Knee replacement in Ahmedabad is a surgical process in which damaged or diseased portions of the knee joints are removed and replaced with new artificial pieces composed of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Our knee replacement surgeon may be taken into account as a therapy option when non-surgical techniques fail to provide the relief needed and the joint has sustained significant damage. To reduce pain, correct leg deformity, and so help to enhance knee joint performance, joint replacement surgery is a very safe and successful operation.
Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged or worn-out knee joint with an artificial implant. The surgery is most commonly done in individuals suffering from severe knee pain and disability due to arthritis or injury. It is aimed at relieving pain, restoring function, and improving the overall quality of life.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Knee Replacement
Patients typically consider knee replacement surgery after non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms. Key symptoms include:
- Chronic knee pain: Persistent pain that worsens with activity and limits daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing.
- Joint stiffness: Difficulty in bending or straightening the knee, particularly after resting or in the morning.
- Swelling and inflammation: Chronic swelling around the knee joint, especially after prolonged periods of use.
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty in fully extending or flexing the knee.
- Knee instability: The knee feels unstable or “gives way” during walking or standing.
- Deformity: Bowing in or out of the knee, or noticeable changes in the alignment of the leg.
Causes of Knee Joint Damage
The primary causes of knee joint damage leading to knee replacement surgery include:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common cause, resulting from wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint due to aging, overuse, or genetic predisposition.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and cartilage damage.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis that develops after an injury or fracture to the knee, causing long-term joint damage.
- Avascular necrosis: Reduced blood supply to the bone can lead to bone damage and joint deterioration.
- Congenital deformities: Some individuals are born with abnormal knee alignment, leading to joint degeneration over time.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are two main types of knee replacement surgeries, depending on the extent of joint damage:
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components, including the femur, tibia, and patella (kneecap). It includes replacing the entire knee joint with a prosthetic joint. Total knee replacement surgery is usually recommended for patients with severe knee arthritis or any other conditions that have caused major damage to the knee joint.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, leaving healthy bone and cartilage intact. This option is considered when damage is localized to one area of the knee. Partial knee replacement surgery, famously known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement surgery. It is recommended for early-stage knee arthritis or only one part of the knee joint.
- Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery:Robotic knee replacement surgery is a newer, more advanced surgery. This is recommended for people with complex knee conditions or for those who require a more customized joint replacement.
- Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery:Bilateral knee replacement surgery includes replacing both knees at the same time & surgery. This type of surgery is recommended for people with severe knee arthritis in both knees or for those who want to have both knees replaced in a single surgery.
- Revision Knee Replacement Surgery:It is performed to replace a failed or worn-out prosthetic joint. This type of surgery is often more complex than the initial knee replacement surgery and may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting or the use of specialized implants.
The Knee Replacement Procedure
Knee replacement surgery typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia or regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural) is administered to block pain.
- Incision: A cut is made over the knee, usually around 6-10 inches long.
- Joint preparation: The damaged cartilage and bone surfaces from the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) are removed.
- Implant placement: The artificial components (metal and plastic implants) are placed on the prepared bone surfaces. These are designed to replicate the natural movement of the knee.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile bandage is applied.
Benefits of Knee Replacements
Joint Replacement removes any damaged surfaces from your joint and replaces them with a plastic or metal alternative. This relieves the severe pain caused by a swollen ligament or bone. This is due to the fact that you are no longer affected by the infected joint.
Recovery and Post-Surgery Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery is essential for successful recovery. The goal is to restore joint function, mobility, and strength.
Phase 1 (First 2 Weeks Post-Op)
- Goals: Reduce pain and swelling, begin gentle movement.
- Treatment:
- Use of cold therapy or ice packs to manage swelling.
- Gentle range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, such as bending and straightening the knee.
- Walking with assistive devices like crutches or a walker.
- Simple exercises to prevent blood clots, such as ankle pumps and quadriceps sets (tightening the thigh muscles).
Phase 2 (2–6 Weeks Post-Op)
- Goals: Gradually increase range of motion, improve mobility, and restore strength.
- Exercises:
- Continued ROM exercises, aiming for about 90-120 degrees of knee flexion by the end of this phase.
- Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles using resistance bands or weights.
- Balance and proprioception exercises to improve stability.
- Walking practice, gradually increasing the distance and transitioning from assistive devices to walking without support.
Phase 3 (6–12 Weeks Post-Op)
- Goals: Achieve full knee range of motion and continue to build strength.
- Exercises:
- Advanced strengthening exercises, including leg presses, squats, and step-ups.
- Stationary cycling to improve endurance and knee mobility.
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the knee and surrounding muscles.
- Functional exercises such as sit-to-stand and stair climbing to improve daily activity performance.
Phase 4 (3–6 Months Post-Op)
- Goals: Full return to regular activities and restore independence.
- Exercises:
- Continued strengthening with a focus on endurance.
- Incorporation of more dynamic exercises, such as swimming or elliptical machines.
- Gradual return to low-impact sports or activities such as golf, walking, or cycling.
- Ongoing functional training for tasks like walking on uneven surfaces, carrying objects, and getting in and out of a car.
Recovery Timeline
- Hospital stay: Typically lasts 1–3 days after surgery, depending on the patient’s progress.
- Return to daily activities: Patients often resume basic activities, such as walking without assistance, within 4–6 weeks post-op.
- Return to work: Sedentary jobs can often be resumed within 6–8 weeks, while physically demanding jobs may take longer.
- Return to full activity: Full recovery and return to most low-impact activities usually take 3–6 months.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Before opting for knee replacement, patients may try non-surgical treatments to manage pain and improve function.
- Medications: NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee and improve joint stability.
- Bracing or orthotics: Supportive devices can reduce strain on the knee joint.
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss and activity modification to reduce stress on the knee.
Risks Involved in the Knee Replacement
As with any major surgery, knee replacement carries some risks:
- Infection: Infection around the implant or incision site.
- Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism may occur post-surgery.
- Implant loosening or wear: Over time, the implant may become loose or wear out, requiring revision surgery.
- Stiffness: In some cases, the knee may not regain full range of motion.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury: Though rare, these can occur during surgery.
By taking care of yourself at home following surgery, you can reduce these risks. If you take care of things right away, healing should take about six months. Taking care after knee replacement is crucial and it’s advisable to get treated by the best knee replacement surgeon in Ahmedabad.
Facilities Available
- Modern, well-equipped operating rooms with proper airflow.
- High-tech medical tools – Joint replacement surgery with computer assistance (CAS).
- Monitoring internal operations.
- Orthopedic staff that is qualified and well-trained.
- ICU with excellent post-operative care facilities.
- Affordable knee replacement surgery cost in Ahmedabad
Happy Patients from Dr. Tirth Vyas
The second reason is to improve the flexibility of your joints. Some patients can resume their usual walking after having knee replacement surgery. Many people have the ability to play football or ride a bike. Dr. Tirth Vyas has been able to carry out effective knee replacements and assist patients in getting back on their feet thanks to our knee replacement doctor in Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment for relieving pain and restoring function in patients with severe knee joint damage. With proper post-surgical care and rehabilitation, most patients experience significant improvements in mobility, pain relief, and quality of life.