Answers to Common Questions About Total Knee Replacement
1. When is the right
time to undergo a Knee Replacement?
If you are unable to climb the stairs, getting up and
sitting down is difficult, not able to stand on one side because of the Knee
pain, and pain relief medications are only giving temporary relief, then it is
better that you consult a Knee Replacement expert.
2. Is there a way to
avoid surgery?
As patients, we always try out the best treatment methods to
avoid undergoing a surgery. There are patients for whom some treatment methods
might work before going for a Total Knee Replacement:
·
Physiotherapy
·
Lifestyle changes
·
Medications
·
Alternative treatment options such as:
o
Acupuncture
o
Prolotherapy – in this, fluid is injected to
strengthen the connective tissue
o
Taking steroid or hyaluronic acid injections
o
Arthroscopic Surgery – through this the damaged
cartilage is taken care of
3. What will occur
during surgery and how long will the knee replacement operation take?
Mostly, Knee Replacement
Surgeries take 1.5-2 hours to complete. An incision is made on top of the Knee
to expose the affected portion. Generally, the cut is about 10 inches but in
minimally invasive approaches, it can be four inches. Then the surgeon moves
the Kneecap aside and takes out the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces
them with the implants. these components together form a new joint that
replicates the Knee functions.
4. What pieces are
used in a Knee Replacement and how are they kept in place?
Implants are used that are made
up of medical-grade plastic or metal or a combination of both. In order to
secure these implants to the bone, two methods are used. First, applying bone cement,
which takes around 15 minutes to set, and secondly, a cement-less method, which
uses components having a porous coating that grows into the tissue or attaches
to the bone. In few cases, the surgeon may use both these methods during the same
surgery.
5. Should I be
concerned about anaesthesia during surgery?
Anaesthesia does have some risks
involved. However, the rate of complications or any risks are very low. A team
of anaesthesia experts will determine, which type of anaesthesia will be the
best for you – spinal, general epidural or regional nerve block.
6. How much pain will
I experience after surgery?
There is obviously some pain
after the surgery, but it will be there for about 4-5 days. Further, the
surgeon may a long-lasting anaesthetic agent to keep the post-surgical pain
low; also, pain relief medications are given intravenously or can be oral
medication too. Once discharged from the hospital, you will be given tablets to
take care of the pain. Once you have recovered, the pain will subside totally.
At the same time, you need to engage yourself in physiotherapy and also make
some lifestyle changes.
7. What should I
expect immediately following surgery?
After the surgery, your Knee will
be bandaged and there will be an equipment to drain any fluid accumulated in
the joint. The Knee is in an elevated position and placed in a CPM machine,
that very carefully bends and extends your leg, while you are lying down. A
catheter is also inserted so that you do not have to get up to use the
washroom. Also, you may have to wear a sock or a compression bandage to boost
blood circulation; even foot pumps to lower the chances of a clot. There are
patients who have an upset stomach after surgery, but this is normal, and
medication can be given to address this.
8. What can I expect
during recovery and rehabilitation from Knee Replacement?
Most of the patients are up and
walking the very next day after the surgery – either with the help of a walker
or crutches. A physiotherapist helps to bend and straighten the Knee after the
surgery. The physiotherapy continues regularly for a few weeks, after you are
back home. There are specific exercises to boost the Knee’s functionality. In
case, your condition is more serious, and you don’t have much support at home
then the surgeon may recommend you stay at a nursing facility or a
rehabilitation centre.
9. What do I need to
do to prepare my home for recovery?
If you stay in a multi-storied
house, then it is advisable that you shift downstairs for a few weeks so that
you can avoid climbing the stairs. Also, you need to de-clutter your home,
remove the rugs, any loose wire on which you might stumble and fall, etc.
Install handrail, a seat at the shower area, and sufficient lighting to avoid
any unfortunate accident.
10. Will I require
any special equipment?
The surgeon may recommend about
using a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine at home, while you lie on a
flat surface or on your bed. You may be discharged from the hospital with this
device. But, if not then, the doctor or your physiotherapist can arrange for
this machine and get it delivered to you. A CPM machine is one that helps in
increasing the Knee motion during the initial few weeks after a Total Knee Replacement. It is also helpful in slowing down the formation of scar
tissue and for acquiring utmost range of motion. It’s very important to use the
device as recommended. But at the same time, doctors are finding that it isn’t
as essential as it has been in the past and these days, very often it is not
used.
In addition to this, your doctor may
also suggest using any mobility equipment, which you might need, such as a walker
or a crutch.
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