Taking a glance at statistics, more than 15 crore Indians suffer from knee problems, out of which about 4 crore patients need Total Knee Replacement (TKR), imposing a huge health burden on the country. In contrast, in China, about 6.5 crore people suffer from knee problems — less than half the number in India. The incidence of knee arthritis among Indians is 15 times higher than that in Western countries; this is because of the genetic predisposition of Indians towards knee arthritis and a lifestyle that results in overuse of the knee joints.

USA, with a population of 30 crores, sees about 7 lakh total knee replacement surgeries every year. In India, this figure is only 150,000, while this is a huge jump from a mere 350 knee surgeries that were performed in India in 1994. The unmet demand in the country would be a staggering one crore knee replacements each year, compared to this, India will be seeing just about one million knee replacements every year by 2022.

Amongst many causes of chronic joint pain, degenerative osteoarthritis is the leading cause in India and leads to a majority of morbidity. Other reasons are inflammatory causes like gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or can be secondary to trauma.

Total Knee Replacement is one of the most successful surgeries of orthopedics and with technical augmentation and skilled surgeons; this surgery has been totally revolutionized by Shalby Hospitals, India.

An avalanche of questions arise as soon as a patient is advised TKR surgery and even more are the myths about this procedure which patients and their relatives are flooded by hearsay.

FAQs and Myths about TKR

Myth 1: Knee replacement is a surgery for old people. I’m too young for a knee replacement.

Fact: Candidacy for a knee replacement is not based on age but on the person’s level of pain and immobility. Living with a painful joint that prohibits you from working or participating in normal life activities is an outdated way of thinking. Age is not necessarily a limiting factor.

Myth 2: I should wait as long as possible, to undergo knee replacement surgery.

Fact: You don’t need to suffer by waiving until the pain is intolerable. The longer life of joint replacements enables people to consider surgery earlier and at a younger age. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that continues to damage the joint and delaying surgery makes both surgeries and return to activity more difficult.

Myth 3: I should continue with medications as long as possible.

Fact: Medicines including painkillers just give symptomatic relief for a temporary duration and prolonged usage is riddled with serious side effects such as renal failure, peptic ulceration etc.

Myth 4: Alternative therapies such as acupressure, ozone treatment, massage beds, oils, laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and braces will cure my advanced arthritis and knee pain.

Fact: To date there is NO cure for advanced knee arthritis and these alternative therapies are not backed by any established scientific data. All these modalities give temporary pain relief in early to moderate arthritis for some duration only and are NOT curative.

Myth 5: After a knee replacement, it takes months to recover.

Fact: Depending on the activity, most patients who undergo knee replacement are able to perform routine tasks within a few weeks. One becomes independent for self before discharge from the hospital.

Myth 6: After knee replacement, I’ll have to give up some activities and sports.

Fact: You have a high probability of getting back to activities like brisk walking or cycling in 6 to 12 weeks. Squatting and sitting cross-legged though possible, should be kept to minimal for the best long-term results.

Myth 7: Knee replacement is a very painful surgery. There is lots of pain in post-operative period.

Fact: With modern day pain management such as in a multimodal approach, ensures that the patient does not feel any pain in post-operative period and has a smooth recovery.

Myth 8: Knee replacement can be done one at a time, only.

Fact: Both the knees can be operated at the same time if the patient does not have significant co-morbidities and is deemed fit to undergo the procedure by the doctor.

Myth 9: The new knee lasts for 5-6 years only.

Fact: With modern day precision and advancement in biomaterials, the longevity of the implant has increased considerably. Today’s joint replacements last 25 years or longer and, for most people, will last a lifetime.

Myth 10: Knee replacement cannot be done a second time.

Fact: Knee replacement can be done multiple times and it is known as revision joint replacement surgery with good survivorship.

Myth 11: I am obese; I cannot undergo Knee replacement surgery.

Fact: Knee replacement can be successfully done in an obese patient. However, patients who are morbidly obese and have restricted mobility primarily due to obesity are better off after a bariatric procedure.

Myth 12: I have diabetes, hypertension or heart ailment, so I cannot undergo Knee replacement surgery.

Fact: There is no such restriction. In fact better mobility after TKR enables to control above diseases better.

