To perform daily activities hassle-free, having healthy knees is imperative. After all, it is the largest joint of the human body and carries the weight of your entire body. But unfortunately, they can sometimes be damaged by arthritis or injuries caused by accidents. When the injury is minor, physicians try to treat it with medications and props. However, if the condition becomes severe, the best knee replacement surgeon in Mohali or any other city suggests surgery. This is undoubtedly the safest way to eliminate pain and fix the deformity.
Total knee replacement surgery is also called arthroplasty and includes the removal of damaged bone of the knee that actually makes up the joint. This portion of the knee region is replaced by metal that provides optimum support. This surgery has few risks, hence suggested to only those patients who genuinely need it.
Before starting the knee replacement procedure, some essential tests are done to determine whether a candidate is appropriate for it. This process is called pre-surgical evaluation and is carried out a few days before surgery. Apart from this, the patient is asked to perform a few exercises to strengthen muscles and also suggested to lose extra pounds to get the best results from surgery.
If you or your close ones are planning to undergo knee replacement surgery, a few things are there to consider before making a final decision. Here is the list of vital questions that you should ask from knee replacement surgeon-:
- Risks Associated With Surgery
Both knee replacement and general surgery include risk. The doctor has a responsibility to inform you of both the advantages and hazards of surgery, including the type of anesthesia that will be used (epidural, sedative), the potential for infection and procedural failure, cardiac issues, knee nerve damage, implant-related issues, stroke, and even loss of life. Understanding the dangers and implications will help you make the best choice.
- What Will Happen In OT During Surgery
The surgery specialist will create a cut across the front of your knee to access the injured portion of your joint. Then knee replacement specialist’s typical incision size ranges between 6 to 10 inches.
Your kneecap is moved to the side during the procedure, and the affected cartilage and a little portion of bone are removed. The injured tissue is then replaced with fresh metal well as plastic parts.
All the parts together create a suitable artificial joint that moves like a normal knee. The majority of knee replacement surgeries last 60 – 90 minutes.
- How Long Will Hospital Stay
Most patients stay in hospitals for 1-one to two days. After being discharged from the hospital, the majority of patients go home immediately. Some patients, nevertheless, live alone, don’t have access to carers, or need more time to heal. These individuals can be eligible for a brief rehabilitation stay at a different facility for additional physical treatment.
- What Will Be The Recovery Time
Most patients can use a walker or crutches to get up and move around within 24 hours.
After your surgery, the best orthopedic doctor will assist you with getting out of bed, bending and straightening your knee, and eventually learning how to walk with an artificial knee. This frequently takes place during the day of your surgery.
After surgery, most patients are released from the hospital two to three days later. For several weeks after you get back home, therapy will be scheduled on a regular basis. The knee’s functionality will be improved through targeted exercises.
Your doctor could advise first spending some time at a rehab or nursing facility if your condition calls for it or if you don’t have the help you need at home.
- Can I Take a Shower
On the second day following your surgery, you can start taking showers. Usually, steri-strips (white strips of tape) will cover your incision site. After your shower, they can get wet and only need to be gently dried. 10–14 days following surgery, the steri-strips will progressively weaken and curl at the edges. These strips will be taken off during your two-week post-operative checkup. A healed incision line will be seen underneath. You could also see a visible bit of thread emerging from your incision’s top or bottom. These sutures are absorbable and frequently dissolve on their own; if not, your first post-operative appointment will include trimming them to the skin’s surface.
- Do I Need Any Special Equipments After Surgery
Although it is uncommon for significant problems to arise from any anesthesia, each procedure performed under anesthesia has some risks.
The Total Knee replacement includes:
Regional nerve blocks, spinal anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia
An anesthesiology team will determine the best alternatives for you, although most knee replacement surgeries use a combination of the aforementioned techniques.
- For How Long I Need To Take Pain-Relieving Medicines
Knee replacement surgery is an extensive procedure. You shouldn’t be surprised if you need to take painkillers for six to eight weeks. The drug will first be a potent oral narcotic like oxycodone. 3–4 weeks following surgery, most patients start to wean themselves off powerful painkillers; they mostly need them during treatment sessions. For an additional 3–4 weeks, you might need to take moderate-strength medications such as Meloxicam and Ibuprofen.
- How Long Will The Artificial Knee Joint Lasts
Many trusted sources revealed that knee replacements last for around 25 years. Wear and tear, however, can negatively impact its lifespan and function, according to the best knee replacement surgeon. Due to their more active lifestyles, younger individuals are more likely to require a modification at some point in life.
The Bottom Line-:
Decide on surgery only after asking the above questions from the knee replacement specialist in your city.
