Finding Relief: Understanding Total Knee Replacement Surgery

When you have chronic knee pain, you may find yourself struggling to perform routine activities and lead a normal, healthy life. Basic tasks that are easily accomplished by most people, including simply taking a walk, climbing up the stairs, or being able to stand from a chair, can become a challenge. Some of the commonly recommended procedures include total knee replacement surgery (TKR) if other forms of treatment such as medication, injections, and physiotherapy have not healed.
Through this blog, we will focus on the steps that are taken during the surgery, when this intervention can be helpful, the healing process, and outcomes after the operation along with total knee replacement in delhi.

Total knee replacement surgery

TKR is an operation that involves the replacement of the defective knee joint with implants. The surgery involves the resection of the tumorous bone and cartilage from the proximal femur, distal tibia, and, sometimes, the patella. These are then replaced with implants that are normally made from metals like titanium alloys, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and polymers. The aims of TKR include pain reduction, a change in joint mechanical advantage, and the subsequent restoration of mobility.

Who is a candidate for TKR?

Although TKR is an effective surgery for many, the results reveal that it is not an operation for every candidate. Here are some factors doctors consider when recommending TKR:

• Severity of Knee Pain: 

If your pain is continuous and intimately interferes with your routines, TKR is recommended.

• Joint Damage: 

This test involves taking X-rays and will show the level of depreciation of cartilage and deformity of the knee bone.

• Age and Overall Health: 

Although recognizing that there is no age limit as far as surgery is concerned, it is advisable that the patient be physically fit to be operated on and then encouraged to undertake exercises as recommended by physical therapists.

• Lifestyle: 

TKR can help to achieve higher mobility in patients with mobility disorders when the patient is an active individual and wishes to remain active.

What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?

• Pre-Surgical Consultation: 

Consultation with the doctor should be more thorough and may involve other tests. Your doctor will go over your past and present health issues, check your vital signs, and examine any images, such as x-rays or scans. This helps in defining whether TKR is a suitable option and also in preparing for surgery.

• Preparing for Surgery: 

Depending on medical conditions, you will need to add, drop, or change some drugs or quit smoking before surgery is performed. It may also be necessary to have an appointment with a physical therapist to determine if you need to build up the muscles around your knee.

• The surgery: 

TKR is mostly done under general anesthesia and is done in patients who are suffering from severe degenerative joint diseases of the knee. The surgical team will discover the articulation by the incision, remove the bad chondral or subchondral bone, and graft the prosthetic parts. The commonly followed course of treatment may last for one to two hours.

• Recovery:

After the surgery, you will first be admitted to the hospital, where it will take several days of physical rehabilitation to regain the use of your knee. As for mobility, most of the patients are able to walk with a walker or crutches within the first 24 hours.

• Rehabilitation: 

Another thing that is important for a patient’s healing process is therapy, in particular physical therapy. A specialized worker will help you perform some of the suggested exercises that will help to develop your leg muscles and range of motion, as well as help you with balance. This process usually goes on for several weeks or even months after release from the health facility.

What should I expect after recovery?

After the surgery, there should be a drastic reduction in pain and an extreme limitation in mobility, especially on the knee that has been replaced. Going for walks, climbing up steps, and even some low-intensity sports and games are made to be less of a struggle and more of a pleasure. Nevertheless, it is crucial to know that it is not equal to getting a new knee like one has several years before. Restrictions will include activities that engage the lower body or put pressure on joints, such as jogging or leaping.

Why consider Dr. Rajesh Malhotra for total knee replacement surgery?

By selecting Dr. Rajesh Malhotra as your orthopedic surgeon in delhi, you get the best medical treatment from a professional with years of experience. As a highly skilled surgeon in joint replacements and reconstructive surgeries, Dr. Malhotra brings the best of ultra-modern treatment plans. Feel confident in believing that the orthopedic treatment provided by Dr. Malhotra and his team will be of the highest quality and personalized to your case.