The Truth about Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery may sound scary, but it’s more common than you think. An orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai doesn’t recommend knee replacement to every patient with knee pain.
If you are concerned about the post-surgical pain, recovery, and whether you’ll be able to walk and resume your physical tasks normally, this post is for you. Read on to learn everything about knee replacement surgery.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
When your knee wears out or is severely injured, a replacement surgery that removes the damaged parts with components made of plastic and metal is recommended.
With prosthetics, your bones glide smoothly, making movements easier. The surgery doesn’t replace the entire knee, but only the damaged surface of the joint. Think of it as getting new shock absorbers, which allow smooth knee movement.
Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery
The surgery is needed when you have chronic knee pain that makes climbing stairs, walking, and even sleeping uncomfortable. Arthritis is the most common reason people undergo knee replacement surgery. Here’s how to know if you are a good candidate for knee replacement:
- You have severe and persistent knee pain
- You can’t walk, stand, or climb stairs without pain
- Pain is severe enough to cause sleep disruptions
- You can’t find relief with medication, injections, and physiotherapy
- Your X-ray and other imaging test reports show severe knee damage
- You have visible knee deformities, such as bow legs
Is Knee Replacement Safe?
Like any surgery, knee replacement carries certain risks, but it’s largely safe. In fact, it’s one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures for people with chronic knee pain and knee injuries.
The surgery has a success rate of over 90%, making it a highly effective treatment option. The best part is that implants used in the procedure are designed to last long, around 15-20 years, and in some cases, longer.
Many hospitals have started using advanced surgical tools, such as robotic arms, to achieve greater precision. The technological advancements have made the surgery more efficient with fewer risks of complications.
How Much Does Knee Replacement Surgery Cost?
Knee replacement surgery cost in Mumbai varies between hospitals. On average, a single knee replacement can cost between ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, depending on the severity, technology used, surgeon’s expertise, implants used, and other factors. Apart from the surgeon’s fee, you pay for the hospital stay, anaesthesia, medication, physiotherapy, and follow-up appointments. It’s best to ask your surgeon for the detailed cost breakdown.
How Long Does the Recovery Take?
The exact recovery timeline for knee replacement patients varies depending on their activity level before surgery, age, and overall health. Usually, the complete recovery can take over a year, but you will notice gradual improvement in pain level, swelling, and movements as you heal.
Your surgeon will help you walk shortly after you wake up to prevent blood clots and other post-surgical complications. You can resume most gentle activities within 3-6 weeks. Your knee strength, range of motion, and flexibility will return by six months. After recovery, you can walk, climb stairs, cycle, and perform other physical tasks (unless your doctor has advised you otherwise).
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