Knee pain is an increasing issue among millions of individuals in India and throughout the world. This continuous pain might cause disruptions in our normal activities such as walking, going outside, and climbing stairs. This pain should not be ignored because it can have a substantial influence on your quality of life. Knee placement surgery is an excellent treatment option for patients suffering from severe knee discomfort. The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery is critical and should be taken after taking into account various aspects, including the severity of your symptoms, your age and overall health, the type of implants utilized, the risks and complications associated, and the projected recovery period.
Dr. Anup Khatri, senior Consultant- Orthopedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, spoke to media and gave five important factors to consider before undergoing knee replacement surgery.
- The severity of the symptoms: Before making a major decision, such as knee replacement surgery, it is critical to understand the severity of the symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms such as knee stiffness, limited movement, and extreme discomfort. Mild knee pain can sometimes be adequately managed non-surgically with lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, and medicines.
- The kind of knee replacement surgery and implants used: After assessing your knee discomfort and the severity of the issue, your doctor may recommend either total knee replacement or partial knee replacement surgery. TKR involves your knee joint is successfully replaced by an artificial knee implant. The type of implant your doctor will use can vary from person to person depending on the medical condition. Consult your doctor before the surgery to discuss which implant is best for your condition and why.
- Risks and Complications: As with any other operation, knee replacement surgery carries risks and consequences throughout the procedure. This can lead to a variety of health concerns, including blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), wound infection, severe nerve or tissue damage, implant wear and tear, sudden bleeding in the knee, and blood loss. Individuals should address the risks with their doctor beforehand to ensure a favorable outcome.
- Age and Health Status: Age is an important aspect that can impact your decision to have knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement is often recommended for adults over the age of 55 with severe knee osteoarthritis. Individuals in their 50s or lower need to be cautious and assess the potential benefits and risks linked with this surgery. People with certain health conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk of developing complications during the surgery and post-recovery phase.
- Recovery time: Individuals are recommended to take all required precautions and attention to ensure that the surgical wound heals as rapidly as possible. This includes collaborative efforts such as physical therapy, lifestyle changes, workout routines, and adhering to proper drug courses. The recuperation duration can range from three to eight months.
Source:In