Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that can relieve the pain of many patients with severe knee arthritis and improve their quality of life. Usually, patients undergo this type of surgery after non-surgical treatments (such as activity-regulating anti-inflammatory drugs or knee injections) fail to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Dr. Abhijit S. Agashe is one of the best surgeons with an overall experience of 13 years and provides world-class treatments. Surgeons have been performing knee replacement surgery for more than 30 years, and they usually work very well; most of them report a 10-year success rate of more than 90%.
What are the two types of ways to insert a Total Knee Replacement?
Generally speaking, there are two ways of implantation for total knee arthroplasty:
The traditional method and the newer minimally invasive method (sometimes called quadriceps sparing). Traditional total knee arthroplasty involves making an approximately 8-inch incision in the knee and 3-5 days of hospitalization, sometimes requiring additional hospital rehabilitation before going home. The recovery period (during which the patient walks with a walker or cane) usually lasts one to three months. Once they recover from total knee arthroplasty, the vast majority of patients report substantial or complete relief of their arthritis symptoms. Use a surgical method to replace the implant through a short incision to avoid trauma to the quadriceps muscle, which is the most important muscle group around the knee. This new technique, sometimes called quadriceps sparing knee arthroplasty, uses an incision that is usually only 3-4 inches long, has a much faster recovery time, and usually allows the patient to squeeze within a few minutes. Walking on crutches. A few weeks or even earlier surgery. Compared with more traditional methods, the less-invasive nature of surgical methods can also reduce postoperative pain and reduce the need for rehabilitation and treatment.
Why is Knee Replacement Surgery done?
Knee replacement surgery is a method of treating knee joint pain and disability. Cartilage and bone damage can restrict movement and cause pain. People with severe degenerative joint disease may not be able to perform normal activities that involve bending their knees, such as walking or climbing stairs, because it is painful. Due to joint instability, the knee joint may swell or lose; Knee surgery photos other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis caused by knee injuries, can also cause knee joint degeneration.
If medical treatment is unsuccessful, knee replacement surgery may be an effective treatment. Some medications for the degenerative joint disease may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
- Pain relievers
- Painful activity restriction
- Walking aids (such as crutches)
- Physiotherapy
- Knee joint cortisone injections
- Inject lubrication into the joints to make joint movement less painful
- Weight loss (for obese people)
Possible surgical complications
- The incidence of complications after total knee arthroplasty is low. Less than 2% of patients will develop serious complications, such as knee joint infections. Major medical complications such as heart attack or stroke occur less frequently. Chronic diseases increase the likelihood of complications. Discuss your concerns thoroughly with your plastic surgeon before the operation. Infect.
- The infection may occur around the wound or prosthesis. It may happen within a few days or weeks after your surgery. It may even happen in a few years. Severe or deep infections may require further surgery and removal of the prosthesis.
- Blood clots in leg veins are one of the most common complications of knee replacement surgery. If these clots are released and enter the lungs, they can be life-threatening. Your plastic surgeon will outline a prevention plan that may include regular leg lifts, calf exercises to increase blood circulation, support stockings, and blood-thinning medications.
- In addition, although an average of 115° movement is usually expected after surgery, occasionally knee scars may appear and movement may be more restricted, especially in patients with restricted movement before surgery.
- A small number of patients still feel pain after knee replacement. However, this complication is rare, and most patients have excellent pain relief after knee replacement.
- Neurovascular injury – Although rare, the nerves or blood vessels around the knee may be damaged during the operation.