Total Knee Replacement Surgery is an important medical procedure for people who have severe pain in their knees or are unable to carry out their daily activities without pain. This surgery is mainly for patients who have arthritis or other serious problems in their knees. In this surgery, the damaged part of the knee is removed and replaced with a prosthetic knee. In this blog, we will learn in detail about total knee replacement surgery – what is the surgery, its causes, procedure, and aftercare.

What is total knee replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery is a type of orthopedic surgery in which the damaged part of the knee is removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The knee generally has three main parts:

Femur: This is your thigh bone.

Tibia: This is the lower bone of your leg .

Patella: Which we know as the knee cap.

When these parts of the knee are damaged due to arthritis or other disorders, the knee does not function properly, and the person suffers unbearable pain. In surgery, these damaged parts are removed and replaced with artificial parts made of metal or plastic, so that the knee can function normally.

Why is Total Knee Replacement Surgery Needed?

Total knee replacement surgery is usually performed for people who have chronic knee pain and are not responding to other treatments, such as medications, therapy, or injections. Some of the major reasons that indicate the need for this surgery are as follows:

1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause. As we age, the cartilage in our joints starts to wear away, causing bones to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease in which the body. 's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This leads to inflammation, pain and damage to the knee.

2. Severe Knee Injury: Sometimes a severe knee injury may require surgery. The injury may cause broken bones or severely damaged joints, causing pain and instability.

3. Joint Infection: Any type of infection can impair the functionality of the knee, making knee replacement necessary.

What could be the appropriate time for total knee replacement surgery?

Deciding to have surgery is an important step, and should be taken after careful consideration in consultation with your doctor. If the following conditions are present, it may be the right time to have surgery:

1. Severe and persistent pain in the knee that does not respond to medications and physiotherapy.

2. Difficulty with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up and sitting.

3. Pain or swelling in the knee, even at rest.

4. The knee condition does not improve even after trying all the treatments suggested by the doctor.

5. Instability in the knee, making it difficult to stand or walk.

How is preparation done for total knee replacement surgery?

Preparation before total knee replacement surgery is very important. This helps in making the recovery after surgery fast and successful. Before surgery, the doctor conducts some important examinations and tests, such as:

1. Blood test and urine test: To check the general condition of the body and for any infection.

2. X-ray and MRI scan: To better understand the condition of the bones and cartilage of the knee.

3. Anesthesia consultation: A meeting with an anesthesia specialist is held to decide which type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery – general anesthesia (numbing the whole body) or local anesthesia (numbing only the knee area).

4. Medication preparation: Information is given about which medicines can be taken before surgery and which ones will have to be stopped.

What is the procedure of total knee replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery is usually completed in 1 to 2 hours. The surgical procedure is as follows:

1. Anesthesia: Firstly, the patient is given anesthesia so that he does not feel any pain during the surgery.

2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision on the front of the knee to allow them to access the knee joint. This incision is usually 6 to 10 inches long.

3. Removal of the damaged part: The damaged parts of the knee's femur, tibia, and patella are removed.

4. Artificial joints: After removing damaged parts of the bones, artificial joints are placed in their place. These artificial joints can be made of metal or plastic, and are firmly attached to the bones.

5. Completion of the surgery: After the artificial joint is placed, the incision is stitched, and the knee is bandaged and immobilized.

What should be the post surgery care?

Post-surgery care and rehabilitation are extremely important for the success of total knee replacement surgery. With proper care, the patient can return to normal life soon. The following are the steps of post-surgery care:

1. ICU care: Immediately after surgery, the patient is taken to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) so that his condition can be monitored.

2. Pain management: Pain after surgery is normal, so the doctor prescribes painkillers. Gradually the pain subsides and the patient starts returning to normal activities.

3. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is the most important process after surgery. It helps in restoring mobility and strength of the knee. Physiotherapists make the patient do light exercises, which increases the flexibility of the knee and helps in walking.

4. Walking practice: A few days after the surgery, the doctor advises the patient to start walking. Initially, a walker or crutches are used, but gradually the patient is able to walk without any support.

5. Wound care: It is very important to keep the surgical bandage on the knee clean and dry so that there is no risk of infection. The doctor checks the wound from time to time and takes immediate measures if any complications occur.

What are the possible risks after surgery?

Every surgery carries some risks, and total knee replacement surgery is no different. Although doctors ensure before surgery that the patient's condition is suitable for this procedure, there may still be some potential complications, such as:

1. Infection: There is a risk of infection in the wound after surgery. For this, the doctor gives antibiotics and advises to clean the wound regularly.

2. Bleeding: After surgery, bleeding may occur in or around the knee, which doctors try to control immediately.

3. Blood Clots: There is a risk of blood clots after total knee replacement surgery, especially in the legs. For this, anticoagulant medicines are given and the doctor advises the patient to move the legs from time to time and do light exercise.

4. Loosening of the artificial joint: Sometimes the artificial joint may become loose after surgery, which may require surgery again. However, this problem is very rare.

Best hospitals in India for total knee replacement surgery-

1. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

2. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, Okhla, New Delhi

3. Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi

4. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi

5. Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi

6. Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi

7. Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram

8. Fortis Healthcare Limited, Gurugram

9. Paras Hospital, Gurugram

10. Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta, Bangalore

11. Apollo Hospitals, Naga, Bangalore

12. Aster CMI Hospital, Sahakar Nagar, Bangalore 

conclusion:

Total knee replacement surgery is an excellent option for people who have severe knee pain and whose lives are being affected by this pain. This surgery not only provides relief from knee pain but also enables the patient to carry out his daily activities independently. With the right care and rehabilitation, the patient can lead a normal life and lead an active lifestyle after surgery.