Knee Joint Replacement Operation & Surgery Hospital in Delhi

Overview

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that decreases the pain and improves the quality of life. During total joint replacement surgery, the worn-out surfaces of the joint are removed/shaved off and replaced with implants. The femoral (thigh bone) and tibial (leg bone) component is made up of a metal alloy that covers the end of these bones. The insert/spacer that is put between the two metal components serves as a cushion, a smooth gliding surface between the two. The patella (knee cap) is resurfaced with a special polyethylene.

The knee joint is the most complicated joint of the body. It consists of three components junction of three bones: the patella (knee cap), distal femoral condyles (thigh bone) and the proximal tibial plateau (leg bone). The ends are covered with articular cartilage- an elastic material that allows the knee to move freely. If damaged, the cartilage cannot repair itself. In such a case, a knee replacement surgery is done.

Max Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences & Orthopaedics, is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digital Orthopaedic Operating Suite. We offer comprehensive care for several orthopaedic afflictions, including knee, hip, and joint problems. The joint implants are planned pre-operatively for perfect size and positioning as per the anatomy of the patient, thereby safeguarding their health. Our wide range of offerings has made us rank among the best hospitals for knee replacement surgery in India. We focus on providing the highest level of patient care with professional expertise for early mobilization and have taken orthopaedic treatment to a world class level.

Knee replacement is of two main types:

Total Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement or 'Arthroplasty' is relining of the joint (bone end surfaces) with artificial parts called prostheses. There are three components used in the artificial knee.

1. The femoral (thigh) component is made of metal and covers the end of the thigh bone.
2. The Tibial (shin bone) component, made of metal and UHMWPE (medical-grade plastic), covers the top end of the Tibia.
3. The third component, the patella or kneecap, is made up of polythene. The surgeon decides at the time of operation if it should be replaced in a particular situation or not.

Patients with severe arthritis of both knees can be offered replacements of both knees together after a thorough medical evaluation. Joint replacement using computer assistance is also performed which improves implant alignment and surgical precision. Before a total knee replacement surgery is performed, Orthopaedics evaluate the medical history, conduct a physical examination, X-rays, and other tests like MRI and blood tests. The doctor then reviews the results and discusses with the patient if total knee replacement surgery is the best option in their case to improve function and relieve pain.
Unicondylar Knee Replacement

In some patients, only one-half of the knee joint is worn out. In these situations, only one side of the knee is replaced. This is termed as Unicondylar Knee Replacement. It can be done in specific conditions, which only the surgeon can judge and advice. This surgery is comparatively economical, and since the operation is less extensive, the post-operative recovery is faster.

If a patient’s knee is sternly damaged by arthritis or because of any injury, it may be difficult for them to perform everyday activities, such as climbing stairs or walking. After a period, they may even begin to feel pain while sitting or lying down. When non-surgical treatments like the use of walking supports and medications prove no longer to be helpful, the doctor may advise the patient to undergo a total knee replacement surgery. It is a safe procedure that helps in pain relief, corrects leg deformity, and allows the patient to resume normal activities.

Knee replacement surgery treatment is performed when a patient experiences the following:

Osteoarthritis
Pain in and around the joint
Stiffness
Difficulty in squatting and sitting crossed leg
Difficulty in negotiating stairs
Deformities of the joint
Inability to walk for long distances
Joint swelling
Decreased movement of the joint
Rheumatoid arthritis
Infective arthritis
Traumatic Arthritis
Gouty arthritis
Pain in deformed knee

The surgical treatment becomes an option in severe cases and the medical treatment fails.

Medical treatment includes

Activity modification.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Joint injections

Surgical Indications are

When the medical treatment fails to relieve the pain
There is severe deformity of the joint so much so that it affects the daily activities of the patient
There is instability of the knee joint
There is decreased range of motion of the joint

Osteoarthritis most commonly referred to as the wear and tear of the joint usually affects the elderly and middle age to elderly people. In osteoarthritis the cartilage between the joint breaks down.

Older age
Obesity
Previous traumatic joint injury/overuse of joints
Joint deformity

Pain in and around the joint
Stiffness
Difficulty in squatting and sitting crossed leg
Difficulty in negotiating stairs
Deformities of the joint
Inability to walk for long distances
Joint swelling
Decreased movement of the joint

History and clinical examination
Standing X rays of the knee joint
Some patients may knee CT Scan/ MRI

Activities to be Avoided After Knee Surgery:

Certain activities are to be avoided after undergoing knee surgery. These include:

Squatting
Sitting crossed leg
Using Indian commode
Avoid high level impact activities like sports and heavy physical work

The problems and aspirations of each patient differ, and these must be discussed with the surgeon for knee replacement in india at length before the patient accepts the Total Knee Replacement operation.

The Post-Operative Physical Therapy

After the knee replacement surgery, the patient is shifted to the post-operative observation room (HDU). A bandage is tied over the knee with a drain tube coming out of the bandage. This removes any blood collected in the knee and minimizes the chances of infection.

An intravenous line is used for transfusing blood or fluids into the patient's arm. This is later used to administer antibiotics over the next few days and transfuse blood. In some instances, a urinary catheter may be used to help elderly patients or those who have urinary difficulty. Some leads are attached to the body to continuously monitor the ECG, blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, etc. The patients remain in the observation room for a night. Once the anaesthetists are satisfied, patients are shifted to their respective rooms, the next day.

The surgeon will supervise the knee rehabilitation programme, which usually begins 24-hours after the surgery.