In Which Condition Knee Replacement Is Preferred And Of Which Type?

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    Knee replacement surgery myth busting with medical illustration.

    Most of us experience knee pain due to injury or any other reason at some point in our lives. The resulting pain will depend on the severity of the injury and can range from minimal discomfort to extreme weakness. The knee joint is an important joint that affects the ability of women to perform daily routine tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or even standing for long hours. Any discomfort or injury to the knee affects the quality of life. 

    The process of aging may also lead to injury due to wear and tear in the muscles of the knee. If the medications and other therapies are not giving successful results in treating the knee injury, then robotic knee replacement in Ludhiana is available for patients suffering from knee pain. 

    Knee replacement surgery is the procedure in which the damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial implants which are made up of metal, ceramic or plastic. These knee implants are designed to perform like the natural knee, helping you to move easily without pain. 

    There are different types of knee replacement surgery, each designed depending on the severity of the condition and the requirements of the patient. The main types of knee replacement surgery are mentioned as follows:

    Total Knee Replacement 

    • It’s the most common type of knee replacement surgery in which the surgeon replaces the damaged joint with artificial implants. 
    • During the surgery, the knee is replaced with new components, where the upper and lower part of the knee is covered with durable and smooth artificial surfaces that are designed to restore the natural movement of the knee. 
    • In this surgery, the surgeon takes special care while removing the damaged bone or cartilage, which is tiny in the femur, patella and tibia in some instances. 
    • This is followed by the replacement components that are manufactured artificially using plastic or metal and set to move as similarly to your natural knee as possible, without any pain. 
    • During the removal of the damaged part, surgeons focus on the shape of the remaining portion so that the artificial implant fits accurately as a replacement. 
    • Once the robotic knee replacement procedure is done, it requires a hospital stay for a few days so that the doctor can examine the post- surgery recovery.  
    • During the recovery period, the patient has to sit for the physiotherapy sessions and also requires support while walking for the first few days in the form of a walker or walking stick. 
    • After the successful completion of the surgery and physiotherapy sessions, patients can resume normal activities. 
    • However, patients are advised not to perform activities such as running or jumping, which increase the risk of damaging the implants.
    • Patients are also advised to follow the surgeon’s instructions to increase the longevity of implants. 
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    Partial Knee Replacement 

    • Partial knee replacement is recommended when the injury or arthritis occurs only in one part of the knee and surgeons want to replace that part only while keeping the rest of the knee healthy. 
    • For patients with arthritic damage in only one compartment, partial knee replacement is the best solution.
    • This knee replacement surgery requires a short hospital stay as compared to total knee replacement. 
    • Doctors evaluate which patients are suitable for partial knee replacement surgery and advise this surgery only to those who have healthy joints and ligaments, which guarantee successful recovery.  
    • Patients who undergo this surgery also require support for walking with a walking stick or walker in the initial phase of recovery before becoming independent and resuming normal activities. 

    Bilateral Knee Replacement 

    • Bilateral knee replacement surgery means both knees have to be replaced, either in the same surgery or in two different surgeries spaced months or weeks apart, staged as bilateral. 
    • In some cases, both your knees are impaired, and it’s really painful; in that case, the surgeon recommends bilateral knee replacement surgery. 
    • Doing the replacement for both knees at the same time requires one physiotherapy session and one hospital stay, but it may cause a little pain. 
    • But doing the replacement for both knees in two different surgeries requires two recoveries, but it’s recommended if you live alone or have any other medical condition. 
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    Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery 

    • In robotic knee replacement surgery, advanced computer and robotic technology is used, which helps the surgeon perform the surgery with more precision. 
    • The robot will not operate independently; it acts as a tool that assists the surgeon. 
    • Before performing the surgery, a CT scan creates a detailed 3D map of the patient’s knee. 
    • Surgeons perform the surgery using this map with robotic assistance to ensure that replacement of the damaged joint with the new component is done more accurately. This increases the accuracy and leads to better implant with positive results for a long time. 
    • The robotic systems can be used for both total knee replacement and partial knee replacement so that new knee components are placed correctly in their position and restore natural functionality. 
    • Patients experience minimal pain, high satisfaction, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods. 

    The Bottom Line! 

    Understanding the various types of knee replacement surgeries, whether it is total knee replacement, partial knee replacement or robotic knee replacement, it’s important to make an informed decision for your orthopaedic care. The specific approach varies and depends on the joint health, unique anatomy and core benefits of robotic knee replacement that remain universal for a long period of time. Replacing the damaged joint surface with the new implants helps the patient experience life with no pain and stiffness.

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    Along with pain management, patients can resume their daily activities with independence and confidence. Selecting the right technique under the guidance of orthopaedic specialists, Dr. Rajinder Singh, helps you restore independence and bridges the gap caused by joint decay. Choosing the appropriate surgical techniques under the guidance of orthopaedic specialists from Kalyan Hospital ensures a pain-free and high-quality lifestyle for a long period of time. 

    FAQ’S 

    1. How much time is required for recovery after knee replacement?

    Initial recovery takes 6 to 12 weeks, during which pain reduces, and movement gets restored with the help of physiotherapy. Patients can resume activity after 3 months, but with the approval of the doctor, and complete recovery takes at least 6 to 12 months to restore muscle strength, depending on the patient’s age and overall health. 

    1. What tips do I have to follow during the recovery period?

    The tips during the recovery period include not performing high-impact activities like running or jumping. However, the permanent restriction depends on overall health. But with the recommendation of a doctor, you can perform low-impact activities after a few days or months of surgery. 

    1. Can I climb the stairs after knee replacement?

    Yes, you can climb the stairs, but after a few days, with the assistance of a walking stick or walker, because without assistance it may be uncomfortable to climb the stairs. 

    1. Which one is a better option: robotic knee replacement or traditional knee replacement?

    No doubt, robotic knee replacement offers great precision when the implants are placed, but traditional surgery also gives proven results. But still, the final decision depends upon the condition of the damaged joints. 

    1. Can I live a normal life after knee replacement?

    Yes, you can live a normal life with knee replacement. You can easily resume daily tasks without any pain or stiffness because the knee implants help improve mobility and restore natural movement.