Knee Replacement Surgery: 10 Things To Know Before Going For The Operation – Doctor’s Advice

The surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint for the relief of pain and disability is known as knee arthroplasty along with knee replacement surgery. People with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis may require knee replacement surgery, especially when joint pain does not subside with conservative sources, affecting mobility and quality of life. While knee replacement surgery, especially among the elderly, is becoming increasingly common in urban India, patients and their families need to have clarity on a few aspects. Dr RA Poornachandra Tejaswi, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon with a special interest in Sports Medicine, Reconstructive Arthroscopy and Joint Preservation Surgery at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad talks about 10 key points patients should know before going for knee surgery. let’s find out.

Knee Replacement: Do’s and Don’ts

Dr. RA Purnachandra Tejashwi highlights 10 key aspects that patients’ families and patients themselves should be aware of about knee replacement surgery.

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1. Diagnosis:

• Understand the specific condition of your knee and the reasons behind the need for surgery.

• Talk to your doctor to fully understand the diagnosis, including the seriousness of the condition and the potential risks involved.

2. Surgical Procedure:

• Familiarize yourself with the specific surgical procedure recommended for your knee condition.

• Ask your surgeon to explain the procedure, its purpose and expected results.

3. Preparation before operation:

• Follow any preoperative instructions given by your surgeon or medical team.

• These may include restrictions on eating or drinking before surgery, as well as any necessary medical tests or evaluations.

4. Risks and Complications:

• Be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with knee surgery.

• Although complications are relatively rare, it is important to be aware of possible issues such as infection, blood clots, anesthesia-related complications, or nerve damage.

Also Read: Office Exercises: 4 Desk-Friendly Stretches To Avoid Bad Posture And Stay Fit

5. Rehabilitation and Recovery:

• Understand the rehabilitation and recovery process after knee surgery.

• Discuss with your surgeon the expected recovery period, physical therapy requirements, and any restrictions or precautions you may want to take after surgery.

6. Pain Management:

• Discuss pain management options with your health care team.

• Understand what methods of pain relief will be used during and after surgery, and ask about any potential side effects or risks associated with pain medications.

7. Support System:

• Have your support system ready in advance.

• Arrange for someone to drive you to the hospital, assist with daily activities and provide emotional support during the recovery period.

8. Lifestyle Adjustment:

• Recognize that knee surgery may temporarily require some lifestyle adjustments.

• These may include modifications to daily activities, such as limitations on weight lifting or specific exercises to aid recovery.

9. Follow-up appointments:

• Make sure you have a clear understanding of the follow-up appointments you will need with your surgeon.

• Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor your progress, address any concerns and modify the rehabilitation plan if necessary.

10. Communication with the surgeon:

• Maintain open communication with your surgeon throughout the procedure.

• Feel free to ask questions, raise any concerns, and ask for clarification about anything you don’t understand.