Knee Replacement Requirement & Procedure Introduction
If you are suffering from pain in your knee joint, it might be time to consider surgery for “knee replacement. One of the best ways to preserve mobility in an aging population is by offering options that are not just less expensive but are also safer. A doctor can recommend the right knee replacement procedure for your age, severity of pain and other factors in the urgency of your need for relief.
Why Should You Consider a Knee Replacement?
If you are suffering from pain in your knee joint, it might be time to consider surgery for “knee replacement. One of the best ways to preserve mobility in an aging population is by offering options that are not just less expensive but are also safer. A doctor can recommend the right knee replacement procedure for your age, severity of pain and other factors in the urgency of your need for relief.
Take a Look at the Knee Replacement Options
There are many different types of knee replacement options available. A patient has to decide if they want total or partial, hamstring or bypass, metal on metal component or not. Not everyone is a candidate for knee replacement surgery. The surgeon will ask questions to see if the patient has any pre-existing health issues that will impact the surgery.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is an operation to remove and replace a person’s complete knee joint. This procedure may be carried out as the result of injury, degeneration (wear and tear) or on healthy joints affected by osteoarthritis. Joints that can be replaced include the hands, elbows, feet, ankles and knees.
Why Minimally Invasive Procedures are advised?
Doctors will advise their patients for an appropriate procedure based on factors like their age, previous surgery records, medical condition, and the severity of the pain in the knee. Knee replacement is an option in certain cases when stiffness, need to release pressure build up in the bone, and bear weight are ever bothering the patients. Minimally invasive procedures like partial knee replacement, smartphone arthroscopy or lavage would be best in most scenarios.
When to Seek a Consultation from a Specialist?
If you experience worsening knee pain while walking or climbing stairs, you should see a specialist for an exam and consult on the best knee replacement procedure. Many times, people will find that they don’t need surgery at all, and some people may only need one or two of these stages. The initial consultation can let you know what your next stage of treatment is going to be, which includes surgical options such as full (hemi), unicompartmental and patellofemoral replacement surgeries.
Recovery Instructions and Expectations
Upon completion of the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days. You will be discharged from the hospital when your red and white blood cell counts have returned to normal, your pain is managed with medication, and your knee is functioning upon physical examination. The amount of time in rehabilitation varies depending on how quickly you recover from surgery and your overall mobility. With consistent physiotherapy after surgery, it is possible for most people to regain full function of their knee within 1 to 2 weeks.
There are many benefits to physiotherapy after a knee replacement surgery. A therapist can provide relief of pain and swelling, which will make the recovery process more tolerable. They can also teach you how to do exercises with the new joint to avoid stiffness and loss in mobility. A therapist may also be able to help you manage your weight with changes in diet and exercise after surgery.
Your doctor will give you a list of instructions when you are discharged from hospital. It is important to read these so you know what to expect in the coming weeks, but many patients find it difficult to recall everything that was said. Your physiotherapist will be able to provide more information on healing after knee replacement surgery and can help you follow your surgeon’s orders.