Top 5 Reasons to Consider Before Knee Replacement Surgery
Top Reasons to Consider Before Knee Replacement Surgery
- Pain
- Fractures or Injuries
- Joint Destruction from Arthritis
- Degeneration Due to Wear and Tear
- Difficulty with Daily Activities
Knee replacement surgery, a procedure that has brought significant relief and improved quality of life to countless patients, is one of the most common surgeries performed in the orthopedic department of the healthcare system in India. The wear and tear of joints due to aging and excessive loads on joints is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. In this procedure, the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant, offering a new lease of life to patients who have been severely affected due to pain and limited mobility.
Knee replacement surgery is a significant step in the treatment journey. However, it's important to note that your doctor may not recommend it during the initial stages of the disease. Healthcare professionals usually recommend non-surgical treatments like medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications in these early stages. This emphasis on exploring all options before surgery empowers you to make informed healthcare choices.
In the later stages, when the damage becomes extensive and cannot be treated with other treatment options, it becomes one of the reasons for a knee replacement surgery.
What Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery has many types, including total, partial, and revision knee replacement. Total Knee replacement involves replacing a complete joint, which includes part of the thigh and leg bones. Due to the extensive damage to the knee joint, both parts of the joint are replaced with artificial implants.
Total knee replacement is most commonly performed in old age people. Some of the knee replacement reasons are listed below:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
- Hemophilia-related knee damage
- Gout-related knee damage
- Severe knee pain
- Knee stiffness
- Loss of knee function
- Failed previous knee surgeries
- Ligament tears
- Fractures affecting the knee joint
- Meniscal damage
- Knee deformities
- Synovitis
- Knee instability
- Cartilage damage
- Chronic knee swelling
Reasons to Consider Knee Replacement Surgery
Healthcare professionals usually consider knee replacement surgery when the patient shows no response to non-surgical treatments like medications and physical therapy. Patients complain about constant pain and irritation, which also disturbs their quality of sleep.
If you are dealing with pain and limited mobility, you may or may not need knee replacement surgery. It is a complicated decision that requires a proper understanding of the procedure and consultation with the experts. Many patients find themselves at an orthopedic surgeon's office evaluating the possibility of a joint replacement for a variety of reasons.
Let’s discuss the reasons for knee replacement surgery or the conditions of patients due to which it is performed:
Pain : Pain is the most common complaint of patients suffering from joint diseases such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. When the pain does not subside with the ointments or other medical treatments, healthcare professional finds it a reason to consider knee replacement surgery.
Fractures or Injuries : Most of the fractures of knee joint may also be the reason to consider knee joint replacement. Sometimes, a fracture starts a chain of events that accelerates joint wear and tear, and with the passage of time, it may require knee replacement due to extensive damage.
Joint Destruction from Arthritis : Various joint conditions like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can damage the joints, eventually leading to the need for knee replacement surgery. While medications can provide temporary relief, the damage can become too extensive that the mainstay therapy becomes knee replacement surgery.
Degeneration Due to Wear and Tear : One reason to consider knee replacement surgery is the degenerative process. As people age, their joint health weakens, and excessive loads on the joint cause wear and tear. For this reason, knee replacement procedures are performed.
Difficulty with Daily Activities : When everyday tasks become challenging due to joint issues, it is a sign that advanced treatment is needed to overcome the patient's condition. Whether it is as basic as putting on socks or as enjoyable as playing sports, the inability to perform these activities can be a reason for knee replacement surgery.
Fortunately, knee joint damage is not a condition that cannot be repaired. People of all ages are undergoing joint replacements, finding relief from pain, and recovering their ability to enjoy life to the fullest. If you have had enough of the pain and want to get back to doing the things you enjoy, consider scheduling a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. It could be the first step towards a more accurate treatment according to your condition.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery is considered when the joint health becomes too damaged that it cannot be repair with non-surgical treatments. Many patients do not show any response to palliative care and rehabilitation and may need the replacement of joint for the permanent solution to their limited mobility and pain.
