For A SUCCESSFUL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Knee Replacement has become more advanced. If you are healthy, it can be done as an outpatient procedure without a hospital stay. Knee Replacement is better known as Arthroplasty.This surgery replaces the damaged parts of your knee with artificial parts. The artificial joint is called prosthesis. The damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint. Most people who undergo a Knee Replacement are between the ages of 50 and 80. The average age is about 70. About sixty percent of the recipients are women. Dr. C R Harish, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, answers some relevant questions that are raised before the surgery

1. Is Total Knee Replacement successful?

Eighty-five thousand Total Knee Replacement surgeries have been carried out in India in 2013. Nearly 20 lakhTotal Knee Replacements are performed worldwide. In the US alone, over 7 lakhKnee Replacements were carried out in 2013, and the number is growing at more than 20 percent every year. But the first questionin every patient’s mind is how successful the surgery is.

Arthritis of the knee is probably the commonest health problem, and is now affecting even younger people. Early or moderate Arthritis can be treated with simpler measures like physiotherapy and nutritional supplements.In severe Arthritis, surgery may be the only option left.

2. When is surgery recommended?

Surgery should only be performed if the pain is severe, if it affects the activities of daily living - requiring regular pain killers - and if 3-6 months of conservative treatment has beenunsuccessful.

3. What is the success rate of Total Knee Replacement?

If performed properly,Total Knee Replacement is a highly successful surgery. In most Western countries, the average success rate is about 99%. The average lifespan of these implants is more than 20 years and is now approaching 30 years. It is a really successful procedure provided the surgery is performed well.

4. Why is there a higher failure rate in India?

The success of surgery entirely depends on the quality of surgery, which also depends on the quality of training. When the surgery is performed in a very short time in order to reduce the costs, surgical steps are compromised. The surgery is bound to be of poor quality. As a result, there are higher rates of complications, less patient satisfaction and shorter lifespan of the implants.

5. Can you squat after Total Knee Replacement?

No, Even if your knee allows you, avoid trying it. If anyone is claiming that you can squat, this is usually misleading, done for marketing purposes. Rarely some patients are able to squat, but they are advised not to exercise. It will result in faster wearing of the artificial knee.

Book Appointement: Dr. C R Harish, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills