If your knee is severely damaged by an injury or arthritis, and it is difficult for you to carry out daily tasks, then total knee replacement can prove to be a boon for you.
Total Knee Replacement is a procedure by which a damaged knee is resurfaced. Also called Knee Arthroplasty, this surgery involves the use of metal and plastic parts to cap the knee and the ends of the bones which form the knee joint.
| Contents: Is There Another Alternative to Knee Replacement? When Does Knee Replacement Become Necessary? Are There Any Risks Involved In Total Knee Replacement? What Can Delaying Total Knee Replacement Lead To? Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Chandigarh |
Is There Another Alternative to Knee Replacement?
We understand that surgery is a big decision and many people do not opt for it unless it becomes necessary. Your doctor may recommend some non-surgical options if the situation can be handled that way.
These may include changing your lifestyle, doing strengthening exercises, getting therapies such as acupuncture, taking medicines and injections, etc.
When Does Knee Replacement Become Necessary?
An orthopaedic surgeon may examine the knee through X-rays or MRI to see through it before suggesting total knee replacement. Before suggesting the surgery, they may also review your medical history.
The most common condition that leads to the need for total knee replacement is Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a form of arthritis that causes the cartilage in one or more joints to break down and eventually collapse. Cartilage is a type of protein that acts as a cushion between the bones in the joints.
With over 100 forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder. It is most likely to develop as we age. Apart from that, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis are also leading factors of severe knee damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. Here the synovial membrane that covers the joint becomes inflamed and thickened. The cartilage can be damaged by chronic inflammation, which can lead to cartilage deterioration, discomfort, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis group of diseases.
Post-traumatic arthritis is arthritis caused by a traumatic event. This can happen as a result of a serious knee injury. Fractures of the bones surrounding the knee as well as tears in the knee ligaments can weaken the articular cartilage over time, causing pain and restricting function.
Other forms of arthritis and injuries may also lead to erosion of the knee joint. Fractures, torn cartilage, and torn ligaments may lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint and so may lead to knee replacement as a necessary measure.
Are There Any Risks Involved In Total Knee Replacement?
However rare the risks may be, some complications may arise in any surgical procedure and so is the case with a total knee replacement. The following complications may occur while total knee replacement surgery:
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Loosening or wearing away of the prosthesis
- Formation of Blood Clots
- Fracture
- Continued pain or stiffness
- The replacement may not work as intended
- Weakness or numbness if nerves or blood vessels get injured
- Risks due to previous medical conditions
What Can Delaying Total Knee Replacement Lead To?
Delaying the surgery may lead to the following issues:
- Walking due to knee discomfort can impact the hips.
- Walking, driving, and doing household chores can become more difficult.
- Health deteriorating due to sedentary lifestyle
- Depression and anxiety due to reduced mobility
- Muscle and ligament weakness and loss of function.
- Increased probability of complications that could necessitate surgical intervention
Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Chandigarh
Healing Hospital houses some of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Chandigarh. What makes us the best orthopaedic hospital in the Tricity is our team of well-qualified and experienced doctors, caring and understanding staff, best-in-class infrastructure and 24×7 emergency services, among many other features.
Healing Hospital supplies a range of services such as arthroscopic surgery, surgery of the hand and upper extremities, and adult reconstructive surgery such as hip, shoulder and knee replacement.
Click here to book an appointment: https://healinghospital.co.in/orthopedic/
