Knee Replacement Surgery: A New Lease on Life
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, offers a remarkable opportunity for those suffering from debilitating knee pain to reclaim their mobility and live a pain-free life. At Horizon Prime Hospital, our aim is to provide comprehensive care and state-of-the-art treatment options to help our patients get back on their feet swiftly and effectively.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
It involves resurfacing a damaged knee with metal, plastic, and ceramic components to create a prosthetic joint. This procedure replaces the worn-out cartilage, which causes pain and impairs movement, with a durable artificial joint. Dr. Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman of Horizon Group of Hospitals, highlights the transformative impact of this surgery: “Patients
suffering from knee arthritis experience a ‘second innings’ after knee replacement surgery. It alleviates long-standing physical restrictions due to pain, helping them regain confidence and lead a pain-free lifestyle.”
When is Knee Replacement Surgery Recommended?
It is typically advised when conservative treatments fail to provide relief.
Common indications include:
– Osteoarthritis: Caused by wear and tear, leading to cartilage deterioration and bone-on-bone friction.
– Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that damages joints, ligaments, and cartilage.
– Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after a knee injury and may manifest years later.
– Painful Knee Deformity: Includes unusual bone growth or loss of cartilage.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis often include:
– Persistent knee pain
– Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
– Gradual worsening of pain over time
– Reduced ability to walk
Diagnostic evaluation involves a thorough knee examination and radiographic imaging to assess joint
space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, cysts, and osteophyte formation.
Conservative Treatments vs. Surgery
Before recommending surgery, doctors often try conservative treatments such as:
– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
– Weight loss and activity modification
– Bracing and physical therapy
– Viscosupplementation and intra-articular steroid injections
When these methods fail to provide adequate relief, knee replacement surgery becomes the
recommended option.
Why Choose Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery is considered a last resort, after other treatments have been exhausted. Dr.
Hrushikesh Vaidya emphasizes the benefits of this surgery: “Knee arthroplasty is a relatively safe and
effective procedure that relieves long-term pain, enhances mobility, and improves quality of life.
Advances in technology, such as augmented reality, have further improved recovery times and
outcomes.”
What to Expect
While knee replacement surgery is highly effective, it is crucial to address the procedure as soon as it is
diagnosed to minimize risks and complications. Common risks include blood clots, infection, and
limitations in range of motion, but these are manageable with timely intervention and proper care.
