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Having healthy knees is vital to carrying out day-to-day chores. Our knee is the largest joint in the body and comprises three parts: the femur, tibia, and patella. The femur is the lower end of the thighbone. The tibia is the upper end of the shinbone, and the patella is the kneecap. A smooth substance known as articulate cartilage protects the ends of these bones and allows the leg to move comfortably.
Between the femur and tibia, c-shaped wedges, aka menisci, act as “shock absorbers” that shield the joints. Not only this, there are large ligaments that hold the femur and tibia together and provide strength and stability to the knees.
A synovial membrane covers all the left sections of the knee. This membrane is a thin lining and releases a fluid that polishes the cartilage, lessening the friction in a healthy knee.
Typically, these components work in accordance. However, if it gets infected by some disease or injury, the outcome will be painful, and the muscle will get weak and diminish its functioning.
When your knee gets seriously damaged due to an injury or arthritis, it is tough to walk or climb the stairs and feels painful while sitting or lying down. Even after trying lots of things - medicines, injections, or physical therapy and nothing is working for you; then it can indicate that you need knee replacement surgery.
Knee replacement surgery can assist in alleviating pain and reinstalling function in those knee joints which are seriously infected. Knee replacement surgery demands cutting away injured bones and cartilage from your kneecap, thighbone, and shinbone. It then replaces it with a prosthesis. The prosthesis is an artificial joint formed from polymers, metal alloys, and high-grade plastics.
There are certain causes that demand knee replacement surgery:-
Before the procedure
The first step in the procedure is giving the anesthesia. After getting the input and preference from the patient, the doctor determines which type of anesthesia will be provided - general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. In General anesthesia, the patient becomes unconscious. On the other hand, in spinal anesthesia, the patient remains awake but cannot feel any pain from his waist.
During the procedure
The surgeon will first place your knee in a bent position to reveal all exterior of the joint. After creating a tiny cut, the surgeon moves away from the kneecap and separates the injured joint surface.
When the surgeon is done preparing the joint surfaces, he secures the section of the artificial joint. The doctor rotates and bends the knee and examines it to ensure its proper function. Generally, the surgery takes two hours.
After the procedure
The patient will be redirected to the recovery room for at least one or two hours when the procedure is complete. Generally, a lot of people go home on the same day. Doctors prescribe some medications that assist the patient in easing the pain.
The patient will be requested to move their foot and ankle, which will escalate the blood flow to the patient leg muscles and keep up in stopping blood clots and swelling. The patient will also be given blood thinners and asked to wear compression boots to shield from swelling and clotting in advance. Not only this, but they will also ask the patient to do breathing exercises regularly and slowly-slowly heighten their activity level. A physical therapist will also be there to show the ways to do knee exercises. Follow those exercises, diet, and wound care as instructed.
Do take rehabilitation seriously: When you are done with surgery, make sure that you follow your surgeon's instructions carefully. Among the exercises mentioned by your doctor, there will be some exercises that you may find uncomfortable or painful to do, but they are necessary to perform. According to experts, fifty percent of positive results are based on the patient's dedication and determination to strive in physical therapy and rehab. Also, ensure that you take enough sleep and prescribed medications.
Do Use Walker: Walking is among the standard and effective methods for a kneel to recover. But if you walk right after your knee surgery without any support or help, it can be risky for your knee as it will put a lot of pressure on it. Thus, taking the assistance of a walker, at least in your initial weeks after the surgery, will be advantageous.
Do take proper rest: Stress is prevalent during surgery and post-surgery. Proper rest of your body, especially the knee, is crucial to healing within the given time; ensure that you provide complete rest to the body.
Do Focus on the recommended diet: A proper and healthy diet is essential after orthopedic surgery. You must consume enough amount of fluid, vegetables & fruits, especially those which are good in nutrients and vitamins. You are advised to avoid alcohol intake because it can harm your recovery process. Stick to the things prescribed by your doctor.
Dr. Darsh Goyal is a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon who has experience of nearly two decades in knee and shoulder surgery. He has worked in some of the finest hospitals across the globe. He has successfully treated more than nine thousand patients. Dr. Darsh has received training from some of the most respected institutes worldwide - NHS England, Hss New York, USA, and Munich, Germany. He has written many books and international papers. Dr. Goyal’s Bones & Joint Centre is among the best centers for advanced Arthroscopy/Laser Surgery for knee and shoulder and Fast track Total knee Replacement.
When you are done with surgery, avoid rocking chairs, sofas, stools, chairs, and soft chairs. And if you do sit in one of them, then make sure that when you are getting up, try to skim towards the edge of the chair and use the arms of the chair for assistance.
Although, your replacement procedure will decide which implant is best for you. But, the general standard type of knee replacement is a single radius knee. This implant offers a high level of extension and flexion for a majority of patients, nevertheless of gender, age, activity level, and other things.
You are allowed to walk for more than ten minutes. Within a week, your knee will be able to bend ninety degrees. Although, pain and swelling can make the process a little tricky. After ten days, typically, you should be able to ultimately hold out your knees straight.
Generally, the knee implants used will last about fifteen to twenty years. Some people at a younger age may require a second operation to have a cleaning of the bone surfaces and resecured the implants.