Knee Replacement Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery replaces parts of injured or worn-out knee joints. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement - Overview
Knee replacement surgery replaces an injured or worn part of the knee joint. Surgery can help reduce pain and allow the knee to function better. During surgery, damaged bone and bone are replaced with parts made of metal and plastic.
To decide whether a knee prosthesis is right for you, your surgeon will check the range of motion, stability and strength of your knee joint. X-rays can help show damage.
The joint procedures and surgeries that are right for you depend on your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.
Risks
Knee replacement surgery, like any surgery, carries risks. They include:
- Blood clots: Surgeons typically recommend blood-thinning medications to prevent this risk. The most common location for blood clots is in the leg. But they can travel to the lungs and become deadly.
- Nerve damage: Nerves in the area where the implant is placed can be injured. Nerve damage can cause numbness, weakness and pain.
- Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site or in the deeper tissue. Surgery is sometimes needed to treat an infection.
The implants used for knee replacements are durable, but they may loosen or become worn over time. If this happens, another surgery may be needed to replace the loose or worn parts.
Prepare for your recovery
For several weeks after the procedure, you might need to use crutches or a walker, so arrange for them before your surgery. Make sure you have a ride home from the hospital and help with everyday tasks, such as cooking, bathing and doing laundry.
To make your home safer and easier to navigate during recovery, consider doing the following:
- Create a living space on one floor since climbing stairs can be difficult.
- Install safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath.
- Secure stairway handrails.
- Get a stable chair with a firm seat cushion and back, and a footstool to elevate your leg.
- Arrange for a toilet seat riser with arms if you have a low toilet.
- Get a stable bench or chair for your shower.
- Remove loose rugs and cords.
What you can expect
When you check in for your surgery, you’ll be asked to remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. You’ll be given either a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body, or a general anesthetic, which puts you into a sleep-like state.
Your surgeon might also inject a numbing medicine around nerves or in and around the joint to help block pain after your surgery.
During the procedure
Knee replacement surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. To perform the procedure, the surgeon:
- Makes an incision over the knee.
- Removes diseased and damaged bone and cartilage, leaving healthy bone intact.
- Implants the replacement parts into the thighbone, shinbone and kneecap.
After the procedure
After surgery, you’ll rest in a recovery area for a short time. How long you stay in the hospital after surgery depends on your individual needs. Many people can go home the same day.
The risk of blood clots increases after knee replacement surgery. To prevent this complication, you may need to:
- Move early: You’ll be encouraged to sit up and walk with crutches or a walker soon after surgery.
- Apply pressure: Both during and after surgery, you might wear elastic compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves on your lower legs. The air sleeves squeeze and release your legs. That helps keep blood from pooling in the leg veins, reducing the chance that clots will form.
- Take blood thinners: Your surgeon might prescribe an injected or oral blood thinner after surgery. Depending on how soon you walk, how active you are and your overall risk of blood clots, you might need blood thinners for several weeks after surgery.
You’ll also likely be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level. A physical therapist can show you how to exercise your new knee. After you leave the hospital, you’ll likely continue physical therapy at home or at a center.
Results
For most people, knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility and a better quality of life. Most knee replacements can be expected to last at least 15 to 20 years.
After recovery, you can engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, golfing or biking. But you should avoid higher impact activities, such as jogging, and sports that involve contact or jumping. Talk to your health care team about ways to stay active after knee replacement.