Is Knee replacement surgery the only alternative for my disabling pain?
If other non surgical treatment options like medication, exercises, physiotherapy have failed, knee joint replacement is the best option for your pain. It has become the gold standard for treatment of end stage arthritis owing to its high success rate and good quality of life after the operation. Even the cost is quite affordable. Owing to its many advantages, Knee replacement has almost become a routine surgery performed on over 650,000 people worldwide each year.
What is the ideal age to get the knee replacement surgery done?
There is no ideal age to get the knee replaced. If you cannot bear pain anymore and the other options are not working, you can get your knee replaced irrespective of your age. The average of knee joint replacement patient is around 55-60 years old; however patients of all ages have received knee implants.
How do I know which type of knee replacement surgery is ideal for me?
The type of knee replacement best suited for you depends on your age, the degree of arthritic involvement of each of the three compartments of the knee, choice of the orthopedic surgeon and the level of activity. This can be discussed with the surgeon.
How long does the knee replacement surgery take?
The surgery takes somewhere between 1 to 3 hours depending upon the type of surgery and the condition of your knee joint.
Can I get my both knee joint replacement surgeries done at the same time?
Surgeons all over the world have different opinions on this issue. Some surgeons say it is alright to replace both knees at the same time while others are of the opinion that it increases the risk of surgery.
We prefer to do the second knee one week after the first. Between both surgeries, patients stay in the hospital and spend that week in rehabilitation of the first knee.
What should I expect after the knee replacement surgery in India?
You shall have pain and discomfort for a few days which can even last for few weeks. Your doctor shall prescribe you medications for it. You may have swelling and warmth about the knee persistently for 6 weeks after surgery. This will gradually decrease, but it may take 6 months to a year for the swelling to resolve completely. The area may also feel fuzzy or numb. This is normal and the sensation will decrease with time .
What about rehabilitation after the knee replacement surgery in India? How long should I continue to do exercises?
The rehabilitation will begin the next day after the surgery at the hospital itself. Your physical therapist in India will do a number of exercises to regain your strength and range of motion. You should continue to exercise until your muscles are pain-free and you can walk without a limp. It is a good idea to continue your exercises as a lifetime commitment to keep your muscles strong.
Are there chances of my body rejecting the artificial parts?
The materials used for total knee replacement include titanium, cobalt chrome, and polyethylene. To date, there is little evidence suggesting any allergic reaction to these materials.
When can I return to normal activities after knee joint replacement surgery abroad in India?
Most people start walking comfortably with the cane within two weeks of the surgery. Few patients also start driving within six to eight weeks after surgery.
Should I drive a car after knee replacement? If yes, when can I start driving?
This is a very individualistic and impossible to say if you can drive after the surgery and when to begin driving. Although itssafe for your knee if you drive after about 8 weeks. There are few important criteria that must be met for patient to drive safely.
You should be off narcotic pain drugs, be able to get in and out of the driver's seat comfortably and must have regained the strengths in your muscles. Which leg has been operated upon is another deciding factor. Use of right leg is more in driving and thus people with right knee replaced take longer before they can start driving. You can sit with an expert driver and test if you can comfortably drive before you start all on your own.
Do I need to take any precautions after the surgery?
Though this is not an exhaustive list of the precautions, these are the general guidelines to be followed after the surgery. The surgeon and the physical therapist will guide you in detail about the do's and don'ts after the surgery
- Avoid heavy lifting and excessive stair climbing
- Maintain appropriate weight
- Avoid "impact loading" sports such as jogging, downhill skiing and high impact aerobics, twisting or impact stresses.
- Consult the surgeon before beginning any new sport or activity
- Avoid excessive bending when weight bearing, like climbing steep stairs
- Do not lift or push heavy objects
- Do not kneel
- Avoid low seating surfaces and chairs.
How long would my replaced knee last?
The life of your new knee shall depend upon your physical condition, activity level, and weight. Studies show that, in people over 65, the first knee replacement lasts at least 10 years in 95% of patients and at least 20 years in 85% patients.
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Will the implant set off metal detectors since it is made of metal? Would it not cause problem when I go back home after the knee replacement surgery in India at the airport?
Yes, they usually do. The hospital shall provide you with the letter stating that you have a metal prosthesis fixed inside your knee which shall help you clearing through the security checks without facing any problems. You should reach the airport little early to avoid any inconvenience.
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