Knee Replacement Surgery Explained Through FAQs

Posted by Abhilash Rathore on December 18th, 2020

A study in 2012 compared the pain between individuals who undergo knee and total hip replacement. It was found that about 9 per cent of hip patients reported long-term pain as opposed 20 per cent of the knee patients. It all depends on the cause of the surgery and severity of the damage caused. If you experience knee pain that does seem to get better with other options and affecting your quality of life, it might be time to consider knee surgery.

Knee replacement is a common operation which involves replacing damaged, worn out, or diseased knee with an artificial joint. Adults of any age can get done with the procedure, although mostly it is carried out between the age group of 60 to 80 years. There is also a smaller operation called partial knee surgery which takes place on the slightly younger age group between 55 and 64 years. Here, the artificial joint requires rework after 10 years.

When do you need the surgery?

You need a knee surgery when the knee joint is worn or damaged so that the mobility reduces, and you are in pain while resting. The most common reason for knee surgery are osteoarthritis. The other health conditions that prompt the same are –

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Haemophilia
• Gout
• Unusual bone growth
• Death of bone in the knee joint causing blood supply issues
• Knee injury
• Knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage

Who requires the surgery?

Such surgeries are major ones and are generally recommended if other treatments like physiotherapy or steroid injections do not reduce pain or improve mobility. You are offered partial or total knee replacement when –

• If you experience severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in your knee joint and the mobility reduces
• If the knee pain severe and interferes with quality of life and sleep
• If everyday tasks such as shopping or getting out of the bath become impossible
• If you feel depressed because of pain and lack of mobility
• If you cannot work or lead a social life

What are the types of surgeries?

There are two main kinds –

• Partial knee surgery: Here, only one side of your joint gets replaced in smaller operations with shorter hospital stay and speedy recovery
• Total knee surgery: In this, both knee joints get replaced

What are the preparations for the surgery?

Before you visit the hospital, find out as much as possible about what is involved in the operation. The hospital should provide written videos and information on the operation. As for yourself, stay active and strengthen the muscle around the knees as it will aid during recovery. If possible, do gentle exercise like walking or swimming, at least weeks or months before surgery.

You could consider exercises referred by the physiotherapist. Read about how to prepare for the surgery, inclusive of the travel arrangements, what to get with you, and if possible, attend a pre-operative assessment.

How does the recovery happen?

After the knee replacement, you stay in the hospital for at least three to five days, but the recovery times vary. Once you get discharged, the hospital prescribes advice. You need to use crutches, and then a physiotherapist will teach the right exercises to strengthen your knees. Most of them can stop using walking aids after six weeks of surgery. Full recovery takes up to two years as the scar tissue heals, and the muscles are restored for exercises.