Total Knee Replacement is for Whom?

Total knee replacement in Hyderabad

Total Knee Replacement in Hyderabad at Sunshine Hospitals | Dr. Praharsha Mulpur

Are you feeling pain, stiffness in your knees while moving downstairs or climbing upstairs? Is your activity getting limited due to walking difficulty? Is your knee pain becoming severe with every passing day and with movement?

Are you the one who is taking support of a cane or walker and finding it difficult to move even a few steps without support?

In general, if severe pain in the knee joint is making your life miserable and not allowing you to get in and out of your chair comfortably and walk normally, then it is time for you to see your orthopedic doctor.

Some people may have knee deformity and a few others report moderate to severe pain while resting as well.

If you have any of the above symptoms, your orthopedic doctor will evaluate your case to see whether you need a knee replacement

A knee damaged by arthritis is resurfaced by a surgical procedure called total knee replacement or knee arthroplasty or knee replacement. Let us try to understand when one needs a total knee replacement.

Total Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement or Knee Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to resurface the damaged portion of the knee joint. The knee joint is a hinge joint as it helps in motion. Thighbone (femur) adjoins (tibia – the lower leg bone) at the knee joint. The knee joint also has a knee cap.

The Knee Joint

The cartilage and bones that form the knee joint function normally as long as they are healthy. However, when these bones, cartilage, and knee cap get damaged, their damaged parts or portions are removed and replaced with artificial components. During a typical knee replacement procedure, the damaged part of the thigh bone (femur) is cut away and replaced with a shell (metal surface), shin bone’s damaged part is replaced with a spacer and a metal stem. In other words, the knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis (an artificial joint). It is made of alloys, metals, high-grade plastics, and polymers (the artificial components of the knee joint).

Kee Replacement is for Whom?

Total knee replacement is considered for the following cases: severe arthritis, severe knee injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, trauma, and also to treat progressive knee pain and the destructive diseases of the knee joint. People with knee stiffness, swelling, inflammation, chronic pain, decreased knee function impaired knee movement and progressively increasing knee pain are the candidates for total knee replacement surgery.

Planning a Total Knee Replacement in Hyderabad

Your orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee replacement surgery performs a complete physical examination. He also assesses the strength, flexibility, and stability of your knee point. He uses bone scans, and X-rays to completely evaluate your case and to see whether you are a candidate for total knee replacement. In a nutshell, the final decision to have a total knee replacement is a cooperative approach – wherein you, your family, and your surgeon are involved.

Results of a Total Knee Replacement in Hyderabad at Sunshine Hospitals

Knee replacement relieves severe knee pain, increases mobility (knee function), and ensures a higher quality of life for the majority of people. It is a safe, effective, and gold standard surgical procedure for the treatment of diseased and severely damaged knee joints. In addition, most knee replacements are predicted to last for at least 15 years or more. Most everyday activities, such as shopping and minor housekeeping, can be resumed three to four weeks after surgery. 

After you’ve recovered, you can do low-impact activities like walking, swimming, golfing, or riding. Higher-impact activities, such as running, tennis, and sports that require contact or jumping, should be avoided. Discuss your limitations with your doctor.

Patients after undergoing total knee surgery must follow all the instructions given by their orthopedic surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists. Physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation after total knee replacement.

Bottom line

When you have chronic knee discomfort or osteoarthritis, you may need a knee replacement. Furthermore, you must understand when a knee replacement is required for you.

It is a normal human tendency to avoid surgery and to go for less invasive means of relieving pain and other symptoms. Therefore, many people try medications, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy – without even consulting a specialist doctor. This is not the solution to their problems. You must see your doctor to know whether total knee replacement is the best and most effective procedure.

Hope this article helps you to acknowledge when surgery is actually required for you. However, you must consult your orthopedic surgeon.

Are You Planning a Total Knee Replacement in Hyderabad at Sunshine Hospitals?

The best option for you to consider if you are planning complete knee replacement is Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery. Consult me by fixing an appointment or call now to clear all your concerns about robotic knee replacement.