People suffering from knee pain may get relieved from it with Knee Replacement Surgery. An individual may wonder when knee replacement is necessary. Besides that, an orthopedic surgeon may try non-surgical treatment at the very beginning. In case, an individual’s knee doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments, then Knee Replacement Surgery is done.
A reader may go through this article to know more about the significance of Knee Replacement Surgery. Moreover, one can also come across several side effects of this surgical intervention.
When should Knee Replacement Surgery take place?
Undoubtedly, an individual should have a definite purpose for going through Knee Replacement Surgery. In general, doctors go for this surgical intervention to get rid of knee pain. Besides that, a person’s knee being damaged from arthritis can also get resolved with the help of this operation.
Few other purposes of Knee Replacement Surgery may include the following:
- Easing pain
People may ease their knee pain entirely with the help of Knee Replacement Surgery. Moreover, an individual’s knee may work in a better way after this surgical intervention.
- Failure of less-invasive Treatment
Mainly, orthopedic surgeons may recommend Knee Replacement surgery when less-invasive treatments fail. Mostly, a doctor may give certain medications as well as physical therapy at the very beginning. However, people must realize that knee surgery is for individuals attaining 55 years or above. Mostly, younger individuals may also go for revision of Knee Replacement Surgery.
What are the first-line treatment options before Knee Replacement Surgery?
Initially, an experienced orthopedic surgeon may try out first-line treatment options before planning for the operation. Simultaneously, a person’s treatment option may differ from others as per their health condition.
Few first-line treatment options before Knee Replacement Surgery may include the following:
- Physical Therapy
- Weight Loss
- Medications
- Knee Brace
So, doctors may plan for Knee Replacement surgery only when first-line treatments fail. Herein, an individual’s health condition is also monitored alongside treatment.
Which factors determine a good candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?
Mostly, orthopedic surgeons look into several factors before determining a good candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery. In general, a patient can also have their opinion regarding the surgical intervention. Also, one can ask when knee replacement is necessary to their concerned doctor.
A few factors that can determine a good candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery may include the following:
- Age
- Overall Health of the candidate
- If knees blow out regularly
- If knee pain hampers daily activities regularly
Which diagnostic tests are needed before Knee Replacement Surgery?
Initially, an orthopedic surgeon may assess the overall health of the patient. Moving on, a doctor may need the reports of diagnostic tests for planning the surgical intervention. At times, patients can know about the relevance of diagnostic tests for knee surgery from their doctors.
A few diagnostic tests that are needed before Knee Replacement Surgery may include the following:
- Physical Examination
A skilled orthopedic surgeon may carry out a physical examination before going for Knee Replacement Surgery. Ultimately, doctors may enquire about the medical history of the patient beforehand. Furthermore, one may tell about their preexisting disease before the operation starts.
- Blood Tests
The patient’s knee condition as well as the soft tissues present in the knees can be seen through blood tests. Besides that, one’s CBC blood test may also screen for other disorders.
- MRI Scan
Necessarily, doctors may go for a knee MRI before undergoing Knee Replacement Surgery. Furthermore, an orthopedic surgeon can perform a knee MRI after suspecting arthritis.
- X-rays
People may get an idea about the knee’s strength as well as stability with the help of X-rays. Many times, one can understand the extent of knee damage with this diagnostic test.
Thus, patients need to go through numerous diagnostic tests to rule out the knee’s condition accurately. Furthermore, doctors may plan for knee replacement surgery after looking into the reports only.
How can you get prepared for Knee Replacement Surgery?
Initially, a doctor may analyze the overall health of the patient before starting any sort of treatment. One’s medical provider may conduct several diagnostic tests for evaluating the patients.
Certain ways to get prepared for Knee Replacement Surgery may include the following:
- Doctors can enquire about the entire medical history as well as any other prior surgeries.
- A patient must inform the doctors if they’re having over-the-counter medications. Besides that, an individual can talk about nutritional supplements they’re having.
- Furthermore, patients should tell them about their allergic reaction to anesthesia to their doctor. Moving on, one’s doctor may plan for the treatment means accordingly.
- Patients can try to get comfortable by using their old crutches. Following that, an individual should speed up the recovery process in this manner.
However, a patient would get instructions regarding the best way to prepare for surgery. Eventually, an individual should follow these instructions very strictly.
Which things happen after Knee Replacement Surgery?
People must remain aware of the postprocedural care after Knee Replacement Surgery. Mostly, a person may feel a certain amount of pain for some weeks after this surgical intervention. Besides that, patients may receive anesthesia to deal with postoperative pain. Furthermore, one can get medication for preventing blood from clotting.
Many times, doctors may ask the patient to go for physical therapy after having Knee Replacement Surgery. Ultimately, one’s surgeon can inform about the right time for leaving the hospital as well.
Are there any complications after Knee Replacement Surgery?
Usually, a patient can suffer from blood clots as well as infection right after Knee Replacement Surgery. An individual’s complications can be different from others as well.
A few complications after Knee Replacement Surgery may include the following:
- Breathing problems caused by anesthesia
- An artificial knee that is wearing out over time
- Nerve damage in the knee
- Stroke
- Knee Stiffness
- A heart attack
- Blood clots in the legs and lungs
- Drainage from the surgical scar
- Increasing pain in the knee
However, people getting an artificial knee can be more concerned with infection. Following that, a doctor may remove the artificial knee joint after noticing any kind of medical issue.
Which foods should be taken after Knee Replacement Surgery?
People should take note of foods that they should take after Knee Replacement surgery. An individual needs to consume foods rich in Vitamin C mostly. Moreover, a person must also make lists of food that should be avoided during the recovery phase.
A few foods that should be taken after Knee Replacement Surgery may include the following:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Yogurt
- Berries
- Protein-rich diet
- Clear fluids
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Potatoes
So, an individual needs to follow a healthy diet after undergoing this major surgery. Besides that, a person should avoid overeating for escaping obesity-based issues. However, one’s diet can directly contribute toward speedy recovery as well.
Conclusion:
People have to know when knee replacement is necessary for their convenience. Moving on, an individual should note down preparation tips for this surgical intervention as well. Besides that, a person must know the actual purpose of conducting knee replacement surgery. Furthermore, one should have an idea about postprocedural care as well. Ultimately, people can take down a list of foods that should be consumed after the surgery.