Fit & Proper: Confused about knee replacement?

Knee replacement is common in people above 50 years of age

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle has a huge advantage for your knees; it can help you stay away from arthritis and related problems. However, if an injury or arthritis is making it difficult to bend or flex your knee joints, it’s essential to consult a doctor.
 
As the impact of the damage increases, it not only is very painful but it can also hamper day-to-day physical activities. This is common in people above 50 years of age.
 

 

The need for knee replacement arises when the pain is severe and one has to depend on pain killers. But knee pain doesn’t necessarily mean knee replacement. Sometimes physiotherapy, weight loss and lifestyle changes can help.
 
Know the need for knee replacement
 
Opt for a complete health check-up. Find out if there is a need for bilateral or single knee replacement. Physically fit individual can easily opt for Bilateral knee replacement
 
However, increased pressure in the knee especially among obese patients can lead to deformity like a bent knee which may cause stress fractures or related complications.
 
For knee replacement surgery, the physiological health matters and not chronological.
 
Types of knee replacement
 
Two types of knee replacement — Partial and Total
 
In partial knee replacement only the affected portion is replaced, this is mostly advised for younger patients in the early fifties.
 
In a Total Knee Replacement, complete knee replacement is done. Those above 60 years of age commonly opt for this. One among the two is chosen depending on the extent of knee involvement and on the requirement of the patient
 
Post-surgery care
 
Knee recovery time varies from person to person, it can take anywhere between 20 days to  1.5 months, for some it can go up to three months as well.
 
It is necessary to give enough time for the knee to get used to the replacement, for initial few days support will be required while walking.
 
Physiotherapy is essential to strengthen muscles, ice fermentation can also be done at regular intervals
 
Improvement of balance and muscle strength is important to be able to walk independently.
 
Regular consumption of medicines and bending the knee or sitting on low seating should be avoided.
 
Risks and Complications involved
 
The rate of complication is quite low, around 2 to 4% chances of complications
 
Only 1-2% risk of infection depending on medical history and co morbid conditions of the patient. As these patients are bed ridden for a longer period, they may develop clot in feet like Deep Vein Thrombosis, with the help of mechanical methods and medication, we can avoid further complications
 
Regular consumption of Calcium supplements, exercise and maintaining weight is essential for better results post-surgery.