All You Need To Know About Knee Replacement

Dr. Gaurav Bhardwaj, at PSRI Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, is an expert on Joint Replacement Surgery, Pre-op, and Post-op care. Today, he busts some myths about joint replacement. He hopes that this information is useful to the person bearing any joint ailments.

Myth: Joint replacement involves removing the entire joint.

Fact: Only the diseased lining part is removed and replaced. Joint replacement is relaying new lining with minimal removal of important joint structures and bone

Myth: Surgery is required only after the pain makes the patient bedridden. Pain can be managed with painkillers

Fact: If daily life activities are compromised due to severe joint pain, consider joint replacement surgery instead of choosing a life riddled with painkillers and severe discomfort. Independent mobility of limbs is a basic requirement to maintain quality of life. Joint Replacement Surgery allows you to achieve this. Painkillers build a dependency. Excessive consumption of these can build up an immunity against them. Excessive consumption of painkillers can also lead to irreversible internal organ damage and kidney failure.

Myth: I am too old/young to have a joint replacement. It will be very painful in post- op care.

Fact: The requirement of Joint Replacement Surgery is much more dependent on the level of discomfort rather than age restrictions. If your independence or quality of life is compromised, you are the right candidate for Joint replacement surgery. The technological advancements are making it even more comfortable for the younger age group that requires Joint Replacement Surgery. The post- op care is also given equal attention during surgery. Painkillers are administered as per requirement and discomfort under watchful supervision. This ensures a comfortable stay in the knee replacement hospital of Delhi stays.

Myth: It will take a long time to start movement post- op. There will be lifelong movement restrictions. The joint replaced won’t feel natural. And resuming sexual activity after replacement won’t be possible.

Fact: Physiotherapy plays a vital role in mobilising patient and it starts as soon as the next day of the operation. With initial aid from physiotherapists, patients start walking till the washrooms. The modernisation of the surgery allows surgeons to bring artificial joint movements close to your natural knees. There were movements restrictions earlier. Now, with Hi-Flex designs squatting, kneeling or sitting on floors is possible after replacement. After few weeks patients usually start feeling comfortable. By this time even the joints start moving in a reasonable range. You will be able to regain your normal sexual life after surgery. It is recommended to discuss a suitable implant design with your surgeon according to your requirements.

Myth: Replaced joints last only few years.

Fact: Joint implants and techniques have advanced over the years now. New joints last decades of post surgery. Around 90% of joints last beyond 2 decades after successful transplants. We expect them to last longer. This makes Joint Replacement Surgery more feasible for the patient despite his/her age.

Myth: Medicines can reverse arthritis needing replacements

Fact: Exercises, physiotherapy, supplements and injections are the medicines prescribed in the early stages of the disease. Once the joint lining is worn out, the joints become mechanically damaged. In this stage of the disease, only surgical interventions can help.

Myth: Stem cells avoid replacement with metal implants

Fact: Irrespective of the exciting advancements in stem cell procedure, such methods are still in the experimental stages. Their complete information and post-procedure care are still unclear. Such procedures are not in clinical use yet.

If you have any other doubts or are facing symptoms that lead you to think you require Joint Replacement surgery, consult your preferred physician right away.