Knee Replacement: Surgery, Recovery Time, Risks and Exercises
Problem of knee problems; is quite common among people. Around 70-80 per cent of people go through; this problem once in their lifetimes. However, with enhancement in medical science; you can now get suitable medications or suitable surgical ways. Which can help you out of the problem of knee pain by knee replacement. Also, it is better to get the solution of knee pain treated by a; knowledgeable and experienced medical professional. To find a suitable solution to the problem.
However, if you want to know all about the knee replacement process, recovery time, the risks associated and the exercises; which can help you out of it. Then read down the article to the end.
Some Important Facts about the Total Knee replacement-
- The patients who have severe knee pain and are unable to perform their day to day activities; are generally asked to go through the process of total knee replacement.
- One of the common reasons for knee replacement in the U.S is Osteoarthritis.
- There are some risks; which are associated with the process of total knee replacement.
- The patient should go through the process of physical therapy; after the process of total knee replacement.
- All the patients, who have artificial joints, are required to take antibiotics, during and after any elective invasive procedure.
What is total knee replacement-
The process of total knee replacement is a surgery, in which the knee having the disease; is replaced using some artificial materials. Also, the knee is a hinge joint; that gives motion to the thigh and the lower leg. In the process of a total knee replacement; the end of the femur bone is removed and a metal shell is put in that place. Also, the end of the lower leg tibia is removed and a plastic stem is placed in its place. All the artificial components of the knee are known as prostheses.
What patients should know, about Total knee replacement?
The total knee replacement process is suggested to the patients; who have damaged joints because of trauma, some rare diseases, arthritis, etc. Also, the most common reason for knee replacement in some countries is due to; the problem of osteoarthritis in the knees. However, no matter what happens to the knees; but generally the pain and the swelling in the knee, causes hindrance; in daily activities. Also, knee replacement surgery can be risky; and you should go through the process; only after thinking about all the possible causes. For this you can also consider, talking to a doctor to make the right decision.
Some of the risks, of going through a total replacement surgery-
There are a few risks and side effects that can cause, problems to the patient. Thus, you should see into them; well before you decide on going through a knee replacement surgery. One of the major risks of the surgery is the blood clots of the legs; moving to the lungs. This is also known as pulmonary embolism.
The problem of pulmonary embolism can cause the following-
- Shortness in the breath
- Some kind of shock
- Severe chest pain in the patient.
Some other risks of the Total knee replacement are; as follows-
- The patient can get a urinary infection.
- You can go through the problem of nausea and vomiting.
- A lot of bleeding in the joint.
- There can also be permanent nerve damage.
- A severe infection in the knee; which may require a severe operation.
- An issue of chronic knee stiffness and pain.
Some other risks of anaesthesia can be as follows-
- Damage to liver or kidney.
- Lung problems
- A potential heart problem.
Total Knee replacement surgery-
Before a patient, goes through the process of total knee replacement; the doctors also look at the condition of the knee joint and evaluate it. This process is very important and can also show; if the surgery will be successful or not. If the adjacent joint is severely damaged; then replacing the knee joint may not be very beneficial. As the main pain in the knees is due to abnormal side joints.
- Also, all the medications which a patient takes are seen; especially blood-thinning medicines. As the blood-thinning medicines and the anti-inflammatory medications; have to be discontinued before the process of the surgery.
- There are some routine tests done; such as kidney and liver tests. These tests are done to check for abnormal metabolism, infections and anaemia in the body.
- The doctors also do some Chest rays, EKG, are done; to see the heart rate, lung infections, before the patient is given anaesthesia.
- Also according to research, a knee replacement surgery; is less successful. If the patient weighs more than 200 pounds. Thus, the doctors check the weight of the patients. As extra body weight can risk dislocation and the loosening; of the joint. And hence this may require more time to fulfil the recovery.
Also, if the younger patients go through the process; then their activeness may add more stress to the joint; making delay in recovery.
Post-surgery, recovery process-
- Physical therapy is very important after the surgery; thus the patients can start going through it; after 48 hours of the surgical process.
- You can experience a little stiffness, pain and discomfort; during the early process of physical therapy.
- The patient can initially start moving, using crutches or a walker. However, after a while, they will be able to move without any of them.
- You can use several home exercises; which can be helpful for you to have strength in calf and thigh muscles.
Take away-
Knee pain is a very common problem in people; however, most of them can be cured using certain medications and therapies. But sometimes, if the condition of the patient is extremely worse; then you may go through a surgical process. But before you go through the surgical process; there are a few things you should remember. Also, you should consult a doctor; before you go through any of the processes.
If you are also looking for a hospital; which can help you out in dealing with your knee problems effectively. Then try Channdini hospitals. Also, if you need any other information about the doctors and the hospital; then check it out on “Chanddni Hospital“.
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