Knee Surgery

Knee pain and related issues can be a hindrance to your day-to-day life! In this 21st century, we have a wide range of futuristic knee replacement and related surgeries, including total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and knee arthroplasty. We all know that as we get old, or if we encounter an accident, or due to some health conditions, knee pain and mobility issues can haunt us. The impact it can have on our lives will be high. Don’t worry! Timely medical assistance and management can help you ease the pain, especially through knee replacement. 

Knee replacement surgery replaces parts of knee joints, and such surgeries can alleviate pain and help you return to an active lifestyle easily. An expert knee replacement surgeon can determine the type of knee surgery you require. Factors such as the intensity of your injury or health condition, activity level, knee size and shape, weight, age, etc., can influence the type of surgery offered. 

Here, you can learn more about the types of knee replacement surgeries, how they are performed, who can avail of the service, how long it would take to recover, etc.  

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery? 

Replacing a damaged knee joint with artificial elements is called knee arthroplasty, generally called knee replacement surgery. There are different types of knee surgery procedures. It can be a total knee replacement, where the entire joint is replaced, or a partial knee replacement, where only the damaged part of the knee is replaced. Knee replacement surgery is performed to relieve the pain and restore knee joint function. The procedure usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity of the injury.  

What Conditions Are Treated With Knee Replacement Surgery?

Despite nonsurgical treatments, if severe symptoms and pain persist, doctors would recommend knee replacement surgery. These symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and swelling. Arthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. Rarely, knee replacement may be suggested for post-traumatic arthritis following a bone fracture due to a fall, accident, or sports injury. This surgery aims to alleviate pain and restore knee function. 

What Are the Types of Knee Surgery? 

There are three common types of knee replacement surgeries – Total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and knee arthroplasty. Total knee replacement is the most common one, where all three areas of the knee joint are replaced. A partial knee replacement involves replacing only the damaged areas. This option is more common in younger adults who have experienced an injury or trauma. Both procedures aim to relieve pain and restore function. Your surgeon may recommend the type of knee replacement based on your condition.  

How to Prepare for a Knee Replacement? 

Preparation for knee replacement surgery includes various procedures. First and foremost, the patient should undergo thorough screenings and health evaluations to determine eligibility for the surgery. You should follow the advice from the medical team to get ready for the surgery. Your age, health conditions, medicines you intake, if any, etc., will also be analyzed by the team before the surgery. 

What Happens During a Knee Replacement? 

During knee arthroplasty or knee replacement surgery, the medical professional will correct the injured parts or areas of the joint and replace them with artificial elements. While the partial knee replacement corrects only the affected area, the total knee replacement focuses on the entire replacement. Anesthesia support has to be given during these procedures.  

What Happens After a Knee Replacement?

The patient will be under sedation after the surgery and will be monitored for a while. Some knee exercises, physiotherapy, and pain management techniques can assist the healing process and will be guided by health professionals. The type of knee surgery you underwent will determine the number of your hospital days. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and progress. 

What Are the Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery? 

Relief from pain, improved joint function, and enhanced mobility are the major benefits of knee replacement surgery. You can make a clean and complete comeback to an improved and low-impact lifestyle with total knee replacement or partial knee replacement. It also helps correct deformities and improves the overall alignment of the knee joint, leading to better stability and function. 

What Are Possible Complications of a Knee Replacement? 

There are possible complications for knee arthroplasty or knee replacement surgery. Usually, it includes implant loosening or failure to work properly, blood clots, infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, persistent pain, limited range of motion, etc. Postoperative care and instructions have to be followed even if the total knee replacement and partial knee replacement are safe. Follow up appointments are important to reduce the risk and prolonged use of the artificial parts fixed.  

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Knee Replacement? 

Just like other major surgeries, knee replacement surgery also requires proper rest and recovery time. Within an average of 6 to 12 weeks, most of the patients would see significant recovery. A total knee replacement usually requires a longer recovery period, while partial knee replacement requires comparatively less time. Proper medication, rest, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation are crucial for a speedy recovery. A few months or years can help you return to an active life.  

When Can I Go Back to Work After a Knee Replacement?

Your type of work and the surgery you underwent determine the answer to this question. Patients with a job background that requires physical effort might need a minimum of 3 months, while patients with a sedentary lifestyle might take an average of only 3 to 4 weeks. Total knee replacement generally requires a longer recovery compared to partial knee replacement. Your doctor can advise you more on this. 

What Can I Do to Assist My Recovery After a Knee Replacement? 

It is always advised to follow the instructions from your doctor for a speedy and healthy recovery. Stick to the medicine well. Engage in mild exercises and physiotherapy sessions, which can strengthen the knee and enhance mobility. A healthy diet is important to support healing and manage weight. Keep the surgical area clean and dry to avoid infections. Use assistive devices like crutches or walkers as recommended, and avoid high-impact activities until your doctor’s advice. 

When Should I Call the Doctor? 

If you experience severe pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the surgical site, or some infections, you should immediately consult the doctor. Also, seek medical advice if you have a fever, persistent or worsening pain, or mobility issues. Any unusual symptoms or concerns should be addressed in both the cases of total knee replacement or partial knee replacement.