TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT (TKR)

OVERVIEW

During knee replacement surgery, damaged or worn-out knee joint components are replaced. The procedure may improve the knee's functionality and reduce discomfort. Damaged bone and cartilage are replaced during surgery with plastic and metal components.

 

A surgeon will evaluate your knee's strength, stability, and range of motion to determine whether or not you should have a knee replacement. X-rays can assist determine the degree of damage.

 

Your age, weight, degree of exercise, the size and form of your knees, and general health will determine the best replacement joints and surgical procedures for you.

WHY IT'S DONE

The most frequent justification for knee replacement surgery is to relieve arthritic discomfort. Those who require knee replacement surgery frequently struggle to stand up from a chair, walk up steps, and climb stairs.

 

Surgeons can frequently replace just the injured portion of the knee if it only has one damaged area. The thighbone and shinbone ends are reshaped, and the whole joint is resurfaced, if the entire joint needs to be replaced. These bones are made up of rigid tubes with soft centres. The prosthetic components' ends are put into the softer middle region of the bones.

 

Ligaments are tissue bands that support the stability of joints. The surgeon may decide on implants that can be attached so they can't break apart if the ligaments in the knee aren't strong enough to keep the joint together on their own.

RISKS

Like any procedure, knee replacement surgery has risks. They consist of:

 

Blood clots: To reduce this risk, surgeons frequently advise taking blood-thinning drugs. Legs are the most typical site for blood clots. They can, however, go to the lungs where they might be fatal.

 

Nerve injury: The nerves near the implant site may sustain damage. Numbness, weakness, and discomfort can be brought on by nerve injury.

 

Infection: Infection might develop in the deeper tissue or at the site of the incision. For certain infections, surgery is required.

 

Although the implants used to replace knees are strong, they may get worn or loosen with time. If this occurs, a second operation may be required to repair the damaged or loosened components.

FOOD AND MEDICATIONS

Before your operation, your medical staff may advise you to cease using a few medications and nutritional supplements. The day of your operation, you'll probably be told not to eat anything after midnight.

PREPARE FOR YOUR RECOVERY

You could require crutches or a walker for a few weeks following the treatment, so make arrangements for them before the procedure. Make sure you have transportation home from the hospital and offer assistance with daily duties like cooking, taking a bath and doing laundry.

 

Consider doing the following to make your house safer and simpler to manage while you're recovering:

  • Because ascending stairs might be challenging, design a living area that is all on one level.
  • Install strong handrails or safety bars in your shower or bathtub.
  • Dependable handrails for stairs.
  • Obtain a sturdy chair with a solid seat and back, as well as a footstool to raise your leg.
  • If you have a low toilet, make arrangements for a toilet seat riser with arms.
  • Take a shower on a sturdy bench or chair.
  • Take out cables and loose rugs.

You will be required to take off your clothing and put on a hospital gown when you check in for your procedure. Either a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body, or a general anesthetic, which induces a state like sleep, will be administered to you.

 

A numbing medication may also be injected by the surgeon into the joint or around it to assist reduce discomfort following surgery.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

An average knee replacement procedure lasts one to two hours. The surgeon does the operation by:

  • Creates a cut across the knee.
  • Removes diseased, damaged, and cartilage-containing bone, leaving good bone unharmed.
  • Fuses the new components to the kneecap, shinbone, and thighbone.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

You will spend some time recovering in the recovery area after surgery. The length of your hospital stay following surgery will depend on your specific requirements. On the same day, many folks can return home.

 

Following knee replacement surgery, there is an increased risk of blood clots. You may need to: to prevent this complication:

  • Move quickly: Soon after surgery, you'll be told to sit up and walk using crutches or a walker.
  • Apply pressure: You may choose to wear inflated air sleeves or elastic compression stockings on your lower legs both during and after surgery. Your legs are compressed and released by the air sleeves. That lessens the possibility of clot formation by preventing blood from collecting in the leg veins.
  • Take blood thinners: After surgery, your surgeon may recommend an oral or injectable blood thinner. You may require blood thinners for many weeks following surgery, depending on how quickly you walk, how active you are, and your general risk of blood clots.

Additionally, you'll probably be instructed to perform frequent breathing exercises and gradually raise your level of exertion. You can learn how to stretch out your new knee from a physical therapist. You'll probably continue physical therapy at home or at a facility after you leave the hospital.

RESULTS

Knee replacements typically reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance overall quality of life for patients. The majority of knee replacements should last at least 15 to 20 years.

 

You can take part in a variety of low-impact activities after you've recovered, such as riding, walking, swimming, golfing, or tennis. However, you should stay away from sports that entail contact or jumping as well as high impact exercises like running. Discuss how to continue being active after a knee replacement with your medical team

TKR at B.P. Poddar Hospital

We are routinely conducting TKR surgeries at our Hospital. Dedicated joint replacement specialists, stringent, three-pronged infection control and a dedicated Physiotherapy department ensures higher success rate over the long run. In terms of the financial aspects, apart from cash, we are accepting all major Insurance, TPA and Corporates.

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