What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons to resurface a bad knee caused by a knee injury, wear and tear of the knee, or arthritis.
During the surgery, a surgeon replaces the damaged cartilage and bone with a manmade joint.
Knee replacement surgery relieves knee pain and restores functionality to the knee joints of the patient. It is also known as knee arthroplasty and is one of the most common surgeries performed in Pakistan. Most patients who undergo knee replacement surgery are aged between 50 to 80 years.
Why is knee replacement surgery performed?
If the pain in a person’s knees has become unbearable and they are having trouble walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs; then they need to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, who will assess their knee to determine if it needs to be replaced or not.
Their assessment will be based on the patient’s knee’s range of stability, motion, and strength. The doctor will also get an x-ray performed to determine the level of damage that their knee is suffering from. Then they will choose a surgical technique considering the patient's age, weight, overall health, activity level as well as the shape and size of their knee.
What are the prerequisites for knee replacement?
Preparing for knee replacement surgery is no different from preparing for any other surgical procedure. Patients will have to stop taking certain medications and dietary supplements before their surgery according to the instructions of their anaesthesiologist and orthopedic surgeon.
Preparing for recovery period:
To prepare for the recovery period in advance patients should get crutches or a walker which will help them walk after they are done with the procedure.
They will also be needing assistance with everyday tasks like cooking,bathing and laundry after the surgery so they should make sure that they arrange househelp or someone to stay with them beforehand.
To make mobility easy around the house during recovery period patients should consider doing the following:
- Install a handrail in the shower
- Get a chair with a firm cushioned back and a footstool to keep the leg elevated
- Get a bench or chair for shower
- Try removing loose cords and rugs around the house
How is knee replacement surgery performed?
Knee replacement surgery requires anesthesia so doctors keep the patient hospitalized a day before the procedure to get them prepared.
Knee replacement surgery takes place in the following steps:
- On the day of the procedure the patient will be given an intravenous antibiotic before, during, and after the procedure to prevent any surgical infections. Some doctors also give nerve blocks around the knee to numb it.
- After the anesthetic has been given the doctor will begin the procedure by bending the knee and making a 15 to 25cm long incision and removing the damaged cartilage along with a small amount of underlying bone.
- After removing the damaged cartilage and bone surgeon will position the metal implants and then bend or rotate the knee to ensure adequate functionality of the joint.
- Then in some cases, surgeons resurface the patella and then insert a medical-grade spacer between the metal components to make gliding smooth.
- Before closing the incision the surgeon will make sure that your knee bends and rotates adequately.
What to expect after knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery usually takes around two hours to complete. Then the patient is shifted to a recovery room for one to two hours or until they are conscious enough to recognize their surroundings. After this, they are shifted to a hospital room where they stay for a couple of days. During that period pain control medications are prescribed to them by the surgeon.
The day after the surgery a physical therapist teaches the patient how to exercise their new knee. Patients are encouraged to move the foot and ankle and do breathing exercises which in turn help in preventing swelling and blood clots, by increasing blood flow to the leg muscles.
Some patients also receive blood thinners or compression boots to prevent swelling and clotting. Patients are advised to continue physical therapy at home or a center to make recovery quick and easy.
Tips to recover from knee replacement surgery
Following are some tips that patients can follow to make the recovery process quick and smooth:
- Patients usually have staples or stitches along their wound which are removed a few weeks after the surgery. They should prevent soaking their wound until it is completely dried and sealed. They can also wear a bandage over their wound to prevent any irritation from clothing.
- Some patients lose their appetite for several weeks after the surgery but a balanced diet with iron supplements will help heal the wound.
- Patients should wear their knee brace as much as possible. The knee brace helps in keeping the knee straight and preventing any unnecessary strain.
- Physical therapy is very helpful in restoring muscle strength so patients are advised to go to their physical therapy sessions regularly. For the first few weeks, their activity program should include walking and resuming household activities like climbing stairs, standing, and sitting.
- Patients should follow all the instructions of their doctor regarding diet, exercise, and wound care if they wish to recover quickly.
Knee replacement cost in Pakistan
The cost of knee replacement surgery in Pakistan is Rs.400,000 - Rs.600,000 depending on the hospital and surgeon you choose.
To get the actual knee replacement surgery cost in Karachi, you can book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon in Karachi by calling our helpline at 02138140600 or through the oladoc.com website or app.
What risks are associated with knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is a safe and effective surgical procedure for most people. 2% of these people experience complications and risks which are mentioned below:
Blood clots:
There is a risk of blood clots during or after any type of surgical procedure but blood clots are more common in orthopaedic surgeries. If a patient develops blood clots they might need to spend extra time in the hospital.
Infection:
Infections rarely occur after a knee replacement surgery but still there is a chance. So one should stay cautious and follow all the instructions of their surgeon to avoid any complications.
Complications from anaesthesia:
Adverse effects of anaesthesia include:
- Discomfort
- Shivering
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Body aches and pains
Nerve damage:
Nerve or neurovascular damage happens to 10% of people who go through surgeries. Patients experience foot drop, numbness and tingling sensation if there is nerve damage.
Implant complication:
At times there is a problem with the implant which means that the patient’s knee might not bend properly or the implant becomes unstable or loose.
FAQs about knee replacement surgery
1. How long does it take to recover from knee replacement surgery?
Patients usually can stand with support the very next day after the surgery. But in most cases, people take approximately six weeks to resume day-to-day activities.
2. What does it feel like to have an artificial knee?
After knee resurfacing your knee might feel different from a natural one for a few months. Some people feel numb at times in the replaced knee. Climbing stairs, rising from a chair or kneeling might also feel different with a prosthetic knee.
3. Which tools are used for knee replacement?
Total knee replacement tools include:
- Curettes
- Forceps
- Hooks
- Self retaining retractors
- Pliers (orthopaedic)
- Cement removal tools
- Spreaders
- Rongeurs
4. Will I have knee pain after knee replacement surgery?
Generally pain in the knees lasts for up to several weeks after the knee total replacement surgery. However, bruising lasts for two weeks after the surgery, and swelling goes away within three weeks after the surgery. In some cases, swelling stays for 3 to 6 months after the surgery.
5. How many knee replacements can you have?
For people who get total knee replacement the new knee joint lasts for about 20 years to 30 years. However, if someone gets a partial replacement surgery then they might need a repeat operation after 10 years.
6. What is the outcome of a knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty has become a routine surgical procedure for orthopedic surgeons. 90% of people who get knee replacement surgery see a life-changing improvement in pain and functionality.
