 "Dr Shruti Barve")
Arthroplasty, commonly known as knee replacement surgery, is a procedure to recreate the whole knee by supplanting artificial material (knee prosthesis made of plastic and metal) in place of the damaged knee-cap. The surgery involves complex processes for bone recreation in situations where the knee has been injured beyond repair.
Need for knee replacement
The most common reason is the damage of the knee due to a disease such as acute osteoarthritis, which results in damaging the structure of the knee-cap partially by drying up the cartilage. The disease slowly causes degeneration of the original structure, which might lead to acute complications such as immobility. In serious cases, some bones in the leg and thigh damaged by the disease might also have to be replaced. Other diseases that might require this procedure include post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Severe damage of the knee area due to accidents or falls might also require a replacement. Generally, the elderly are more vulnerable to this as their muscles start disintegrating and the bones become brittle.
Complications after the surgery
This is a complex procedure and needs the expertise of an experienced surgeon. If carried out immaculately, there is little chance of any complication. Yet sometimes, due to internal and external factors such as instability of ligaments, loose implant, stiffness of the joints, blood clot or infections might occur. Usually these complications are minor and can be easily cured. However, it is important to check the surgical area for any signs of infection that involves redness, inflammation and mucus formation. It is important to get the dressing changed according to the advised time period. In most cases, patients can resume their original lifestyle soon after the surgery.
Stages of recovery
As soon as you wake up after surgery, the rehabilitation process begins with standing and walking with the help of an assistive device. In fact, it is very important to use the artificial knee as soon as possible. Once you are back from hospital, be as mobile as possible and walk at least 25 feet every day. Also, go up and down the stairs using assistive devices. By the sixth week you must gain some strength through suggested exercises and walking. By the twelfth week, you should also start other physical activities — apart from exercises such as dancing, cycling, golf or swimming.
Need for knee replacement
The most common reason is the damage of the knee due to a disease such as acute osteoarthritis, which results in damaging the structure of the knee-cap partially by drying up the cartilage. The disease slowly causes degeneration of the original structure, which might lead to acute complications such as immobility. In serious cases, some bones in the leg and thigh damaged by the disease might also have to be replaced. Other diseases that might require this procedure include post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Severe damage of the knee area due to accidents or falls might also require a replacement. Generally, the elderly are more vulnerable to this as their muscles start disintegrating and the bones become brittle.
Complications after the surgery
This is a complex procedure and needs the expertise of an experienced surgeon. If carried out immaculately, there is little chance of any complication. Yet sometimes, due to internal and external factors such as instability of ligaments, loose implant, stiffness of the joints, blood clot or infections might occur. Usually these complications are minor and can be easily cured. However, it is important to check the surgical area for any signs of infection that involves redness, inflammation and mucus formation. It is important to get the dressing changed according to the advised time period. In most cases, patients can resume their original lifestyle soon after the surgery.
Stages of recovery
As soon as you wake up after surgery, the rehabilitation process begins with standing and walking with the help of an assistive device. In fact, it is very important to use the artificial knee as soon as possible. Once you are back from hospital, be as mobile as possible and walk at least 25 feet every day. Also, go up and down the stairs using assistive devices. By the sixth week you must gain some strength through suggested exercises and walking. By the twelfth week, you should also start other physical activities — apart from exercises such as dancing, cycling, golf or swimming.
Preventive measures
Total knee replacement is a predictable and durable procedure. How you treat your new knee will influence its longevity. So, it is important to know which activities are permissible and which are not. Activities that cause stress or high physical impact might be risky and should be avoided. Sitting cross-legged on the floor and use of Indian-style toilets should also be avoided. Besides these postures that can cause stress on the new knees, most patients are encouraged to lead life as normally as possible.
(Shruti Barve is a physiotherapist with Care24)
Total knee replacement is a predictable and durable procedure. How you treat your new knee will influence its longevity. So, it is important to know which activities are permissible and which are not. Activities that cause stress or high physical impact might be risky and should be avoided. Sitting cross-legged on the floor and use of Indian-style toilets should also be avoided. Besides these postures that can cause stress on the new knees, most patients are encouraged to lead life as normally as possible.
(Shruti Barve is a physiotherapist with Care24)
