Knee Replacement FAQ

Know Everything About Knee Replacement

 Written By :

Dr. Ankur Saurav
Sr.Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship in Joint Replacement (Germany),  Fellowship in Sports Medicine (ISAKOS)

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

Two important decision making points:

  • A. If you have a painful, stiff, deformed knee that makes it difficult to perform day to day activities and you have tried all other methods of treatment for sufficient time(pain killers, injection, physiotherapy, braces) to get relief but still not benefiting.
  • B. Your knee surgeon on evaluation finds that you have a severely damaged knee joint and knee replacement will benefit you and you are fit for this surgery.

The damaged part of the knee joint is removed from the surface of the bones, and the surfaces are then shaped to hold a metal/plastic artificial joint. The artificial joint is attached to the thigh bone, shin and knee cap either with bone cement or a special material. When fit together, the attached artificial parts form the joint, relying on the surrounding muscles and ligaments for support and function

 

The average hospital stay after knee joint replacement is usually three to five days only.

You start walking from very next day of your surgery. After knee joint replacement, the patient are standing and moving the joint the day after surgery. At first, you may walk with the help of support — such as walker, or cane — will be used until your knee is able to support your full body weight. After about six weeks, most people are walking comfortably with minimal assistance. Once muscle strength is restored with physical therapy, people who have had knee joint replacement surgery can enjoy most activities.

Sessions with your physical therapist usually last for 1 month post surgery. After knee replacement surgery, you are usually sent home and your doctor will usually have a physical therapist come to treat you at home. Remember, every person is different and the course of rehabilitation will be determined on an individual basis with the assistance of your doctor and physical therapist. Physiotherapy is one the most important independent factor responsible for good outcome of your knee replacement.

Usually from next day of your surgery

Within 3 to 4 days of your surgery. You usually go to the toilet independently at home with your knee braces applied and using some aid for ambulation e.g. walker.

Every patient is different. Usually patients has significant pain relieve within 3 to 6 weeks post surgery.

Usually after 4 to 6 weeks of your surgery.

Car driving can be started between 6 -8 weeks and scooter or bike can be started after 3 -4 months of your surgery.

After knee replacement swelling is not uncommon. Mild swelling may last for even 6 to 9 month.

A major reason for putting off a hip or knee replacement  can be summed up in one word: fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of pain. Fear of recovery. Fear of being vulnerable. Their are around 1.5 lacs knee replacement surgeries are done in India every year and around 6 lacs done in US.

YES. Medifirst Hospital Ranchi, Jharkhand has dedicate wing of JOINT REPLACEMENT with highly qualified doctors for Joint/knee replacement, headed by Dr. Ankur Saurav who has many laureates in the field of Joint Replacement and has worked and received his fellowship in Joint Replacement from Munich, Germany. Medifirst Hospital,Ranchi is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digital Orthopaedics Operating Theatre. Joint Replacement unit is well supported by strong Anaesthesia team/Critical Care backup, Physiotherapy team, well trained nurses and dedicated staff.

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