Special
Knee Replacement surgery is a fairly common procedure in India. More than 2.5 lakh knee replacement surgeries are done each year in India in the age group of 60-69 years. This procedure is a very safe procedure with minimal complications which enhances the patient's lifestyle. Research suggests that just over 6% of people are not satisfied with their recovery after surgery. While this recovery depends on many factors, the most common mistakes and precautions are listed here so you can be aware beforehand.
For knee replacement surgeries there are some comon factors which influence your likelihood to make a full recovery post surgery. While initial receovery takes between 2-3 weeks, most people can return to their regular lifestyle between 6-12 weeks.
Your choice of surgeon, surgery technique and implant selection highly influences the success rate of recovery. While there are many orthopedic surgeons in Ahmedabad performing knee surgeries, having a skilled hand and vast experience is a must while selecting your surgeon. Always ensure to know other patient's recovery process while selecvting your doctor. Our orthopedic surgeon Dr Hardik Shah has a special technique which involves minimal cutting of tissue which results in faster healing time. Dr Shah also suggests the appropriate knee implant type, material and size based on individual patient need rather than a "one glove fits all" approach.
Strict adherence to doctor's instructions is a must in your recovery process. Always ensure that you have the doctor's recommendations pertaining to medication, physical therapy, activity level etc in writing to avoid any confusion. Also ensure that your family memebr or immediate care giver is aware of these to help you during recovery. DHS Multispecialty Hospital follows a strict rehab protocol designed after years of experience which is designed to ensure fast and painless recovery.
Post surgical rehab and physical therapy protocols are designed keeping in mind the patient's physical capacity and goals. The rehab for a 60 year old patient and a 75 year old patient may not be the same if their lifestyle also differs. Keeping this in mind, rehab protocols are customsied as per the patient's needs, goals and pre-surgery lifestyle. You must follow these rehab exercises by visiting your therapist or following the exercise regimen at home(as per recommendations). This is vital to ensure that you can return to your daily routine activities pain-free. Any lapses in physical therapy will directly hamper your recovery time.
Aftre a total knee replacement surgery, patients can typically expect a 1-3 day stay at the hopsital. After the procedure, nurses will monitor the patients until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Doctors will also monitor the patient for any warning signs. Post operative pain is common and medication will be prescribed by the surgeon to ease its effects. The intravenous drugs and pain killers are prescribed keeping in mind patient's age, weight etc by the surgeon.
The patient is encouraged to perform gentle exercises to avoid any blood clots.
The first week after surgery requires rest for the body to recover. This period entails physical therapy sessions at home as per the doctor's guidelines.
The patient is advised to keep active by walking around the house for short periods. Patinets can make use of walking devices during this time. Patients typically face pain during thie healing period and my be prescribed pain medicaltion by the doctor. Keeping the knee elevated helps to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Also, you will be advised to watch out for any signs of fever, itching, redness around the surgical site to indicate any infection. Follow up visits with doctor are scheduled for surgical site dressing and suture removal(if any). Soaking the knee in water will be prohibited until 4-5 weeks after the surgery.
In the third week, the recovery for most patients shows enough progress to reduce pain and swelling. Hence, pain medication will be reduced by the doctor. Physical therapy is to be continued as per the doctor's advise. Patinets experience better mobility during this stage and better bending of knee. You will again be adviused to watch out for sudden increase in pain, itching, redness or increase in swelling around the surgical site to indicate any infection.
The post operative progress at this stage will be judged by a doctor during the followup visit. The doctor will suggest removal of pain medication, requirement of assistive devices and change the physical therapy plan. Most people can return to their routine activities like driving, showering, walking without assistance after 6 weeks.
After 6 weeks, the knee is less painful and shows little or no swelling. At this stage, the physical therapy exercises are focused on increasing the strength of the knee joint. Doctors may recommend changes to physical therapy based on your activity level, lifestyle, age and other factors. By 12 weeks, most people return to work and are capable of routine physical activities like walking, swimming etc. Jogging or running may be advised by your doctor according to individual strength. Air travel is typically restricted until 12 weeks to avoid blood clots.
Physical therapy plans during each of these above stages is personalised and designed by the surgeon. These plans become intensive as the recovery progresses after surgery.
Dr. Hardik Shah is a knee replacement surgeon in Ahmedabad, specializing in partial and total knee and hip replacements and revision surgery.
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Diane Garcia
