Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgery for a Pain-Free Life

Knee pain is one of the most common issues that affects both old and young individuals. However, the reasons for the knee pain can vary. Youngsters can have knee pain because of severe injury and patellar tendinitis. Again, older adults can have knee pain because of arthritis. The situation gets worse with time. You cannot do your daily activities like walking or climbing stairs. 

If medicines or physical therapy are not significantly impacting your mobility, then the doctor recommends knee replacement surgery. It is a surgical procedure that replaces some or all of the knee joints.

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Is arthritis restricting you from doing daily activities or playing with your grandchild in the park? If yes, then the doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery. 

The surgery replaces the damaged knee joints with artificial joints. The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with man-made pieces, usually made from plastic and metal. You will require a full year to recover after the knee replacement surgery. However, you can do some of your daily activities as you heal.

The surgery is recommended for individuals who have severe knee injuries or arthritis. Before deciding on surgery, the surgeon will check your knee stability and strength, take an X-ray to determine the exact condition of your damaged knees, and check your overall health condition, age, and weight. 

Anatomy of Knee

Your knee is the largest joint in your body. It is made from tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage. All of them work together to provide stability in numerous activities like walking, jumping, and squatting. Now, let's discuss the parts of the knee.

1. Bones

Your knee is made from three large bones.

• The femur is the upper part of the knee joint.
• The tibia is the lower part of the knee joint.
• The patella or kneecap

2. Cartilage

The articular cartilage covers the ends of the above bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other.

3. Menisci

The menisci, or C-shaped wedges, are present in between the femur and tibia. Its main job is to provide cushion to the joints.

4. Synovial Membrane

The remaining knee surfaces have a synovial membrane. It secretes a synovial fluid that lubricates the knee joint.

Types of Surgery

Knee surgery is done unilaterally or bilaterally, depending on the patient's knee condition.

Unilateral knee surgery involves treating one knee at a time. This approach is usually suggested to patients with specific issues in one knee and the other knee functioning properly. Bilateral knee surgery involves treating both knees at a time. This approach is considered for patients with severe arthritis in both knees.

Patients with unilateral knee surgery will quickly recover compared to bilateral knee surgery.

Nowadays, many hospitals in India are performing total knee replacements using minimally invasive surgery. The surgical procedure is the same as that of the traditional knee replacement technique. 

However, here, the surgeon will make a small incision, only 4 inches compared to 6 inches. The artificial implants will also remain the same, but certain instruments will be used to place them properly. However, minimally invasive surgery is not suitable for all individuals. The patient needs to be healthy, young, and thinner.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon uses a CT scan to create a 3D model of your knee, and accordingly, he will plan for the surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in your knee and inserts the robotic instruments, which are controlled by a computer system. It is an advanced technology used by surgeons. So, it will cost you more compared to traditional knee replacement surgery.

Now, let's discuss the types of knee replacement surgery based on the positioning of implants.

Total Knee Replacement

Here, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage from the surfaces of the tibia and femur and replaces it with metal and plastic components. The surgeon tries to preserve the natural patella as much as possible. But if it is badly damaged, the surgeon replaces it with a plastic dome.

Total knee replacement surgery improves mobility and provides long-lasting pain relief.

Partial Knee Replacement

Here, the surgeon replaces only certain areas of the knee joint. The surgeon recommends partial knee replacements, usually for youngsters who experience knee injury or trauma. Partial knee replacement involves a smaller cut incision compared to total knee replacement.

Knee Cap Replacement

If the undersurface of the knee cap or its groove is damaged, the surgeon performs knee cap replacement surgery. This operation is suitable for one in forty people suffering from osteoarthritis.

Complex or Revision Knee Replacement

Here, the surgeon removes the old prosthetics and replaces them with new ones. This procedure is usually recommended to patients who are experiencing pain in the implant.

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

1. Individuals With Severe Arthritis

One of the most common causes of knee replacement surgery is arthritis. There are three types of arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs in individuals above 50 years old. However, it can happen to younger adults. The cartilage present at the ends of the bones is damaged over time. Hence, the bones get rubbed against each other, and you suffer from severe knee pain. It becomes difficult for you to move from one place to another.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of your body attacks the healthy tissues, particularly the synovial membrane in the knee joints. It thus causes inflammation and swelling. When the swelling increases gradually, it starts to damage the cartilage and bones. 

• Post-traumatic arthritis

If you have developed arthritis after a severe knee injury like a fracture or ligament tear, then you will have post-traumatic arthritis. The symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis have one thing in common, i.e., they cause a loss of cartilage and knee pain. If the pain becomes severe and you cannot do daily activities by yourself, like climbing stairs or walking, then the doctor recommends surgery.

2. Failed Conservative Treatments

If anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or cortisone injections into the knee joint are no longer effective, then it's better to have knee replacement surgery.

3. Severe Knee Pain

If you have severe knee pain while resting or sleeping and it is not improving through medications, then the doctor recommends surgery.

4.Knee Deformity

Knee deformity or abnormal shape of the knee joint can also be the reason for knee surgery. It is caused by severe injury or arthritis.

Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery

Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery

• Blood clot
• Infection
• Blood transfusion
• Persistent pain
• Metal Hypersensitivity

Racure Healthcare assigns every patient a dedicated relationship manager. He will try to answer all your queries and provide assistance related to treatment, travel, and logistics.

