Knee arthroplasty is the medical procedure for the replacement of the knee. When your knee is damaged through injury or disease, this kind of procedure might be needed. The most common reason for this is osteoarthritis and rheumatoid art hritis.
Other instances where surgery is needed
One might require a surgery if one has obesity, fused knees, or renal failure. You can opt for a partial knee replacement if the knee is only partly damaged. For some patients with uni compartmental arthritis, osteotomy might be indicated.In this knee replacement procedure, the surgeon will replace the damaged cartilage and bone from the kneecap, shinbone, and thighbone with one made of polymers, high-grade plastic, and metal alloys.
Costs and options
The knee replacement surgery unilateral and bilateral costs $32,000 and $54,320 in the US, slightly more in the UK, $24,000 and $20,000 in Singapore. The cost of knee replacement in India is $3,100 and $5,400.Advancement in technology has put a wide range of options in front of the patient and the doctor who is treating the patient. This is in the form of improved designs that take into consideration the age of the patient, the sex of the patient, overall health, and activity level.
Risks in this surgery
You have all the normal risks associated with any other surgery. This includes bleeding, blood clot in the leg vein or lungs, stroke, infection, and nerve damage. You should notify your doctor if you notice symptoms such as those given below after the surgery is completed.
- Shaking chills
- Fever greater than 100 degree Fahrenheit
- Increased tenderness or redness in the knee
- Drainage at the site of the operation
The knee replacement cost in India is one-tenth of that the US or UK. One might require revision surgery if the replacement surgery fails. For the duration of the surgery and recovery, the patient has to stay at the hospital.
Alternatives to surgery
One can avoid surgery if he or she can get by using one of the following devices or procedures.
- Cartilage transplantation
- Special braces
- Knee fusion
- Osteotomy
- Arthroscopy
- Uni-compartmental arthroplasty
Recovery after surgery
For the best post-surgery recovery, one has to keep certain things in mind.
- Avoid stair climbing
- Keep the body weigh optimised
- Do not indulge in sport activity that involve jerking motion with quick starts and stops
- Stay active and eat a nutritious diet
- Heavy lifting is not advisable
- Move slowly and deliberately
- Think before you do any bending movement, if possible avoid it
- Sit in chairs that are high
Usually, on the first day after surgery, the hospital will arrange for your work with the physical therapist. They will instruct you in a whole range of movements for the leg and knee. At times, the doctor might recommend a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine to help in the recovery process. If you have swelling, they you might have to wear elastic stockings.
There is every chance that the new knee joint will wear out. However, with a little care, you should be able to make it last long. If you feel any pain, immediately consult the doctor.
