Surgery can be scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But if surgery is the only way to treat your pain, you should definitely go through with it. You shouldn’t just accept that you have to live with severe knee pain. Let’s talk about what knee replacement surgery is, who is a good candidate for it, and what to expect during the procedure.
What is surgery to replace the knee?
A knee replacement is a surgery in which metal or plastic parts are used to replace the damaged or diseased parts of a knee joint. It’s a common and safe procedure that can help you feel and move better again. It’s also called knee arthroplasty.
Knee replacement surgery can be done through a big cut or through a number of small cuts. This last method is called arthroscopy or minimally invasive knee surgery. Most of the time, this procedure is done on people with severe arthritis or knee injuries. Osteoarthritis, which causes the knee joint to break down, is the most common type of arthritis that is treated with knee replacement surgery.
Before a surgeon recommends knee replacement for a patient with severe knee pain caused by arthritis or an injury, non-surgical options will be tried. When the pain is so bad that even simple things like walking or resting are hard, surgery may be the last resort.
How does surgery to replace the knee work?
Before Surgery
If you decide to have a knee replacement, you may need the following:
- Blood test
- Dental exam
- Electrocardiogram
- Physical exam
Your surgeon will tell you how to get ready for the procedure based on your current health and how you live. You should let your doctor know if you have any allergies, what medications and supplements you are taking, and if you have a history of bleeding disorders. You’ll also have to stop eating and drinking eight hours before the procedure.
During Surgery
During a knee replacement surgery, you’ll go through the following steps
- You will either get local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
- An antiseptic solution will be used to clean the skin at the site of the surgery.
What Will My Recovery Look Like?
Your surgeon will take out the damaged cartilage and bone and replace it with a prosthesis, which is usually made of metal or plastic.
- The implant will be put in place and held there. With or without cement, this can be done.
- Stitches or surgical staples will be used to close the cut.
- The surgical site will be covered with a sterile bandage or dressing.
After Surgery
You’ll be watched closely in a recovery room right after surgery. Depending on what your surgeon tells you, you may be able to go home the same day or have to stay in the hospital for a few days. As soon as possible after surgery, you should start moving you’re new joint, so a physical therapist will make you an exercise plan and help you move around the hospital. Then, you can keep doing physical therapy at home until your muscles are strong enough and your range of motion is good enough.
How will my healing happen?
Depending on your procedure, lifestyle, and health, your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow. Many people can go back to their normal lives three to six weeks after an operation. Here are some tips to help make sure your recovery goes well:
- Keep doing your physical therapy until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Take painkillers at the right times and in the right amounts.
- If you need to, use aids like canes or walkers.
- Make your home a good place to recover by adding things like:
- Install handrails on the stairs
- Handrails in the shower or bath for safety
- Benches or chairs for the shower
- Sturdy chairs with footrests
- Raised toilet seats
- Sticks for arranging
- Get enough water and eat well.
- Don’t stay seated for too long at a time.
- Don’t move heavy things or climb ladders.
- Your doctor will tell you how to clean the area where you had surgery.
- If you notice any signs of infection, like swelling and fever, you should see a doctor.
Long after knee replacement surgery, patients continue to have less pain, more mobility, and a better quality of life. Most new knees last longer than 15 years.
Should I Get a Knee Replacement?
You may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery if you have:
- Knee pain from arthritis or a knee injury
- Knee pain and stiffness that keeps you from doing everyday things
- Knee swelling and pain that won’t go away
The best way to figure out if you need knee replacement surgery is to talk to Dr. Vikas Mehra, the best Ortho doctor in Chandigarh. They can look at your symptoms and figure out the best way to treat you based on your health goals and needs.
Knee Surgery in Chandigarh
Knee replacement surgery is a very successful way to fix damaged knee joints by putting metal or plastic implants in their place. After a knee replacement, you can feel less pain and get back to your normal life.
If you have severe knee pain and aren’t sure if you can get knee replacement surgery, Midwest Orthopedics can evaluate and treat your knees. Dr. Vikas Mehra is the best knee replacement surgeon in Mohali to help with your pain and guide you through the whole process, from getting a diagnosis to fully recovering.
Call our friendly staff or fill out our online appointment request form if you have any questions or want to make an appointment. We can’t wait to help you!