What is involved with the pre-operative evaluation for total Knee replacement?
- You will have to undergo simple checkups and tests before surgery to gather as much as info as your doctor needs to give you the finest surgery results. Common tests include:
- Blood tests such as CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Kidney, Liver and Blood sugar tests
- ECG
- X-ray of the Knee joint
When can I walk after the Knee replacement? How long for the recovery?
- It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for you to walk without the support of any walking aid or anyone. However, it may take up to 3 months for complete recovery.
What should you do after the knee replacement Physical therapy or Physiotherapy?
- To help with complete recovery and to gain full benefits for the surgery you opt to put yourself on a rehabilitation program that incorporates both physical and physiotherapy. These include strength training and gait training.
- •To regain strength and mobility
- •For proper flexibility of the new joint and to prevent stiffness
- •To resume normal activities sooner.
What are the problems associated with Knee implants?
- •Possibility of dislocation
- •Stiffness during the first few days
- •Localized swelling and mild pain
- •Possibility of an infection
What are the precautions to be taken after Knee replacement?
- Here are some precautions that you need to take to safeguard your new Knee
- •Avoid high impact activities like jumping, deep squatting etc.
- •Keep the incision clean and dry
- •Avoid longer periods of inactivity
- •Use walking aids to maintain balance
- •Do not kneel down
- •Do not cross your legs and avoid any complicated during the first few days
- •Do not place any pillow or a padding under your Knee when you lay down
- •Ask your doctor before going through any dental procedures
What are the best hospitals for Knee replacement in India?
- Here are a few hospitals listed below that are known to provide best services and a higher success rate.
- •Global Hospitals, Chennai
- •BLK Hospitals, Delhi
- •Fortis Hospitals
- •Apollo Hospitals
- •Manipal Hospitals
- •Max Hospitals
How often will I need to see my doctor after surgery?
- A surgical follow up should be done at intervals of about 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. It is wise to reach out to your surgeon for regular check ups and to clear your further questions.
What is minimally invasive Knee replacement?
- This procedure involves removing the damaged part of the Knee and replacing it with an artificial implant. But unlike traditional open surgery minimally invasive uses small incisions, which means less pain and a quicker recovery.
What is Bilateral (Double) Knee replacement?
- As the name suggests Bilateral surgery means surgery of both the Knees. The surgery either happens in a sequence or done simultaneously. This means both the Knees are replaced surgically at the same time which helps you save the days of recovery. But note that the eligible candidate should be without any significant medical conditions.
What is the difference between partial and total Knee replacement?
- •Partial Knee replacement is opted if only one part of the Knee is arthritic or painful. Usually done to the younger patients.
- •Total Knee replacement surgery is done when the extent of damage is higher or irreparable.
- •Smaller opening which means recovery is quicker.
- •Higher range of moment and function when compared to total Knee replacement. But the redo rate is higher than that of total Knee replacement.
What is the Success rate of Knee Replacement?
- India is known to have a higher success rate of Knee replacements. Approximately 85 to 90 % of all the Knee replacement surgeries performed resulted in a good outcome.
Can Patients use stairs after surgery?
- After 3 weeks of surgery you should be able to climb stairs. However, you need to use a walking cane or support to maintain stability and to prevent any accidents.
- •Keep your Knees and feet pointed straight while you sit.
What are the good positions for Knee and what positions should be avoided?
- Walking:
- •Take small steps
- •Use a walker or crutches until 4 weeks
- Sitting:
- •Do not sit in the same position for long
- Sleep:
- •Lay flat on your back
- •Do not place a pillow or padding below your Knee