TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

 A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. The knee is a hinge joint that provides motion at the point where the thigh meets the lower leg. The thigh bone (or femur) abuts the large bone of the lower leg (tibia) at the knee joint.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

During a Total Knee Replacement Surgery, the end of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg bone (tibia) is also removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece with a metal stem. Depending on the condition of the kneecap portion of the knee joint, a plastic “button” may also be added under the kneecap surface. The artificial components of a total knee replacement are referred to as the prosthesis.

The posterior cruciate ligament is a tissue that normally stabilizes each side of the knee joint so that the lower leg cannot slide backward in relation to the thighbone. In Total knee replacement surgery, this ligament is either retained, sacrificed, or substituted by a polyethylene post. Each of these various designs of Total knee replacement has its own particular benefits and risks.

“Total knee replacement surgery has to be done when all the joint compartments are affected by the loss of cartilage/arthritis.”

The Knee Joint is Divided into 3 Compartments:

  1. Medial tibio-femoral (inner half of knee)
  2. Lateral tibio-femoral (outer half of knee)
  3. Patello-femoral (front of the knee)

Indications of Total Knee Replacement

  1. A significant amount of pain is associated with osteoarthritis in the medial compartment (especially during lifting weights).
  2. Most of the pain is medial, but little or no anterior pain.
  3. Varus deformity that is not greater than 15 deg.
  4. Fixed flexion deformity no greater than 15 degrees.
  5. Flexion higher than 120deg.
  6. Correctable varus deformity.
  7. Affective lateral space.
  8. Anterior and posterior Cruciate ligaments.
  9. If there is no anterior knee discomfort the the patellofemoral joint does not matter in the absence of significant degeneration.
  10. The X-ray shows a narrowing on one joint.

What are the Symptoms and Causes of Total Knee Pain?

  1. Pain and swelling of the knee.
  2. Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs.
  3. Limp while walking.
  4. Cramping pain in the calf muscles.

“Symptoms get relieved on taking rest.”

What are the next steps after knee replacement?

After knee replacement you need immediate attention. Consult total knee replacement surgeons for a physical exam.

What Investigations are Needed for Total Knee Replacement?

  • X-ray – to determine the stage of arthritis, exact involvement of knee compartments, bone overgrowth, bone defect.

  • MRI Scan – to further quantify the problem- cartilage defect, arthritis, or damage to other joint structures such as ACL/PCL/meniscus.

Total Knee Replacement Recovery Period

Knee replacement recovery can be faster than with conventional knee replacement techniques. It’s possible that you’ll be able to walk within a few hours following your procedure, and likely be able to return to your normal routine in around 1-4 weeks. The precise timeframe is contingent on your health and the extent of the procedure.

"You need 6-12 weeks of pain medication after total knee replacement.Following the prescribed dosage typically provides the most efficient pain relief.”DOCTOR SUGGESTION

How Much does a Total Knee Replacement Cost

 

The Average Cost of total knee replacement in Hyderabad, India is ₹1.8 lakhs – ₹3.5 lakhs

 

What Not to do After Knee Replacement

After surgery, avoid stools, sofas, soft chairs rocking chairs and chair which aren’t high enough. If you are unable to get up from a chair take a step towards the chair’s edge and utilize the chair’s arms as well as your walker or crutches to help you get up.

How to Prevent Arthritis in Knees

  1. Maintain an ideal weight. The extra weight puts pressure on joints bearing weight like the knees and hips.
  2. Monitor your blood sugar levels.
  3. Exercise.
  4. Stretch.
  5. Beware of the risk of injury.
  6. Stop smoking.
  7. Eat Fish twice per week.
  8. Take regular preventive care.

 

Recent Advances in Robotic Total Knee Replacement 

It has become a very common surgical technique in recent times owing to its advantage over conventional joint replacement techniques.

 

Advantages of Robotic Total Knee Replacement Surgery:

  1. Accurate assessment of pre-operative range of motion, soft tissue and bony deformities.
  2. Accurate bone cuts are made.
  3. Human error is eradicated.
  4. Lower rates of post-operative surgical site infection.
  5. Duration of hospital stay is reduced.
  6. Lesser blood loss during surgery.
  7. Faster rehabilitation following surgery- early return to activities of daily living.

 

When can the patient return to activity after knee replacement surgery?

Rehab starts immediately after surgery. Can start to walk with full weight on the operated leg immediately after surgery. Full range of movements is gained by the end of 1-2 months after surgery – varying on the range of movements and muscle strength of the patient before surgery.

 

Mako Robotic Knee Replacement

Mako Robotic arm assisted surgery (RAAS) is technique created for knee replacement surgeries. It permits your orthopedic surgeon to plan the procedure with Mako’s software, and then carry out the procedure by directing the robot arm to precisely remove cartilage and bone.

 

Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Time

Robotic knee replacement surgery will take around 1 an hour and the typical hospital stay is not more than 24 hours. It is possible to walk within a few days after the surgery. Most patients return to their routines like driving a vehicle after two weeks.

 

Robotic Knee Replacement Cost in Hyderabad, India

The average cost of robotic knee replacement cost in Hyderabad, India is ₹1.5 lakhs – ₹2 lakhs.