Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Introduction
Surgeons implement Total Knee Replacement (TKR) as a surgical procedure to overcome severe knee pain issues and restore mobility to patients who suffer from knee injuries or arthritis problems. This article extensively explains TKR, its types, procedures, advantages, risks, costs and recovery.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Surgeons replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial implants during Complete knee replacement, also referred to as knee arthroplasty. They commonly perform this procedure on individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic knee injuries that significantly impair mobility and quality of life.
Why is Total Knee Replacement Necessary?
TKR is indicated for patients who have:
- Chronic knee pain that limits their daily activities
- Severe arthritis that leads to joint degeneration
- Knee stiffness and decreased mobility
- Ineffectiveness of medications or physical therapy
- Deformity or instability in the knee joint
Types of Knee Joint Replacement Surgery
There are two main types of TKR procedures:
- Total Knee Replacement: The entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Only the damaged portion of the knee joint is replaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue.
Procedure Steps
Knee prosthesis surgery surgery involves the following steps:
- An anesthesiologist administers spinal or general anesthesia to the patient.
- A surgeon makes an incision on the knee to reach the joint.
- The surgical team removes damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint.
- Surgeons insert artificial implants made of metal and plastic.
- The surgical team places the knee in the proper alignment and closes the incision.
- Healthcare providers follow up with the patient for postoperative care and recovery.
Benefits of Total Knee Replacement
- Significant pain relief and improved mobility
- Improved quality of life and capability to perform day-to-day activities
- Long-lasting joint functionality (usually 15-20 years)
- Decreased dependency on pain medications
- Corrected knee alignment and stability
Cost of Total Knee Replacement
- India: $4,500 – $6,500
- USA: $35,000 – $50,000
- UK: $15,000 – $25,000
- Thailand: $7,000 – $10,000
Top Hospital in India to Get Total Knee Replacement
These are some of the best Private Hospitals in India for artificial knee joint implantation:
- Metro Hospital in Faridabad
- Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurgaon
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
TKR is generally risk-free, although there are associated risks such as:
- Infection or blood clot
- Implant wear and loosening over the years
- Nerve damage or stiffness
- Swelling and prolonged pain
- Limited range of motion post-surgery
Recovery After Total Knee Replacement
Recovery after TKR is usually between 6 and 12 weeks. Essential recovery advice includes:
- Performing physical therapy to regain movement
- Avoid high-impact activities while the body heals
- Using aids like crutches or walkers in the initial period
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet to maintain bone and joint health
- Getting regular checkups with the surgeon to review recovery progress
Conclusion
Total Knee Replacement is one of the most successful surgical interventions used for the alleviation of extreme pain in the knees and the resumption of activities. Using state-of-the-art surgery and superior prosthetic material, TKR promises to offer benefits to a patient with arthritic knee or post-injury knees for the long term. One has to see a specialist orthopedic surgeon first for evaluation.
This article provides an in-depth overview of Artificial knee joint implantation, covering its procedure, benefits, costs, and the best hospitals for treatment in India. If you or a loved one is considering TKR, understanding the process can help make an informed decision.