitals

Knee Replacement Surgeries is one of the medical excellence at Medicover Hospitals with patients not only coming from different parts of India, but also from abroad. Our Orthopedic Department is skilled and equipped enough to perform robotic knee replacements with the highest level of precision and success. The team of Orthopedists and Orthopedic surgeons are supported by the latest technologies and high-end infrastructure to deliver world-class surgical outcomes in a highly safe and compassionate environment. With a multidisciplinary approach, we design the treatment pathway for our patients to ensure their holistic wellness.