Bone strength tends to decline as age passes by. Age-related problems can occur for the mind and body and among those one of the most prominent is knee joint pain. When knee joint pain gets severe due to causes like osteoarthritis, doctors often suggest Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) as a long-term solution. Here in this article, we would like to provide you with some important information regarding what total knee arthroplasty is about, what happens after the surgery, and what can facilitate faster recovery.
What is Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)? When it is done?
Total Knee Arthroplasty is performed on individuals so that they can be relieved of pain and function in severely diseased knee joints can be restored. In the case of TKA, the damaged bone and cartilage is cut away from a patient’s thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and is replaced by artificial joints (prosthesis) which are often made of metal alloys, polymers, and high-grade plastics. To determine the suitability of knee replacement for an individual, an orthopedic surgeon would assess the person’s knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength. The extent of damage caused is determined with the help of X-rays.
Aspects like the patient’s age, weight, etc, become important matters that determine the specifics of a knee replacement surgery.
TKA is normally recommended for individuals suffering from chronic pains due to osteoarthritis. People who are suggested for TKA tend to have problems with climbing stairs, walking, getting in and out of chairs, etc. Some may have knee pain even at rest.
Life After Total Knee Arthroplasty
After undergoing TKA, it’s important to follow through with a proper rehabilitation process so that you get adjusted to the knee joint better and return to an active life at the earliest. Ensuring it would not only help you recover from surgery quickly and properly but also help you in the long term. With the help of advancements in technology, an individual who has undergone TKA will be made to stand and walk with assisted equipment like canes, crutches, or walkers. A physiotherapist would ensure that the new joint is used as much as possible and an exercise regime will be formulated to strengthen your muscles. Under the supervision of your physiotherapist and orthopedic, within 2-3 days of the surgery, you will be made to walk short distances, bend the knee to a certain angle, climb 2 – 3 steps and undertake daily activities like taking bath and using the toilet with minimal assistance. Patients generally tend to take up to 6-8 weeks to perform most of the activities they normally used to do with a normal knee joint. Regaining full strength and acquiring complete recovery might take from six months to a year.
About 90 percent of the people who undergo TKA have reported having a better quality of life. Knee surgery in Dubai is popular worldwide for its efficacy and affordability.
Guidelines for Fast Recovery
Below mentioned are some important guidelines to follow to ensure a speedy recovery after knee replacement surgery.
1. Stay active – If the surgery is a success, patients are expected to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days following a total knee replacement surgery. Movement with the help of support is encouraged by the doctors from the next postoperative day itself. A patient may be able to walk without any support within two to three weeks post-surgery. Regular exercise and an active lifestyle can ensure the quick regain of joint strength and hence avoid joint surgery.
2. Set realistic goals – It is necessary to understand that an artificial knee does have some limitations, though it can work very similarly to a normal knee. The artificial knee cannot bend as much as a normal knee hance activities like running, kneeling, heavy laborious work, etc, can be difficult to perform. There are also risks of the artificial joint being broken and the surrounding tissues being damaged. To ensure faster recovery and sustained wellness, understand your limitations well and live accordingly.
3. Keep weight under check– Maintaining a healthy weight is very important, especially in the case of individuals who have had TKA. Wear and tear of joints can occur if there is an increase in weight and may even lead to breaking of the artificial joint under pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to ensure that knees are subjected to less stress.
4. Risk of infection – Patients who undergo TKA are at a higher risk of infection compared to any other surgery. Any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection with it. Antibiotics are often prescribed to patients before undergoing any invasive or even a dental procedure. Take antibiotics before undergoing procedures like TKA so that the risk of infection can be reduced or eliminated and the road to recovery is smooth and risk-free.
