The weight-bearing portion of a worn-out, injured, or diseased knee joint is rebuilt during knee replacement surgery. The goal is to get rid of pain and restore mobility. The knee replacement procedure is an example of arthroplasty, which literally means "the surgical repair of a specific joint." Degenerated joints are surgically rebuilt and replaced with human-made artificial parts or prosthetics in this surgery. The patient will have minimal or no discomfort with a replacement knee joint and will be able to move around in a few months.
What is the need for knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is performed for three main reasons:
- Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that develops with age and is caused by wear and strain on the knee joint. It usually affects persons over the age of 50, but it can also affect younger people. Osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage breakdown, inflammation, and the loss of cartilage in the joints. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, creating pain and increased friction.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: The membrane surrounding the knee joint thickens and becomes inflammatory in this condition. The cartilage is eventually damaged by severe inflammation, causing pain and stiffness.
- Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops as a result of a severe knee injury. The knee cartilage is affected if the bones around the area of the knee shatter or if a ligament is torn.
Who is a good candidate for knee replacement surgery?
When a patient experiences the symptoms listed below, he or she is ready for knee replacement surgery:
- Walking, mounting stairs, sitting in and out of cars, and getting up from a chair are all tasks that are made more difficult by severe stiffness or knee discomfort.
- Knee discomfort is persistent and moderate and prevents a person from sleeping or resting.
- Knee inflammation or swelling that persists despite the use of medicines or rest.
- A visible arch or bow on the inside or outside of the knee is a knee malformation.
- Feelings of depression as a result of being unable to carry out regular tasks. If all other treatment choices have failed to relieve your symptoms, surgery may be the best alternative.
Knee replacement surgeries come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Total or partial knee replacements are available. If your knee has been harmed by arthritis, replacing a portion of the joint may provide relief.
- Total knee replacement: This technique involves replacing both sides of the knee joint with a new artificial joint. This procedure might take anywhere from one to three hours. After the treatment, the patient will experience little or no discomfort and improved mobility; nevertheless, scar tissue will remain, making it difficult to move or bend the knees at first.
- Only one side of the knee joint is replaced with a partial knee replacement. The incision is also smaller since a smaller piece of the joint or bone is removed. The process also takes less time than a total hip replacement.
People who have a partial injury to one portion of the knee should consider PKR. Because there is less blood loss and thus a lower risk of infection or blood clots, recovery time after surgery is quicker. In this instance, the hospital stay will be shorter, and the patient will be able to walk around more freely.
Knee Replacement Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting ready for surgery: The pre-operative groundwork, consultations, and physical examinations for a knee arthroplasty procedure normally begin a month before the scheduled surgery date. Checking blood counts, examining how blood clots, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and routine urine tests are all examples of diagnostic examinations.
The majority of surgeries are done under general or epidural/spinal anesthesia. The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee and then inserts an artificial implant to restore the knee's proper alignment and movement.
Following the procedure, recovering at home
The patient is admitted to the hospital for a minimum of 1 to 3 days after a knee replacement procedure, depending on how well he responds to rehabilitation. The agony lasts a few days, but a physical therapist helps the patient get up and try walking with crutches or a walker the day after surgery. It is critical to follow all of a therapist's directions in order to heal quickly.
Physical therapy treatments on a regular basis help to strengthen the knee. These treatments may be uncomfortable at first, but they assist to reduce the chance of future issues.
At-home recuperation
According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), full recovery from knee replacement surgery might take up to three months. After four to six weeks, you should be able to drive again, and after six to eight weeks, you should be able to return to work. Physical therapy sessions are usually required for three months. Patients should follow their doctor's and physical therapist's directions to the letter.
Following a procedure, you may be advised to take iron supplements on a daily basis to aid wound healing and muscle building.
- For the first several weeks, avoid lifting heavy objects or bending down.
- It's best not to stand for long periods of time because this can cause ankle edema.
- Until your knees are strong enough to carry your weight, you should use a cane, crutches, or a walker.
- To be cautious and to take all drugs as prescribed.
- To exercise as directed in order to promote mobility.
- Using a footstool to keep the leg up while sitting.
- Because there is a risk of infection, do not wet or bathe the wound until the scar has healed completely.
- The patient should walk and take precautions to prevent falling, as this could result in problems or the need for additional surgery.
You could also take some practical steps like:
- To avoid slipping in the shower, install a strong guardrail and sit in a firm chair.
- On the ground floor, try to rearrange your living and sleeping quarters.
- Remove any rugs or carpets from the premises, as well as any tripping hazards such as unsecured cables. After six weeks, most people may resume their normal daily activities, but there is a chance of some soreness or inflammation for the next three months. The surface scar tissue and muscles, on the other hand, require a number of years to heal.
Complications and risks
The following are some of the potential issues of a knee replacement:
- Infection was found in roughly 2% of the patients.
- Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot in the leg.
- A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lungs.
- During or after the surgery, a fracture or damage
- Nerve injury that causes numbness or weakness
Constant discomfort or pain. If you discover any indications or symptoms of an infection or a blood clot, you should contact your surgeon or doctor. Fever, swelling, bleeding, redness, drainage, or increased pain in the affected area are all signs of infection. A blood clot in the leg could be indicated by redness, soreness, or inflammation below the knee, or in the ankle, foot, or calf, whereas a blood clot in the lungs could be indicated by dyspnea or chest pain.
The cost of knee replacement surgery in India
Knee replacement surgery costs in India range from Rs.1,50,000 (about $2,200) to Rs.3,80,000 (roughly $5,500). The cost of a knee replacement in India is relatively affordable when compared to many Western countries.
The cost of a knee replacement is usually determined by the type of knee replacement performed. The chart below shows the various forms of knee replacement expenses in India.
Knee Replacement Types
Unilateral total knee replacement surgery
In India, the price ranges from 1,61,000 to 2,47,000 rupees.
In dollars, the cost ranges from $2,319 to $3,558.
Total Knee Replacement on One Side
In India, the cost ranges from 2,62,000 to 4,26,000 rupees.
In dollars, the cost ranges from $3,774 to $6,137.
Total Knee Replacement on Both Sides
In India, the cost ranges from 2,62,000 to 4,26,000 rupees.
In dollars, the cost ranges from $3,774 to $6,137.
Knee Replacement Parts
In INR, the price ranges from 1,50,000 to 2,20,000.
In dollars, the cost ranges from $2,152 to $3,156.
Knee Replacement Revision
In INR, the price ranges from 2,84,150 to 4,69,050.
In dollars, the cost ranges from $4,093 to $6,757.
Reasons for India's cheaper knee replacement costs
- In comparison to other western currencies such as the US dollar, euro, and pound, the value of the Indian currency is lower. As a result, knee replacement surgery in India is cheaper.
- In India, there are numerous private hospitals that provide excellent care. As a result of this, competition amongst hospitals is increasing, and as a result, they are able to give therapy at a fair rate.
- Despite the fact that Indian doctors and surgeons are highly trained and experienced, as well as having international expertise, they charge less than their international counterparts.
- India's level of life is also lower than that of many other affluent countries. As a result, compared to other western countries, food, travel, lodging, and other expenses are lower here.
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