blogs

Knee replacement is a big step for people that are dealing with chronic knee pain or joint issues which impact your day to day life. It is important to know the process, the benefits, and what to expect. In this guide we will go over it all related to knee replacement from the surgery through to recovery and how to choose which surgeon is the best fit for you.  What is Knee Replacement?  Knee replacement that we also term as arthroplasty is a surgical procedure we perform when a knee joint is very much damaged or worn out. We do this for patients that have knee damage from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post traumatic arthritis which has not responded to conservative treatment options of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.  During the process we remove which is damaged in the knee joint and put in a prosthesis.  The prosthesis is made up of a variety of materials which include metals and plastics and is designed to perform like a natural knee.  Types of Knee Replacement Surgery  There is a variety of knee replacement surgeries which are best for different types of knee damage and patient issues:.  Total Knee Replacement (TKR)  In this procedure both femur and tibia in the knee joint are replaced. TKR is a solution for patients that have very wide scale damage to the knee.  Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)  Also known as unicondylar knee replacement which is a procedure that only involves replacement of a part of the knee joint when damage is present in a specific area.  Bilateral Knee Replacement  In many cases we see fit to do both at once. We put forward that which is for patients with severe arthritis or degeneration in both knees.  Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement  In this type of surgical procedure we make small incisions which in turn leads to faster recovery and less post op pain. It is for some patients’ needs which is great but not all are good candidates.  Is Knee Replacement Surgery Safe?   Safety and Success Rates  Knee replacement has a large success rate which reports that over 90% of patients do see great pain relief and better mobility post op. Also the procedure is very safe and we are seeing with the use of tech like robotics and digital assistance the risks associated are decreasing.  Possible Risks  Also like any other surgery, knee replacement surgery does so also include the following in its’ set of risks:.  Infection: At times infection does happen at the surgical site.  Blood Clots: In some cases blood clots will form in the legs’ after surgery this also accounts as a reason for which doctors may put patients on blood thinners.  Implant Failure: In a rare case report of what we have put in as artificial knees which in fact stopped working which in some instances may have the issue resolved through more surgical procedures.  What does a Knee Replacement Surgery cost in India?  In some cases in India knee replacement is cheaper than in other countries.  Also the cost may vary which in turn is due to the type of knee implant used, the hospital, and the surgeon’s skill.  Average Costs  Knee Replacement Surgery Cost: Typically between the range of ₹1.5 to ₹4 lakh.  Hospital and Surgeon Fees: Hospital and surgeon costs for your stay will vary by the reputation of the hospital and the surgeon’s experience.  Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and medication are covered which may increase the price but they are necessary for recovery.  Insurance Coverage  Many insurance plans which cover knee replacement are available, but it is important to check the terms with your insurer.  Choosing the Right Knee Replacement Surgeon  Choosing which surgeon to go with is a very important decision on your knee replacement journey.   Here’s what to look for:.  Experience and Credentials: Choose a surgeon that is a specialist in knee replacement and has experience with the type of surgery you will have (total, partial, or minimally invasive).  Patient Reviews: Check out what past patients had to report they are the best source of info on a surgeon’s skill and care.  Hospital Affiliation: Make sure your surgeon is at a reputable institution which has the best medical equipment and staff.  In Ahmedabad which has the best results we leave it to you to consult the top total knee replacement surgeons in Ahmedabad. We leave it open for you to choose the best.  Right Time for Knee Replacement Surgery:   At the time of considering knee replacement the following apply:.  Chronic Pain: Pain which is persistent despite we’ve tried physical therapy or medications at which we see.  Mobility Issues: Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, or with daily activities due to knee pain.  X-ray Results: Severe degeneration of knee joints as shown in X-rays which includes bone-on-bone contact.  Is Delaying Surgery Affects You  Delaying the surgery may cause progress in joint degeneration, resulting in more in depth surgical procedures and longer recovery times. Also with that extra time of pain your overall health may see very negative effects.  Before undergoing Knee Replacement Surgery.  Before your surgery it is important to do the following:.  Medical Check-Up: Run all the tests which include blood work and X-rays to assess your health.  Medications: Discuss with your health care provider all of your medications which may include blood thinners that will require you to stop use prior to surgery.  Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knees and improve results from surgery.  Preoperative Physical Therapy: Improving knee muscles pre operatively may better post op recovery.  The Knee Replacement Procedure   Step-by-Step Process  Anesthesia: In most cases of knee replacement surgery spinal anesthesia is used which leaves the patient aware but with no feeling from the waist down.  Surgical Steps: Surgeon removes degenerative cartilage and bone from the knee joint and in its place puts in a prosthesis.  Duration: Surgery usually lasts 1 – 2 hours.  Post-Surgery Monitoring: Postoperative Monitoring:.  After the procedure patients