10 Most Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement is dubbed one of the most successful surgeries of the century; it’s done to treat arthritis of the knee. In theory, it’s simple: take out the damaged part of the knee and replace it with a brand-new artificial knee. What sounds so simple in theory is, in reality, a complex procedure that needs precision and experience and should only be performed by trained surgeons in the field of joint replacement. Advances in surgical techniques, implant design, and post-operative pain management have made total knee replacement a very common procedure.
Once someone is offered a knee replacement, there will be a lot of questions that need to be answered. Let’s make an attempt to answer some of the most common questions asked by patients.
Here are the 10 most commonly asked questions regarding knee replacement surgery.
Who Needs Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total knee replacement (TKR) is the last option offered for knee arthritis to improve function and reduce pain in the joint. Usual indications for surgery are when medicines, physiotherapy, and knee braces have failed to improve your condition, the pain is severe, you are unable to perform activities you normally do on a daily basis, you need frequent pain medications, you have a deformity in the knee joint, and you have stage III or IV arthritis on x-rays. All these features indicate you need a total knee replacement.
Will I have pain after surgery?
This is probably the most commonly asked question and also the most common reason keeping patients from getting surgery done. With advances in surgical techniques and pain management, we have come a long way in controlling post-operative pain. Multimodal pain management, which essentially means blocking pain impulses at various levels of the brain, has largely helped control pain after surgery. Local ice packs and physical therapy help control swelling and reduce pain. The bottom line is that there will be some pain, but within tolerable limits, so that you can walk and exercise after surgery.
When can I walk after surgery?
If you are up to it, you can walk the same day after surgery, and some patients do. All patients are made to walk on day 1 after surgery. There is no resting phase after TKR; the earlier you start exercising, the better. It’s a myth that we have to rest until sutures heal. In the first few weeks, you will need the help of a walker. Most patients get rid of the walker within 3–4 weeks.
How many years will my knee last?
Most artificial knees manufactured by standard international companies today last more than 10–15 years. Recent advances in implant materials and plastic have ensured that they can last even longer. Titanium nitride-coated metal, oxidised zirconium, and highly crossed-linked poly are such materials presently available, which we are currently offering to our patients.
Am I too young or old for knee replacement surgery?
Age is just a number. What is more important is how healthy you are for your age, which is known as your physiological age. In the last two decades, we have seen younger and younger patients develop knee arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory arthropathies also develop early arthritis. Once you fit into the above-mentioned criteria for knee replacement and have exhausted all non-operative options, you will have to undergo the procedure, irrespective of age.
Where should I get it done?
Sunshine Hospitals is one of the largest institutes in Asia and performs the highest number of successful total knee replacement surgeries. We do over 4,000 knee replacements a year. The team of doctors who perform the surgeries includes the best orthopaedic surgeons with world-class training who work in close association with the equally abled departments of anesthesiology and physiotherapy.
Will there be any dietary restrictions?
It’s a common myth that certain food items are forbidden for patients who have undergone surgery, more so with a total knee replacement. There is no link between food and the development of infections. Patients post-surgery have protein loss and need to be supplemented well through a nutritious, well-balanced diet. A high protein intake helps with faster wound healing. Unless you have diabetes or renal or liver issues that warrant special dietary restrictions, there is no food restriction post-surgery.
What are the chances of complications? Can my replacement fail?
Any surgery carries a certain element of risk. Knee replacement is no different. A meticulous pre-operative evaluation is done to ascertain the risk involved with surgery. The usual risk of complications is pegged at 1–2% if there are no preexisting health issues. The main concern for the surgeon is the risk of infection. Our current infection rate is comparable to international standards, which are less than 1.5%. It’s important that you get operated on at a high-volume centre that is well-equipped and takes all the precautions to avoid complications.
Will my medical insurance cover the surgery?
Most medical insurance plans cover total knee replacement surgery. Some individual policies might cover it only after 3–4 years of taking the policy. There is no such clause under corporate insurance. When you are at the hospital, your policy will be verified by our insurance team. Sunshine Hospital has tie-ups with every possible insurance company presently available on the market.
While this Q&A session might not address all aspects of total knee replacement, I sincerely urge you to contact us for any further clarification or consultation regarding TKR. Based on the amount of arthritis you have, further treatment guidance will be given.
About the Doctor
Dr. A.B. Suhas Masilamani is one of the few surgeons who has trained in the USA and has come back to work in India. He finished his MBBS and MS Orthopaedic training at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana. He then went on to clear his DNB in orthopaedics and later pursued fellowship training in the United States of America. His first fellowship was in paediatric orthopaedics at Montefiore Medical Centre, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, New York, USA. This was followed by a second fellowship in adult hip and knee joint replacement surgery at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA. He is one of the very few surgeons from the city to become a member of the American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). He is also a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the International Congress for Joint Replacement (ICJR).
About KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals:
A multi-super speciality institution, KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals (Paradise Circle, Secunderabad), is promoted by globally reputed joint replacement surgeon Dr. A. V. Gurava Reddy (an orthopaedic doctor) and like-minded associates who share the objective of making world-standard healthcare available, affordable, and accessible to the common man. KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals has now become one of the best hospitals for many treatments, including orthopaedics, gastroenterology, cardiology, trauma, and neurology.
Look no beyond KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals if you’re looking for the Best Orthopaedic Hospital in Hyderabad or the expertise of a famous Orthopaedic Hospital in Hyderabad. We are dedicated to providing our patients with world-class orthopaedic care. Our highly skilled orthopaedic professionals are committed to assisting you in regaining mobility, relieving pain, and improving your overall quality of life. We are perfectly positioned to service your healthcare needs if you are looking for the Best Orthopaedic Hospital Near you. Please contact us on 040 – 4455 0000 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation. Your path to greater orthopaedic health begins with KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals.
