Should I undergo Knee Replacement Surgery?

Every year approximately 700,000 knee replacement procedures are performed in the United States of America. This number is projected to increase to 3.48 million procedures per year by 2030. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/total-knee-replacement-arthroplasty-beyond-the-basics) However, this number represents the tip of the iceberg. An astounding number of patients, continue to look for pain relief and non-surgical treatment options.

Most of them are advised weight loss, physiotherapy, braces, medications and injectables. While these treatment modalities are effective at initial stages of knee arthritis, at later stages they provide limited or no relief.

Despite being in pain, patients often delay or avoid surgery. We asked our experts at SurgeryXchange, what are the most common apprehensions that patients have?

Is knee replacement surgery the right decision for me?

If your knee pain has aggravated to a point that you have pain at night or even when you’re resting, you might want to consider surgical treatment. If you have already tried medicines, injections, physiotherapy and still you’re bogged down with pain, surgery may be the only option. The most important question you need to answer is if pain or lack of mobility is hampering you from living a normal life, then yes, surgery is the answer.

What happens during knee replacement surgery?

Arthritis or osteoarthritis, which usually happens as age progresses, is a process that leads to wear and tear of the joint. The joint surface is covered by a smooth layer of a substance known as cartilage that allows smooth movement in the joint. With age, there is breakdown of this joint cartilage. The damage in turn, limits movement of the joint and causes pain. During knee replacement or arthroplasty, the surfaces of the knee which are damaged are removed and replaced with artificial material.

How long does it take to recover from knee replacement surgery?

The procedure last 1.5 to 2 hours. Physiotherapy is the cornerstone to recovery. Patients are discharged with 1-3 days. Patients can resume normal daily activities such as walking and bathing within several days of discharge. A trained physiotherapist assists them post-surgery and works closely with them over the next few weeks till they recover strength and mobility.

How long does the new knee last?

Scientific data suggests that for patients who got their joint replaced today have a 90-95% chance that their joint will last 10 years, and a 80-85% that it will last 20 years.

(https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217082925.html)

How is life after knee replacement surgery different from the life before?

More than 90 percent of patients suffering from severe pain and inability to walk experience a dramatic reduction in knee pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform common activities. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217082925.htm) But the bigger gain is the impact on quality of life. Most patients describe the surgery as transformative, as it gives excellent pain relief and provides them with the ability to be independent in their day-to-day functioning of life.

So, are you struggling with knee pain? If you’re having trouble getting up out of bed, going to the toilet or fetching yourself a glass of water, it’s time to consider surgery at www.surgeryxchange.com.  A thorough examination by an Orthopedic Surgeon should be the right next step. For booking an expert opinion, click here https://surgeryxchange.com/cost/best-orthopedics-surgeon-in-bangalore