If your knee is severely damaged and causes pain due to an injury or any other condition, it will affect your daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, etc. You may also experience pain even while resting on the bed or sitting.
If your condition didn’t improve with the non-surgical treatments such as medications, you need to consider total knee replacement surgery. It is an effective procedure that can relieve pain and can restore the functioning of the affected knee joints. Total knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage, and then replacing them with artificial joints.
Dr Suhas Masilamani is an experienced orthopedic and knee replacement surgeon in Hyderabad and you can count on him to get your knee replacement surgery performed.
Reasons for Total Knee Replacement Surgery
There are several reasons why a doctor performs total knee replacement surgery. It is generally performed to relieve severe pain, discomfort caused by osteoarthritis. People with this condition find it difficult to perform activities that require bending such as climbing stairs, and walking. It also causes severe pain and the knee may swell.
Other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis can also damage the knee joint. Knee replacement surgery is also performed to treat those conditions.
People suffering from the following problems can also benefit from a knee replacement surgery:
- People experiencing severe pain and stiffness that can affect their daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting and getting up from a chair.
- People who have knee pain while resting
- Chronic knee inflammation that does not reduce with medications and rest
- Knee deformity
- Fracture, torn cartilage that damaged the knee joint
How to Prepare for the Surgery?
To determine if the knee replacement surgery is right for you, your doctor will determine the range of motion of your knee. He will also collect information regarding your medical history, and the severity of knee pain. He may also use X-rays and MRI scans to determine how much does the knee got damaged.
Your doctor will carefully review the evaluation and decide whether knee replacement is suitable for you. He will also explain the possible risks, complications associated with the surgery along with the risks that may occur after the surgery over time.
If you are allergic or sensitive to some medications, you should inform your doctor prior to conducting the surgery. You should also inform your doctor if you are planning for pregnancy. You need to stop eating food 8 hours before performing the surgery. A sedative will be given to you before performing the surgery to relax your body. You should arrange someone at your home for one or two weeks after your discharge from the hospital.
Your doctor may also recommend other preparations if you have certain medical conditions.
How is the Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
The procedure involved in knee replacement surgery varies based on the severity of your condition. You need to admit in the hospital on the day of your surgery. The surgical procedure usually takes one to two hours. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone, and replaces them with artificial implants to restore the functioning of the knee.
During the procedure, your knee is kept in a bent position so that all the surfaces of the joint are visible. A urinary catheter is inserted and if the surgical site has excessive hair, it is removed with an antiseptic solution. Your doctor will continuously monitor your heartbeat, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels throughout the surgery.
The surgeon will make a 6 to 10 inches incision in the knee area. He then removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replaces it with a prosthesis which is made of plastic or metal. Now, the surgeon tests the knee by bending or rotating to ensure that it is functioning well. The incisions are then closed using stitches and surgical staples.
Recovery after the Surgery
After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room and you will be under observation for a few hours or days. The time for how long you stay varies from one patient to another based on the patient’s condition. Your doctor will prescribe medications to relieve your pain. You will be encouraged to move your feet, and ankle after the surgery to help prevent swelling of the leg and to prevent blood clots. Your doctor may give blood thinners, a support hose, and inflatable leg coverings to prevent blood clots and swelling. You may be discharged immediately or two or three days after the surgery.
Your doctor will also suggest physical therapy to strengthen the knee and restore knee mobility. You should also perform breathing exercises and should increase your activities. After discharge from the hospital, you may still need to continue physical therapy.
To recover faster from the surgery, you should follow all the instructions given by your doctor such as using medications, exercises, wound care, and diet.
Looking for a Knee Replacement Surgeon in Hyderabad? Visit Dr Suhas
If you or your loved one has been suffering from chronic knee pain for a long time and is looking for a knee replacement surgeon, Dr Suhas is your right stop. Dr Suhas Masilamani is a well-known orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon in Hyderabad. He has gained vast knowledge in performing different joint replacement surgeries including knee replacement surgery. Before deciding on the surgery, he will determine if the surgery is right for you or if your condition can be treated with medications. Do not delay and book your appointment right away!