If you are someone you know is considering knee replacement After surgery, it is completely natural to have concerns about safety, recovery, and the overall impact on life. After all, making the decision to undergo such a major surgical procedure is not easy. Whether a person is living with chronic knee pain, arthritis, or limited mobility, knee replacement surgery offers a way out, but it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits.
Here are 6 important aspects of knee replacement surgery.
Infection and Surgical Risks: What One Should Know
One of the biggest concerns of patients is the risk of infection. Although this is rare, occurring in only about 1-2% of knee replacement surgeries, it is a possibility that cannot be ignored, say experts. Dr. Nishit Pallo, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics, Shardacare-HealthcityInfection can occur either at the surgical site or deeper inside the joint, leading to complications. In severe cases, a second surgery may be required to resolve the problem.
After surgery, the medical team will guide the patient on how to maintain proper hygiene and care for the wound. It is very important to follow these instructions to reduce the risk of infection. Most infections can be avoided with good care.
Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
The formation of blood clots (called blood clots) after knee replacement surgery, especially in the legs. deep vein thrombosis or DVT), is a potential risk. In about 1-2% of cases, these clots can become serious and even life-threatening if they travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
“Serious complications such as unexpected bleeding, blood clots, allergic reactions, nerve damage or headache, nausea, drowsiness, sore throat and stroke due to general anesthesia are rare. There is no evidence that knee replacement surgery causes serious complications. Dr. Girish L. Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road.
Although this may seem worrisome, it is important to remember that doctors are well prepared for this risk. Early mobility, simple leg exercises, and compression stockings all play an important role in preventing DVT.
Knee implant longevity: how long will it last?
One of the common questions is, “How long will my knee implant last?” Most modern knee implants are designed to last 25 to 30 years. However, factors such as lifestyle, activity level, and weight can affect implant longevity. For example, a person who participates in high-impact activities may experience more wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of implants failing or becoming loose over time.
To extend the life of your new knee, doctors usually recommend avoiding activities that put excessive stress on the joint, such as running or jumping. Light exercise, such as walking, swimming or bicycling, is often encouraged to maintain your muscle strength and overall fitness without damaging the implants.
Nerve or blood vessel damage: Rare, but possible
Another rare complication of knee replacement surgery involves nerve or blood vessel damage. This happens in less than 1% of cases, but it can cause problems like numbness, weakness, or even impaired blood circulation in the leg. These complications can occur as a result of the surgical procedure itself, as the knee joint is surrounded by many vital nerves and blood vessels.
In most cases, nerve problems are temporary and improve with time. physical therapy Often helps manage and reduce symptoms.
Stiffness and mobility after surgery: Early healing is important
Stiffness or reduced range of motion is something that approximately 5-10% of knee replacement patients experience. This condition, known as arthrofibrosis, can limit your ability to fully bend or straighten your knee, affecting your overall mobility.
The good news is that stiffness can be managed effectively with early intervention. Physical therapy is very important to bring the knee back to normal condition. Starting exercise as soon as possible after surgery can help break up scar tissue and improve flexibility.
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Chronic pain: when discomfort persists
In rare cases, even after successful surgery, some patients may experience persistent pain. For a certain percentage of individuals, the discomfort may not be resolved by surgery alone. This can be frustrating, especially if the initial pain that led to the surgery has improved, but new or different pain arises.
What is the recovery period?
“The normal recovery process after knee replacement surgery varies from person to person. Various factors can contribute to one’s recovery process. Patients are usually asked to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days after surgery to keep an eye on their condition. Your doctor may suggest physiotherapy to regain your muscle strength while maintaining knee mobility. The speed of recovery and success rate of surgery depend on many factors. This includes factors such as age, overall health, weight and pre-surgery fitness level,” explained Dr. Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant- Orthopedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai,
Is a knee replacement worth it?
Knee replacement surgery has changed millions of lives, providing new mobility and relief from chronic pain. The procedure is considered safe and effective, with most patients experiencing significant improvements in their quality of life. Although there are risks involved, they are generally rare and manageable with proper care.