TKR is surgery of choice; hence the patient decides when he/she wants to undergo surgery. All the patients are extensively managed by a team of super-specialists to be fit for surgery. Each patient is different and planned accordingly. Strict protocols are followed by pre-intra and post-op. The Success Mantra is: Precise and Fast surgery by a highly trained team.

The patients return to their daily activities within 6-8 weeks which include home chores, driving, recreational activities, and sports like swimming, walking, and gardening with new confidence to take on life and define new horizons for themselves.

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Total knee replacement is replacing damaged bone and cartilage of the knee joint with artificial joint. This surgical procedure is highly preferred because it helps in giving successful outcomes with fewer complicated consequences. This is a minimally invasive procedure wherein only a small incision is made during the surgery.

This also speeds up the process of rehabilitation and recovery and requires patients to be admitted for a much shorter period of time in the hospitals. It has several advantages and the patients need to spend less time using a walker and can quickly return to normal movement and lifestyle.

Why Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement is a very successful surgery with minimal infection rate. It relieves the patients of severe pain and restores joint function, thus improving their quality of life immensely.

The recent advancements and innovations in medical science and technology have further contributed to the success rate of this surgery by giving improved immediate and long-term outcomes of the surgery.

Myths and Facts on Total Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery involves the replacement of a worn-out or injured knee joint with a prosthesis or artificial joint. The technique is extremely common. It was first performed by surgeons in the 1960s, with methods and implants being modified on a regular basis. Knee replacement surgery can reduce your pain and help you restore lost abilities. It has a very high success rate. Despite the fact that surgery may be a beneficial therapeutic option, many people have misconceptions about it that prevent them from opting it. Following are a few of the most common myths about Total Knee Replacement Surgery:

1. Myth: I will have to forego sports and most physical activities after the surgery

Fact: Following the procedure, you may gradually increase your fitness level, starting with a mild walking routine. You will be pushed to stand, climb stairs, and do other common household tasks as soon as feasible. You should be able to resume activities like brisk walking or cycling in 6 to 12 weeks but should avoid contact sports. Squatting and cross-legged sitting are permissible but should be limited as per the doctor’s advice.

2. Myth: I do not need a total Knee replacement as there are many alternate options like Acupressure and Laser therapies to cure my acute and advanced arthritis and other knee issues.

Fact: There is presently no scientifically proven permanent nonsurgical cure for severe knee arthritis, and alternative therapies lack scientific evidence. All of these therapies may provide temporary relief in early to moderate arthritis, but they are not curative. Many people resort to these treatments because they are afraid of the uncertainty of surgery. As a consequence, trying these measures will surely postpone, but not prevent, the procedure.

3. Myth: The recovery after total Knee Replacement is very slow and painful, and physiotherapy is compulsory.

Fact: For 99 percent of patients, a physiotherapist is not necessary. Following the replacement, the doctors will teach the patient how to exercise, and the patient will need to practice at home. Patients begin walking on the same or next day after the surgery. Patients are toilet-independent within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Weight-bearing is acceptable at this phase, and knee bending is permitted. After around 3 weeks, patients may join in outside social activities.The vast majority of patients may return to work after 4 to 6 weeks.

4. Myth: The success rate of total Knee Replacement Surgery is very low, and there is a high risk of failure

Fact: The sole danger in the whole procedure is infection, however the risk of contracting an infection is minimal (less than 1%). Knee replacement surgery is a great treatment option for worn-out or injured knees. People who have had this treatment may go about their daily lives in peace and comfort.

5. Myth: If I have diabetes and hypertension or blood pressure, I will be unable to go through with the surgery.

Fact: Diabetes and high blood pressure are no longer considered contraindications to knee replacement surgery. Prior to the surgery, the patients are thoroughly checked by the doctor and given drugs. They are given pre-anesthetic medicine. If the diagnostic result reveals that a knee replacement is required, the operation is straightforward. Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are no longer considered surgical contraindications. The doctor might advise to discontinue some medicines for a few days before the surgery. Every patient undergoing joint replacement surgery is now subjected to a complete pre-anesthetic evaluation.

Conclusion

Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospitals are among the best hospitals for redo knee surgery in India for total knee replacement surgery. The hospitals are equipped with the latest technology and have highly qualified and experienced surgeons who know every aspect of knee replacement surgery including the method for revision knee replacement.

