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Knee replacement surgery is also called arthroplasty. This surgery is designed to help relieve the pain in the knee, as well as restore function in knee joints. This procedure will involve cutting the damaged bone and cartilage from the shinbone, kneecap, and thighbone, and then using an artificial joint to replace it. This joint is made out of high-grade plastics, metal alloys and polymers.
These kinds of surgeries require expert examination first. Whether you need to have a knee replacement surgery or a hip surgery, only an orthopedic surgeon can tell you that after an examination. If that is what you are interested in, you can check out the knee and hip replacement surgery for more information.
Make sure to talk to your doctor to find out more about the surgery
There are different knee replacement surgery techniques and prosthetics that your doctor can choose from. He/she/they will make this decision taking into consideration your weight, age, activity level, knee shape and size, and the overall health.
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What are the risks?
As with any other operation, knee replacement will have some risks as well. Most people who go through a knee replacement surgery do not experience any serious complications, but that does not mean that they are not possible.
If you experience one of these after the surgery, make sure to contact your doctor:
- Reddened, hard, hot or painful areas in your legs in the first couple of weeks after the surgery. While you might experience some bruising from the surgery within the normal, this could also mean that you are experiencing DVT (deep vain thrombosis).
- Breathlessness or chest pains are quite rare, but if you are experiencing a blood clot in your lungs, then you will need urgent treatment.
On the other hand, you could have a reaction to anesthesia. While anesthesia are considered to be sage, they do care some minor risks, and often temporary. Some side effects could include confusion and sickness. If you are still worried about anesthesia, you can talk to your anaesthetist or surgeon about more information
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Know how to prepare
Before you g through with the surgery, your doctor should tell you everything you need to know about the preparation. However, if you are interested, here is a simple overview of what you should know before you go under the knife and how the preparation will probably look like.
First of all, you will be instructed not to take certain medications or supplements that could interfere with bleeding or the anesthesia. You will most likely be asked not to eat anything on the day of the surgery, but this will vary depending on what kind of a surgery you will have.
Prepare for the recovery
Most of the talk of preparation will include what to expect during the recovery. For a couple of weeks after the procedure you will need to use a walker or crutches. So, it is important that you actually arrange that before the surgery. You will also have to get a ride home from the hospital, including help with everyday tasks, such as bathing, doing the laundry, cooking, and so on.
If you live alone, it is important that you have somebody to come and help you until you are completely recovered. If you do not have anyone who could do that, your surgeon might suggest for you to hire a temporary caretaker.
Some tips to follow for the recovery:
- Make sure that your living space is on one floor, because you should avoid climbing stairs.
- Secure the handrails in your house.
- Install safety bars or secure handrails in the shower/bath.
- Get a chair that is stable and has a firm seat cushion and a footstool that will elevate your leg.
- Get a similar chair for your shower.
- Remove any loose cords and rugs in your house.
- Arrange for a toilet-seat riser with arms.
You will have to avoid any excessive activities after recovering
If there are any other worries you have, you can talk to your doctor about the knee replacement procedure. There are many things to keep in mind, from the procedure, to preparation for the procedure, recovery, and risks. These are all things your doctor will discuss with you before the surgery. However, if you have any insecurities or fears, you should definitely talk to your doctor about all that.
Final word
Keep in mind that knee replacement surgery will not last forever, but it is designed to last a long time. This is something your doctor will talk to you about during the consultation. This also depends on the type of replacement surgery that you’ve had, and whether you needed total or partial knee replacement surgery. Talk to your doctor to find out more about the surgery.
