Knee replacement surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. It is also one of the most expensive of all surgeries that are performed. The biggest reason total knee replacement operation cost is so high is the cost of being cared for in a hospital. If you are scheduled to have a knee replacement operation you need to know how hospitals work. One of the most challenging complications of knee replacement operation is the dislocation of the knee joint. It is essential to take certain precautions before knee replacement surgery at home and during recovery. The standard precautions include in this article. 

Knee replacement operation, when done by professional, will help you get success with minimum complications. Chanddni Hospital is an all-in-one joint replacement and orthopedic hospital in Kota with expertise in knee replacement surgeries. 

Anatomy of the Knee

Knee and joints are a very compact structure of a man’s body, and that’s why its anatomy is quite challenging to understand. The knee consists of 4 bones overall. The thighbone is called a femur that has the other ending at the hip. The lower thigh or tibia connects the knee and the ankle. And then comes the knee cap, a small bone that comes in the front when the knee bends.

total Knee Replacement digram

Further, it is the fibula which is a shorter bone that comes parallel to the tibia. And these are the four major parts of the human knee. Being a synovial joint, the synovium in the knee produces a fluid that nourishes the inside of the joint. And there is an Articular surface that is placed at the end of the femur and tibia. 

When this surface is damaged, people face issues like arthritis.  

How the Human Knee Works? 

When the human knee bents, the inner side of a wedged-shaped knee cap ( the one covered by the articular cartilage) slides along when the femur grooves. Due to this, the knee cap reduces the friction between the bone and the tendon, making it slip sideways. 

This whole process extends the femur’s lever effect that results in proper bending of the knee. 

Reasons for the Knee Replacement Operation

Conclusion: there are many reasons why a person chooses a knee replacement operation because they want to get the ideal knee working. The first most important reason is the age of a person. As age passes, we all know that a person’s bones start getting weaker, and pain is widespread. This pain and discomfort prevent them from doing even the daily routine work. By getting a knee replacement, they get rid of that pain and issues. You can always read more about knee surgery before finally giving a verdict about these reasons to get a surgery yourself.

knee replacement operation types

Other reasons why people ask for knee replacement operations are: 

  • Artihits 
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Haemophilia 
  • Gout 
  • Knee Injury 
  • Death of knee joint’s bone 

Risks of the procedure

As knee surgery comes with various benefits, there are risks that you need to keep in mind if you are planning to for the same. Though the issues are not significant, you still need to be aware of those in order to make a fair decision.

Here are the risks associated with knee replacement operation: 

  • Getting blood clots in the leg’s veins lead to pain and swelling.
  • Pulmonary Embolism 
  • Wound Infection 
  • Tissue Damage can happen after surgery.
  • Bone fracture
  • Pain 
  • Stiffness 
  • Dislocation of the bones 

The thing to Keep in Mind Before the procedure

It is always preferred to take a few precautions before going for a knee replacement operation. It not only keeps you confident but also helps in the overall success of the treatment. Make sure to go through tests for diabetes, blood pressure, and some dental check-ups. Dental checkups help check if there is a possible risk for a bacterial infection that might go into your bloodstream. 

Make sure that you tell your doctors about your past injuries, medications you’re taking, and any other medical issues you had in the past. It will help the doctor to make the ideal treatment and future medications. 

Steps to Take During the procedure

Doctors say that your knee keeps on improving for two years after the surgery. So, it would help if you looked after your knee and some basic things your habit for a lifetime. There are a few things that you can do to avoid risks related to the knee like:

  • Regular exercise is a must always.
  • Pain is expected in the first six months; take pain killers but only by doctor’s recommendations.
  • In case you face swelling, consult your doctors in the first place. 
  • Make daily walking a habit for you. 

Things to Do After the Knee Replacement Operation

Knee Replacement Operation image

In the hospital

Your doctors will be there in the hospital to help you recover, but there are a few things you can also do to recover soon: 

  • Tell your doctor if you are facing even a minor discomfort 
  • Take proper medications 
  • Listen to the doctor’s guidance for future references. 

At home

  • Take proper rest, especially when you are standing for a longer time.
  • Consult a physiotherapist. 
  • Indulge in appropriate knee exercises 
  • Do not put pressure on your knee
  • Take long walks 

You can also visit Chanddni Hospital for total knee replacement operation pain management and better recovery.