Knee Replacement Procedure Purpose Risks & Treatment
The knee is part of the body where two long bones are held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The end of each bone is covered with a layer of cartilage that helps in absorbing shock and protects the knee. The knee sometimes due to some unforeseen reasons can get damaged, and the one way to restore the damaged knees through Knee Replacement also called knee arthroplasty.
What is Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is the procedure in which an injured or ailing knee is replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis, helping in relieving pain and restoring the function of the diseased knee. An orthopedic surgeon after accessing the knee’s range of motion, strength and stability determines the extent of damage and whether knee replacement is required.
Knee Replacement in Delhi
The most common reason for knee replacement purpose is damage to the knee from arthritis. This includes both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Knee replacement in Delhi is not the only option for such conditions, the doctors first try other treatment options like:
● Anti-inflammatory medications
● Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
● Pain medications
● Limiting painful activities
● Assistive devices for walking (such as a cane)
● Physical therapy
● Cortisone injections into the knee joint
● Viscosupplementation injections (to add lubrication into the joint to make joint movement less painful)
● Weight loss (for obese persons)
However, if the medical treatment for your knee injury is not enough, the knee replacement procedure is the best option available. There are various kinds of knee replacement procedures that one can undergo considering your age, weight, knee size, activity level and overall health. While the procedure will relieve you of the pain it can also lead to some surgical complications.
Some of the assessments that the doctor will ask you to undergo before a knee replacement procedure are:
● a full medical history
● a physical examination
● blood tests
● X-rays
● other imaging tests
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Risks of the knee replacement procedure
Knee replacement in Delhi is very safe and done with proper care. However, some of the risks attached to the knee replacement procedure are:
● Bleeding
● Infection
● Blood clots in the legs or lungs
● Loosening or wearing out of the prosthesis
● Fracture
● Continued pain or stiffness
● Injury in the Nerves or blood vessels in the area of surgery. This may cause weakness or numbness.
● If the replacement joint becomes loose, then you may again have to undergo surgery in the future.
Apart from the above-mentioned risks, based on the medical conditions of the patient, there can be other risks too. Thus, it is extremely important to consult a doctor before you undergo the knee replacement procedure.
Preparing for the Knee replacement procedure
If after careful examination your doctor has recommended a knee replacement procedure then these are some before and after the procedure, you must follow.
1. Before the Procedure
During the knee replacement surgery, the patient is given anesthesia, however, your preferences will help the doctors know whether to use general anesthesia, which makes you unconscious or spinal anesthesia, which leaves you awake but unable to feel pain from your waist down.
To ensure a good surgery, the patients are given an intravenous antibiotic before, during and after the procedure to prevent any post-surgical infection. Sometimes a nerve block is also given around your knee to numb it. The numbness wears off gradually after the procedure.
2. During the procedure
The knee replacement surgery takes almost 2 hours. The complete procedure is as follows
Step 1: During the procedure, the knee is bent to expose all the surfaces of the joint.
Step 2: An incision about 6 to 10 inches long is made near the knee.
Step 3: The surgeon keeps aside the kneecap and cuts away the damaged joint surfaces.
Step 4: Once the area has been properly prepared the artificial joint is attached.
Step 5: To prove that the surgery is right the surgeon bends and rotates the knee and once everything is fixed, the incision is closed.
After the procedure
After the knee replacement procedure which lasts one to two years, the patient is taken into the recovery room. Once you feel better, you will be shifted to the hospital room where you will have to stay for a couple of days, until you have recovered properly.
In the hospital the patient is encouraged to move their foot and ankle, increasing their blood flow to the leg muscles and helps prevent any post-procedure swelling and blood clots.
The doctors also provide medication to control your pain and some breathing exercises for faster recovery.
You'll be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level. A frequent visit to the physical therapist will also help in recovery.
Conclusion
If you are someone who is facing consistent knee issues, then visiting a doctor may be the right step to take before it's too late. Your doctor will help me know whether you should go for knee surgery or it can be restored by simple exercises.
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