One or both knees may be affected by arthritis. If both knee joints show changes on X-rays and only one knee joint is painful, stiff, and disturbs daily activities of life, then only the painful knee joint should be operated on. If both knees are equally painful, then both should be operated on.
The surgery that replaces both damaged knee joints is called Bilateral Total Knee Replacement Bilateral knee surgery is done routinely and it presents one of the most spectacular successes of the total knee replacement surgery.
This is so because two impaired knee joints cause much more symptoms and severe disability. In people with both knee joints affected, they have no healthy leg to rely on during the post operative rehabilitation.
Advantages of Total Knee Replacement
The most important advantage is that this operation produces very effective and long lasting relief from joint pain. It also gives a joint which functions normally. The recovery period from the operation is very short and the patient is able to walk from the second or the third day after the operation with the help of walking support which can often be taken off in around a month's time. The patient regains a normal lifestyle and mobility with significant improvement in quality of life.
How is the Procedure done?
Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a single or a total knee replacement. A knee replacement surgery consists of replacing the diseased or damaged joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery is the procedure of implanting an artificial knee (called prosthesis). The damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of knee joint are removed and replaced with new metal and plastic surfaces to restore the alignment and function of the knee.
The total procedure takes approximately an hour to hour and a half to perform During an average knee replacement surgery, fiber-optic camera (the endoscope) is inserted into the joint through a small incision, about 4 mm (1/8 inch) long. A special fluid is used to visualize the joint parts.
Am I a Good a candidate for a total replacement?
Total knee replacements are usually performed on people suffering from severe arthritic conditions. Most patients who have artificial knees are over age 55, but the procedure is performed in younger people.
Generally you would be considered for a total knee replacement if:
Your pain not only restricts you from work and recreation but also the ordinary activities of daily living.
You have significant stiffness of your knee.
You have significant deformity (knock-knees or bowlegs while walking).
You have significant instability of your knee.
Constant and everyday pain.
Should I have a Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is an elective operation and the decision to have this operation is not made by the doctor, it is made by you.
Should your decided to go for this operation, all your queries and question can be answered before you decide to have the operation? Please feel free to write to us at Contact Us.
How long would I stay in the Hospital?
You will have to stay in the hospital for 10 days for Total Knee Replacement Procedure, while you are recovering at the hospital, you would be able to get out of bed on your own and walk with a walker or crutches, walk up and down three steps, bend your knee 90 degrees, and straighten your knee.
What measures should be taken after the surgery/operation (Post operative instructions)
On your discharge, your Orthopaedic Surgeon would make you understand a set of instructions to be followed for fast recovery and the success of your surgery also will depend on how well you follow your orthopaedic surgeon's instructions at home during the first few weeks after surgery.
Loss of appetite is common for first few days after surgery. A balanced diet as suggested by dietician would promote proper tissue healing and restore muscle strength.
Results of the Total Knee Replacement Surgery
During the first few weeks after surgery. You should be able to resume most normal activities of daily living within three to six weeks following surgery. Some Pain with activity and at night is common for several weeks after surgery.
Driving usually begins when your knee bends sufficiently so you can enter and sit comfortably in your car and when your muscle control provides adequate reaction time for braking and acceleration. Most individuals resume driving about four to six weeks after surgery.
What activities should I Avoid after Knee Replacement?
Your Orthopaedic Surgeon would brief you on all activities to be undertaken and avoided for the fast recovery.