Knee replacement, commonly known as complete knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces a knee damaged due to arthritis. The bone ends that form the knee joint and the kneecap are capped with plastic (Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene )or metal (Cobalt Chrome Titanium )implants.
If you have severe arthritis or knee injury, please speak with Dr. Saurabh Talekar, one of the best knee replacement surgeons in Kandivali, Mumbai.
He has vast experience with trauma and has received comprehensive training in different aspects of orthopaedic surgery. He discovered his passion to help people through the methods of Padmashri Dr. John Ebnezar's WHOlistic Orthopaedics approach.
Orthopaedic disorders are ailments and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and other connected tissues. Chronic orthopaedic illnesses or an injury might pose a risk to any of these body structures.
Knee pain affects almost everyone at some stage of life. Muscle cramps, tendinitis, and more severe ligament and cartilage injuries can all be caused by sports, workouts, and other activities.
Why is knee replacement surgery required?
Arthritis is the most prevalent cause of chronic knee pain and impairment. The three most common causes of knee pain are osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Knee replacement surgery relieves knee pain and impairment(improves function).
1. Osteoarthritis:
The most prevalent ailment that necessitates knee replacement surgery. It mainly affects persons over 50, but it can also affect younger people. The distinctive feature of this ailment is the deterioration of joint cartilage.
2. Post-traumatic arthritis:
This can happen due to a severe knee injury. Bones fractures around the knee, as well as tears in the knee ligaments, can harm the articular cartilage over a period of time, causing pain and limiting function.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Is an autoimmune disorder the cause of which is unknown. The bodies immunity caused inflammation in multiple joints in the body. Knee being a weight-bearing joint is most commonly affected. There is also the affection of small joints of the hand and feet. People struggle with symptoms of stiffness in the morning and multiple joint pains.
Damage to the cartilage and bones restricts movement and may result in pain. Because of the pain, people with serious degenerative joint disease may be unable to perform regular tasks that require bending the knee, like walking or going up the stairs.
If nonsurgical treatments like medicines and walking aids are no longer helpful, total knee replacement surgery could be your best option. However, many individuals are apprehensive about having knee replacement surgery and will wait as long as possible.
Dr. Saurabh Talekar has counselled many patients who expressed fear about getting a knee replacement in Kandivali, Mumbai. He says that most of these fears stem from surgical misunderstandings.
Here are some myths and realities concerning knee replacement surgery to help you relax.
Myths and Facts
Myth: Knee replacement surgery will limit your activity
- Fact: In reality, you can continue the activities you did before your knee surgery. Even your doctor will encourage you to undertake simple exercises and take long walks to help the implant last longer. So there is no need to be concerned about any limitations in knee activities.
Myth: Each knee will require a separate sitting
- Fact: It depends on the individual. If the patient is in good health, the surgeon can perform knee replacement surgery on both knees in one sitting.
Myth: Knee surgery is dangerous; your body may reject the implants, and the procedure will most likely fail.
- Fact: Knee surgery is extremely safe as it is a commonly performed procedure and complications are rare. The implants are made to be suitable for the human body. Thus your body will not reject them, and there will be no adverse side effects(one in a million ). Knee replacement surgery is not a high-risk procedure.
Myth: You will remain in bed for a long time after the surgery, and it will take longer for you to recuperate.
- Fact: You will be able to walk on the next day of operation. In some cases, patients can walk the same day and do not require extensive bed rest. Patient is discharged from the hospital when he can individually perform his daily activities.(2-4 days) The surgeon will recommend light workouts and long walks.
Myth: Your knee replacement will only last about 10 years
- Fact: With current technology and study, implants can endure 20 years or longer in some cases. The average age of patients requiring knee surgery is usually 60-65, so the surgery will last them a lifetime in most cases.
Myth: You are too old to undergo total replacement
- Fact: The average age of patients getting a total knee replacement is 60-65; however, it depends on the need. Total knee replacement surgery can be successfully performed in people beyond the age of 90, providing immense pain relief and improved quality of life. The surgeon should know the patient's medical history to avoid postoperative complications.
Conclusion
The knee is the largest joint in the body, and having healthy knees is required to perform most everyday activities. Damage to the knee joint is a debilitating condition that progresses over time, causing chronic discomfort. Joint discomfort and stiffness can make it difficult to perform regular duties.
The severe pain and inactivity caused by the condition can lead to depression and sleep problems. So please do not delay and prolong your discomfort.
The total knee replacement surgery typically takes between one and two hours, but it will give you a new lease on an active life.
If you or your loved ones face any knee problems, it is time to stop worrying. Please get in touch with Dr. Saurabh Talekar, one of the most trusted and proficient knee replacement surgeons in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
He is also interested in new technologies and breakthroughs, and he is currently getting training in robotic surgery for the knee joint. Through his Blogs, he wants to enlighten and be available to his patients.
