Why Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery nowadays has become as common as taking medication for a cold. It is not commonly suggested as the first option for knee pain, but mostly when all other non-surgical options are ticked off. Knee replacement in Mumbai has seen patients from their early twenties to late nineties.

Anyone can be prone to joint pain and its effects.

Age is just a number when it comes to patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Modern lifestyle changes, including long hours at a desk job, less physical activities, and excessive machine dependency are some of the major causes for the increase in knee problems. However, it is most common in older people with increased joint damage and wear-and-tear of joint bones and cartilages.

Osteoarthritis and Other Causes of Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis is the most typical reason for the need for knee replacement surgery. This is a condition that arises due to the breakdown of the joint cartilage. Excessive damage to the joints and surrounding cartilages cause limitation in movements and disruption of daily activities. Moreover, previous knee injuries, torn cartilages, rheumatoid arthritis, torn ligaments, and fractures can cause irreversible damage to the knee.

Popular Treatments for Knee Pain in Patients

Following are the conventional treatments commonly suggested to patients with knee pain:

• • Physiotherapy

• • Weight Management (in case of Obesity)

• • Anti-inflammatory Medications

• • Bracing

• • Devices for Walk Assistance (such as a cane)

• • Steroid Injections

• • Hyaluronic Acid Injections

The entire process of diagnosis and treatment suggestion by an orthopedic specialist depends on the severity of the patient’s condition.

Evolution of Knee Replacement Surgery

The entire success story of knee replacement goes back to the 1890s, when Themistocles Gluck, a German physician, inserted an ivory joint in the knee of a seventeen-year-old girl. Though his attempt was unsuccessful, it is still considered as one of the major steps in the advancements of joint surgeries by the orthopedic fraternity.

Across India, the popularity of the knee replacement procedure is on the rise. The following reasons have been the key to its success:

• • Proper Diagnosis

• • Technological Advancements

• • Cost-Effectiveness

• • Higher Success Rates

• • Decreased Recovery Time

Major health insurance companies have also included knee replacement surgeries as a part of their plan. This has immensely helped many patients who no longer had to live with the pain.

Multi-specialty hospitals across the country have adapted to hassle-free procedures, and innovative techniques practiced globally. Knee replacement in Mumbai especially has seen some huge technological advancement with investments in newer equipment.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries

Knee replacement surgeries are at a considerable increase all across India due to their higher success rate and lower recovery period. The knee replacement procedure can be generally categorized under two types:

New Procedure of Knee Replacement – Cementless Knee Technology

Earlier, the metal prosthetics used in knee replacement procedures were held in place using bone cement. Newer methods use implants that do not need bone cement to be held in place. Instead, the implants used encourage natural bone growths in empty spaces.

The use of this technology has been a breakthrough in the overall procedure. It allows greater relief for the patient as it has no potential complications from cement breakdown in the surgery area. Potentially, it also increases the durability of the joint that already had gone through the replacement process.

Post-surgery Precautions & Recovery

Recent years have seen a rise in people undergoing knee replacement procedures, thanks to path-breaking methods. Orthopedic surgeons have trusted these advancements globally as they significantly reduce the recovery period, post-surgical complications, and infections.

However, the patients need to consider the chances of some of the effects and be extremely attentive and follow the instructions prescribed by the doctors carefully.

Observation and Care at Hospital

Generally, some safety measures are practiced for the patient at the hospital right after the surgery is completed, which are the following:

• • The patient is observed for stable pulse rate, blood pressure, and breathing

• • An exercise program is specially curated by a physiotherapist

• • Physical therapy includes continuous passive motion (CPM) machine

• • Pain controlling medication is given to the patient

Observation at Home and Recovery

Once the patient is back home, it is important to take some time out of excessive physical work and unwanted movements. The doctor also designs an exercise program to follow regularly to bring back muscle strength and movements in the area. This needs to be followed by the patient as instructed. Even regular physiotherapy sessions can be prescribed under certain conditions.

Change in Patient Behavior and Success

The general mindset of the patients has become more positive in recent years when it comes to undergoing knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and other major cities across India has been very common, with great success rates and patient satisfaction.

Medical science, in general, has come a long way in the last few decades. With most surgical procedures becoming less complicated with greater recovery rates, knee replacement surgery is no different. In addition, the patients are more comfortable and less fearful about undergoing this kind of surgery, which gives us hope for many significant expansions in medicine.

Also Read: Types of Plastic Surgery: All you need to know

For more Informational content, Visit Maquismusic and get updated.