Before the Surgery

• The doctor will explain the entire procedure. If you have any questions, you can ask your doctor about the surgery..
• You have to fast before 8 hours of the surgery..
• The doctor may prescribe you sedatives before the surgery for relaxation purposes..
• You need to arrange for a family member or caretaker to help you with daily activities for at least two weeks after the surgery..
• If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, then inform your doctor..
• If you are taking any medications or herbal supplements, then inform your doctor..
• Your healthcare provider will discuss your medical history and perform a complete physical examination to determine your health condition before the surgery. For example, the doctor may perform X-rays, blood tests, or other diagnostic tests..
• Before the surgical procedure, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Read the consent form thoroughly. If you have any questions, discuss them with your healthcare provider..
• If you have any allergic reactions towards any particular medication or you have a history of bleeding disorder, then inform your doctor..

During the Procedure

• Your surgeon will usually take one or two hours to do your knee replacement surgery. You have to get admitted to a hospital on the day of your surgery..
• Your doctor will tell you to remove the clothes you wear and wear your hospital gown. .
• The knee surgery is performed under anaesthesia, which is one of two types..
• General Anesthesia (you fall asleep completely).
• Spinal or nerve block anaesthesia (you will be awake during the surgical procedure, but your body will get numb from the waist down.).

The anaesthesia team will decide which one is best for you.

• The doctor will start an intravenous line on your hand or your arm..
• You will lie on the operating table..
• The urinary catheter will be inserted..
• If you have a lot of hairs at the surgical place, then they will get removed..
• The anaesthesia team will monitor continuously your heart rate and blood pressure..
• Your surgeon will clean the surgical site with antiseptic lotion..
• He will cut the knee area. The surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bones and replace them with prosthetics. The prosthetics are made from metal and plastic. Nowadays, surgeons usually use cemented prostheses. They attach to the bone through special bone cement..
• The prosthesis is made from three parts. The first part is the femoral component, which attaches to the end of the femur bone. The second one is the tibial component, which attaches to the beginning of the tibia. The third one is the patellar component, which may or may not be replaced. The patellar component usually consists of polyethene..
• The surgeon will close the incision area with stitches..
• He may place a drain at the surgical site to remove fluids..
• Your surgeon will then do the sterile bandage or dressing at the operation site..

After the Procedure

• Your doctor may tell you to stay in the hospital for a few days or overnight. Well, that purely depends on your health condition and the opinion of your healthcare provider..
• You will experience some pain after the surgery. It's quite normal. The doctor will provide you with medications to relieve pain after the surgery..
• Your surgeon will provide you with medications to prevent blood clots and reduce leg swelling..
• Your surgeon will provide you with medications to prevent blood clots and reduce leg swelling..
• The doctor may tell you to do certain exercises after a few hours of knee surgery. A physical therapist may come and instruct you about the exercises that will strengthen your knees..
• After a few hours of the procedure, you may experience shallow breathing. It can be caused by many hours spent in bed, anaesthesia, or certain medications. It can also cause Atelectasis, or partial collapsing of the lungs, which can cause pneumonia. Hence, the nurse will provide a spirometer for deep breathing..

Recovery

• The success of your surgery will depend on how well you follow your orthopaedic surgeon's instructions..
• Keep the surgical site as dry as possible. Your stitches will be removed within a few days after the surgery..
• Elevate your leg a few times a day to avoid swelling..
• Drink as much fluid as possible. Follow a balanced diet and eat foods enriched with iron for speedy wound recovery..
• Take a pain reliever to reduce knee pain. However, take the medications and dosages as prescribed by the doctor; otherwise, they can have adverse reactions.
• Avoid falls after knee replacement surgery. A fall can damage your artificial knee joint. Your doctor may recommend using a cane or walker while walking until you have enough strength and stability..
• Resume driving only after asking your doctor..
• Try to do some exercise several times a day to strengthen your knee..

You may also make certain modifications at home to help you recover quickly. It is listed below.

1. Handrails on stairs
2. Dressing stick
3. Remove loose carpets or any electrical cords from the house.
4. Raised toilet seat
5. Avoid climbing on stairs at least till the doctor permits you.

Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery

The average cost of knee replacement surgery in India is between $1785 and $7200. The cost depends on various factors like knee replacement surgery type, implant type, health condition, city type, hospital type, and hospital stay.

Medical Tourism and Treatment Cost

Healthcare expenses are rising year after year. Medical tourism is one of the best solutions in such cases. Patients travel to countries like India, where they can get highly advanced medical treatment at an affordable cost.

Racure Healthcare is one of the best medical tourism companies. It offers a complete package that includes treatment-related services, travel services, and logistics services. 

The company provides a list of skilled surgeons and reputed hospitals in India for international clients. You can access all the advanced medical procedures without any financial headaches. 

Conclusion

Knee replacement surgery is one of the best solutions for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain and reduced mobility. The surgical procedure can improve the quality of life, allowing patients to regain mobility and do their daily activities independently.

Racure Health Care can schedule a consultation with a knee replacement surgeon before your journey. It also provides visa assistance so that you will not have any issues while travelling. Contact Racure Health Care today to learn more about our services.