Besides, the surgery for Sports injury treatment India at Shalby hospitals has a higher success rate and allows patients to lead a more active lifestyle with improved functionality and movement of the knees and legs. You should always consult your doctor and seek advice on which treatment option is the most suitable one for you and accordingly proceed to the total knee replacement procedure. (check the portion marked in yellow. From tkr it jumps to sports injury treatment)

The post What Are The Myths and Facts About Total Knee Replacement appeared first on Dr Vikram Shah.

What is Knee Replacement?

With the help of knee replacement surgery, the damaged or worn-out knee joint portions can be substituted. The surgery makes the knee more functional and relieves from knee pain. During the surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are replaced with plastic and metal components.

A surgeon will evaluate your knee’s strength, stability, and range of motion to determine whether or not you should have a knee replacement. X-rays can assist in determining the degree of damage. Additionally, your age, weight, degree of exercise, the size and form of your knees, and general health will determine the best replacement joints and surgical procedures for you.

Reasons to opt for Knee Replacement Surgery

While the knee joint is worn out or damaged, it is typically required to have knee replacement surgery because this reduces your mobility and causes pain even when you are at rest. Having a knee replacement surgery makes moving around more comfortable and pain-free.

With a knee replacement, regular exercise may be more convenient for you. It makes maintenance of excellent health effortless. Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and a number of other medical disorders can all be managed or prevented with this. Strong knees also provide better stability and support, decreasing the likelihood of falling.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Surgery to replace your knee is a good option, if it doesn’t respond to drugs and other therapies. Overall, there are 2 different categories of surgeries for replacement:

● Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee Replacement

● Total Knee Replacement (most common)

1. Total Knee Replacement

Modern medical technology has produced accurate and highly efficient artificial knee implants that closely mimic how a real knee moves and are individually fitted to each patient. One of the most efficient and safest common orthopedic procedures nowadays is a TKR.

A Total Knee Replacement involves the removal of the damaged bone’s surface caused due to osteoarthritis or some other factors. The replacement of the knee with an implant is tailored to your anatomy. The arthritic bone is precisely removed by the surgeon using specialized surgical tools, and the healthy bone that remains is then perfectly shaped to fit into the implant parts.

2. Partial Knee Replacement

For a limited percentage of individuals, partial knee replacement (PKR), also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement, is an option. In order to maintain a maximum of the original healthy bone and soft tissue, only a portion of the knee is replaced, as the name suggests. Most candidates for this kind of treatment have osteoarthritis in just one knee compartment.

Therefore, surgery is performed in one of three anatomical compartments of the knee where diseased bone causes the most pain: the patella femoral compartment, which is situated at the knee front between the thighbone and kneecap, or the medial compartment, which is located on the inside of the knee on the medial side.

Who might need a Knee Replacement?

Osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease that damages joints, post-injury arthritis, or a combination of these conditions make up the majority of knee replacement patients. It is more commonly found in women. If you have knee arthritis, you’ll likely begin by using more conservative treatments like prescription drugs, steroid injections, or physical therapy to treat your symptoms. But eventually, they might not be sufficient. Afterwards, surgery can be an option.

An X-ray can demonstrate cartilage deterioration and/or knee instability in a knee that is persistently swollen despite the usage of anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, and physical therapy.

The younger people’s more active lifestyles may throw too much stress on the artificial knee, causing it to not survive as long and second replacement surgeries may not be as successful, knee replacement is typically performed on older patients over the age of 60. However, knee replacements can be done at any age depending on your particular situation, so talk to your doctor to see whether you’re a good candidate.

Shalby Hospitals – Best Knee Replacement Hospital in Indore

Experience the greatest orthopedic care in India at Shalby Hospitals. The top orthopedic surgeons and experts at Shalby are highly qualified and experienced in tissue engineering and joint replacements, particularly knee replacements.

At Shalby Hospitals, the best knee replacement surgeons collaborate closely with surgical teams made up of anesthesiologists and surgical nurses. In order to streamline treatments; Shalby has also partnered with hospitals, trauma centers, medical facilities, and independent surgical centers.

The Shalby Hospitals in Indore have provided several patients with effective medical care on a national and international level. Every year, Shalby performs successful orthopedic procedures on thousands of patients, many of whom need joint replacements to recover from injuries or to regain lost function. Shalby his a genuinely trusted leader in orthopedic care on a global scale.

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