Total Knee Replacement: Is It the Right Choice for You?

1. Total Knee Replacement: Is It the Right Choice for You?

2. Introduction • Knee pain can be debilitating, stealing away your mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. If you’ve been battling osteoarthritis, injuries, or degenerative joint disease, you may have heard about total knee replacement surgery. But the real question is: Is it the right choice for you? • In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what total knee replacement involves, when it's recommended, the benefits and risks, how to prepare, and most importantly, how Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute can help you regain a pain-free life.

3. What Is Total Knee Replacement? • Total knee replacement (TKR)—also called knee arthroplasty—is a surgical procedure where damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial components, usually made of metal and plastic. This procedure is performed to relieve chronic knee pain and restore mobility when other treatments have failed. • The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap, and replaces them with a prosthetic implant.

4. Who Needs Total Knee Replacement? • Not every person with knee pain needs surgery. But if you experience: • Severe knee pain or stiffness that limits everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs • Persistent pain that continues even at rest or at night • Swelling and inflammation that doesn’t improve with medication • Visible deformity of the knee (bowing in or out) • Lack of improvement from non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections • …it might be time to consider a total knee replacement.

5. Causes of Knee Damage That May Require Surgery • Several conditions may lead to joint degeneration and eventually the need for replacement: • Osteoarthritis – The most common reason, especially in older adults • Rheumatoid arthritis – Autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation • Post-traumatic arthritis – Resulting from previous injuries • Avascular necrosis – Loss of blood supply to bone tissue • Bone tumors or infections – Less common but potentially serious causes

6. Benefits of Total Knee Replacement Surgery • While it’s a major procedure, total knee replacement surgery offers life-changing benefits: • Significant pain relief • Improved mobility and function • Enhanced quality of life • Better sleep and mental health • Long-lasting results – Modern implants can last 15–25 years • At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, knee replacement patients often report returning to activities they had long abandoned—like walking without assistance, driving, or even playing with grandchildren.

7. Are You a Good Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery? • You may be a good candidate if: • You’re generally healthy, with no active infections • You’re unable to perform daily tasks without assistance • Conservative treatments have failed • You have realistic expectations from the surgery • Age is not necessarily a limiting factor. Many people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s undergo successful knee replacements.

8. How to Prepare for Total Knee Replacement Surgery • Preparation is key to a successful outcome. Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you, but here are some essential steps: • 1. Medical Evaluation • Your doctor may order blood tests, ECG, and X-rays to ensure you're fit for surgery. • 2. Home Planning • Make your home fall-proof and arrange for post-surgery help. Consider installing handrails, and a raised toilet seat. • 3. Physical Conditioning • Start strengthening exercises recommended by your physiotherapist to improve recovery. • 4. Medications • Disclose all your medications and supplements. Some may need to be stopped before surgery.

9. The Procedure: What Happens During Surgery? • Total knee replacement usually takes 1 to 2 hours under general or spinal anesthesia. At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, surgeries are performed using advanced techniques such as computer navigation and minimally invasive approaches, resulting in: • Reduced blood loss • Shorter hospital stays • Faster recovery times • Post-surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room and later to your hospital room. Most patients stay 3–5 days in the hospital.

10. Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Surgery • Recovery doesn’t end in the operation theater—it’s a gradual process involving effort and patience. • Week 1–2 • Start walking with a walker • Begin physiotherapy • Manage pain with prescribed medication • Week 3–6 • Transition to cane or no assistive devices • Regain mobility with routine exercises • 3 Months and Beyond • Resume normal activities like driving, shopping • Return to low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling • Full recovery can take up to 6 months, but most people see significant improvement within 3 months.

11. Risks and Complications You Should Know • Like any surgery, total knee replacement has potential risks, although complications are rare: • Infection • Blood clots • Implant loosening or wear • Knee stiffness or limited range of motion • Allergic reaction to implant materials • Choosing a reputed hospital like Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute significantly minimizes these risks due to high standards of care, sterilization protocols, and experienced surgeons.

12. Why Choose Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute for Your Knee Replacement? • Located in Delhi NCR, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute stands out for its excellence in orthopedic and joint replacement surgeries. Here's why patients trust them: • Highly skilled orthopedic surgeons with decades of experience • State-of-the-art operation theaters and robotic-assisted systems • Multidisciplinary care teams including anesthetists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists • Personalized recovery programs • Affordable surgery packages with high success rates • From pre-surgery evaluation to post-operative care, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute ensures you’re supported at every step.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) • 1. How long does a knee replacement last? • Most implants last 15 to 25 years, depending on activity levels and health. • 2. Can I kneel or squat after surgery? • While many regain flexibility, kneeling may remain uncomfortable for some. • 3. When can I drive after surgery? • Usually within 4 to 6 weeks, after regaining sufficient control and strength. • 4. Is the surgery painful? • The procedure itself is not painful due to anesthesia. Post-operative pain is well-managed with medications and improves over days. • 5. What is the success rate of total knee replacement at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute? • Success rates are over 95%, thanks to skilled surgeons and world-class infrastructure.

14. Conclusion: Is Total Knee Replacement Right for You? • Deciding on total knee replacement is a big step—but it’s often the right choice for those suffering from chronic knee pain that limits life’s simplest joys. When conservative treatments no longer work, surgery can restore your mobility, confidence, and quality of life. • At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, you’re not just a patient—you’re a priority. With a team of expert orthopedic surgeons, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care, your journey to a pain-free life is in the best hands. • So, is it time to take the first step toward walking pain-free again?

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