Knee Replacement

Best Knee Replacement Surgery In Hyderabad, India

Knee arthroplasty, commonly known as a knee replacement is a type of surgery done to cure knee pain and restore the functions of the knee joints. People suffering from osteoarthritis are advised to undergo this surgery. These people are generally those who have knee pain and are unable to walk, run, climb stairs and find difficulty getting up from a chair.

In this procedure, the surgeons cut the damaged cartilage and bone from the shinbone, thigh bone and knee cap and replace them with a prosthesis (artificial joint). This artificial joint is made up of polymers, high-grade plastics and metal alloys.

Orthopaedic surgeons assess the knee motion, stability and strength to check whether the person is eligible for the knee replacement or not. X-rays help them to determine the extent of knee damage.

The surgical procedures for knee replacement depend on the age, activity level, health, weight, and knee size, and shape of the patient.

Indications For Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is done to treat osteoarthritis. The patient showing the following symptoms is advised to go for knee replacement surgery. 

• Acute knee pain that limits the daily life activities of the patient.

• Experiencing knee pain while resting.

• Swelling in the knee and long-lasting knee inflammation.

• Unbearable pain.

• A bowing out or in the leg.

Types of Knee Replacement

There are a total of five types of knee replacement surgery. These are:

• Total knee replacement - In this knee replacement surgery, the under-surface of the kneecap (patella) is replaced with a smooth plastic dome. 

• Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement - This type of knee surgery is done when the inner side of the knee is affected by arthritis. This surgery is performed by making a small cut in the knee.

• Patellofemoral arthroplasty (kneecap replacement) - This procedure involves the removal of the under-surface of the kneecap and its groove (the trochlea).

• The revision or complex knee replacement - The patient needs this surgery if he is having a second or third joint replacement in the same knee. This complex knee surgery is done to treat the fracture, weakness of the knee ligaments, and deformity of the knee.

• Cartilage restoration - This type of surgery involves the replacement of the isolated area of injury in the knee with the living cartilage graft.

When is Knee Replacement Surgery needed or recommended?

Knee replacement surgery is a remedy for knee pain and disability, primarily prompted by osteoarthritis, a prevalent condition characterized by the deterioration of joint cartilage. This breakdown results in restricted movement and pain due to damage to the cartilage and bones. Individuals with advanced degenerative joint disease often struggle with everyday activities involving knee bending, such as walking or stair climbing, due to pain. Instability and swelling in the knee are also common symptoms.

Other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis resulting from a knee injury, can similarly contribute to knee joint degeneration. Additionally, irreparable damage to the knee joint may result from fractures, torn cartilage, or ligament injuries.

When conventional medical treatments prove insufficient, knee replacement surgery becomes a viable option. These treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, pain medications, activity restriction, assistive devices like canes, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and viscosupplementation injections to alleviate joint pain.

In cases where obesity is a factor, weight loss may be recommended. Your doctor may suggest knee replacement surgery based on various factors beyond those associated with osteoarthritis.

Risks of Knee Replacement

Every surgical procedure has some complications. The risks of knee replacement are discussed below:

• Headache, nausea and drowsiness because of anaesthesia

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Swelling and pain

• Blood clots in lungs and leg vein

• Respiratory problems

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Allergic reaction

• Artery and nerve damage

• Implant failure

• Wearing out of artificial knee

Surgery is done for an infected knee replacement to remove the artificial parts and use antibiotics to kill the bacteria. After this, a new knee is installed.

Wearing out of the artificial knee is one of the highest risks mentioned above. The plastic parts and strongest metals get damaged while performing daily activities. This risk is higher if the patient performs high-impact activities.

The Procedure of the Knee Replacement

The procedure acquired by the surgeons of the CARE Hospitals to carry out the knee replacement surgery is discussed below:

Before Knee Replacement Surgery:

• Pre-surgical Evaluation: The patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests, to assess the extent of knee damage and overall health.
• Medical Optimization: Health issues such as heart conditions or infections are addressed to minimize risks during surgery.
• Discussion with Surgeon: The surgeon explains the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. The patient may discuss preferences, concerns, and ask questions.

During Knee Replacement Surgery:

• Anesthesia: The patient is given anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
• Incision: The surgeon makes an incision to access the knee joint, usually following a pre-planned approach.
• Joint Resurfacing: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed, and the joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components, which may be cemented or press-fit.
• Wound Closure: After implant placement, the incision is closed, and a drain may be inserted to remove excess fluids.

After Knee Replacement Surgery:

• Recovery in Hospital: The patient is monitored in a recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation starts soon after surgery to regain strength, flexibility, and joint function.
• Pain Management: Medications are provided to manage post-operative pain, and the patient is educated on pain control techniques.
• Hospital Stay: The length of hospital stay varies, but patients typically stay for a few days, during which they receive care and assistance.
• Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing, assess progress, and address any concerns.
• Physical Therapy at Home: After discharge, patients continue exercises at home and attend outpatient physical therapy sessions.
• Resuming Activities: Gradual return to daily activities and exercises to improve strength and mobility.
• Long-term Monitoring: Periodic check-ups are conducted to assess the longevity and functionality of the knee replacement.

Diagnostic Tests

At CARE Hospitals, various knee tests are performed for diagnosing knee problems. Based on these tests, the surgeons decide whether the person requires knee replacement surgery or not. The tests are as follows:

Physical Examination Tests

• Our doctors will visually inspect the knee for deformities, swelling, changes in skin colour, or redness.

• They will touch and feel the knee for coolness or warmth and check whether the patient feels sensations or not.

• The doctors will examine the motion of the knee and will listen to the sound made by the knee.

• They will ask the patient to move the knee joint and leg to check the mobility.

Imaging Tests

• X-rays of the knee are taken to detect bone spurs, joint alignment and fractures.

• CT scans help doctors to see pictures of soft tissues like muscles and ligaments.

• MRIs are done to get detailed images of the structures from different angles inside the knee joint. These include blood vessels, cartilage and bones.

• An arthroscopy test is done to see the inner anatomy of the knee.

Manual Resistive Tests

• Varus and valgus tests are done to determine the stability of the leg bones below and above the knee. In these tests, stress is applied to the knee with the immobilization of the ankle.

• Apley's compression test uses a slight force to determine the state of the knee meniscus.

• Patellofemoral compression tests are conducted in which pressure is exerted on the thighbone and the kneecap to check whether there are any issues in that particular region. 

How Can CARE Hospitals Help?

At CARE Hospitals, the multidisciplinary team of doctors uses minimally invasive procedures to treat knee problems. The hospital provides comprehensive diagnostic services for knee replacement surgery. The trained staff provides complete care and assistance to the patients during their recovery period. The state-of-the-art infrastructure of the hospital gives good vibes to the patients to recover fast and improve their quality of life. 

Click here for additional details on how much this treatment will cost.