Do I Need A Knee Replacement ?
Knee replacement is required for advanced arthritis of the knee joint, producing painful limitation of movements and restriction in activities of daily living.
Knee replacement as a solution should be offered only after supervised physiotherapy trials, have failed.
What Are the different types of knee replacement, and which one do I Need ?
Knee replacement can be total or unicondylar, depending on the number of compartments involved. Among the total knee replacement, there are two popular designs- Cruciate Retaining, and Posterior Stabilized. The decision for the design is best taken by the operating orthopedic surgeon based on the integrity of ligaments. Patella resurfacing as a routine is a debatable subject.
Customized or patient specific Knee Replacement is the latest in technology. Helps the surgeon to get the most accurate result, and Implant longevity for the patient.
If I have pain in both the knees, should I go for surgery of both at the same time ?
Bilateral knee replacement in the same sitting, can be performed if both the knee joints are damaged to the same extent, however the medical condition of patient, and bone quality must be kept in consideration.
When can I resume work after a knee replacement ?
After a unilateral knee replacement, most patients can resume community ambulation within approximately 4 weeks, and start office after 6 – 8 weeks. In a Bilateral Knee replacement, patients attain community ambulation status after an average of 10-12 weeks (approximately 3 months).
In our practice, most of the patients are able to walk without support approximately 3 weeks after surgery.
What are the risks involved in a knee replacement surgery ?
The most significant risks include Infection, Deep vein thrombosis,and Aseptic loosening of implants. The risks correlate with the co-morbid medical condition, and must be discussed with the patient before surgery.
How long do I need to stay in hospital?
Patients normally require hospitalization for 3-4 days in single knee replacement, and up to 7 days in both knee replacement surgery
How much is the surgery duration ?
A single knee replacement takes approximately 90 min- 2 hours. Both knee replacement surgery takes approx 3- 4 hours.
How long do I need to take rest after surgery?
Under normal circumstances, patients are allowed to stand with walker support on next day of surgery. Ambulation with walker starts within 2-3 days, depending upon the medical condition and pain control.
What should I expect during the hospital stay ?
Patients are given epidural anesthesia for surgery, and post op pain relief. They are expected to follow instruction from physiotherapist regarding muscle training.
When do we remove stitches?
Staples / stitches are normally removed 2 weeks after surgery. In case of Diabetic patients with delayed wound healing, staple removal may be delayed by a few days. Absorbable sutures for skin should be avoided due to risk of reaction in some patients.
When can I walk without support ?
Under normal circumstances, patients are able to walk without support after 3 weeks in single knee replacement surgery. In both knee replacement surgery, they take approximately 5-6 weeks.
What activities can I perform after surgery ?
Patients are allowed normal activity after surgery. However, they should avoid high impact sports, running, squatting, cross leg sitting, kneeling. Patients are comfortable to perform walking, swimming, and cycling after surgery.
Is there any precaution after surgery?
Due to placement of a foreign implant inside the body, patients should always get a medical opinion in case of any suspicion of infection elsewhere in body, and a proper antibiotic prophylaxis before planned surgical procedures, or even a dental procedure.
What is the approximate cost of Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Gurgaon, India ?
The approximate cost for a single knee replacement surgery is around 2.0 to 2.5 lac.
Cost of surgery package varies according to the 1) Accommodation, 2) Implant Category.
While performing a Knee Replacement Surgery, it is important to minimize the risk of Infection, and ensure availability of support services like ICU and Blood bank, should the need arise. Patients with additional risk factors like Diabetes Mellitus, or Cardiac Illness need special tests for Anesthesia check, leading to increased cost.