knee replacement - Orthopedic surgery-Indian medical tourism

 

Total knee replacement is the only definite cure for knee arthritis. As this is a surgical procedure this option will be considered only if the conventional treatment options have not yielded any positive results. This is very successful and common surgical procedure which has yielded a success rate of 95 % for a period of 10 years from the surgery date. Statistics show that approximately 76,000 people are undergoing knee replacement surgeries in USA every year and this figure for UK 60,000. Statistical data relating to knee replacement surgeries in India are not available now.  They are being compiled and it will be published shortly.

Traditional open surgery knee replacement

Traditionally knee replacement surgery is done as an open surgery. In open surgery for knee replacement an incision about 8 inches length is made and it needs a hospital stay of about 4 to 5 days. The recovery period in this kind of surgery will be about three months and during this period the patient will be able to walk using a cane or with the help of walker only

When it is done?

Knee replacement surgery becomes unavoidable if the patient experiences severe pain which cannot be controlled by other conventional manners. Such people usually have problems in climbing stairs, walking etc.

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. Some also have moderate or severe knee pain at rest.

Risk factors

The common risk factors accompanying a surgery are valid in this case also. Some of them are detailed below:

·         Blood clotting in veins or lungs

·         Infection

·         Heart attack

·         Nerve damage

·         Stroke

·         Wearing out of the artificial knee used for replacing

Preparations for surgery

As a first step the surgeon examines your medical records and conducts a physical examination to study your knees strength and stability. X-rays are made use of to determine the extent of damage caused to the knee. Depending upon your physical condition and your requirement you may be given general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. In the first case you become unconscious and in the second case even though you are awake, you are not able to feel any pain. You will be asked to eat nothing after midnight of the previous day of surgery.

The procedure

During  the procedure,  your knee is kept in a bent position so that all the surfaces of the joint are exposed. Surgeon makes an incision about 6 to 10 inches long. The knee cap is removed by the surgeon and cuts the damaged surface of the joint. The joint surfaces are prepared for accepting the artificial joint. The surgeon now attaches the artificial joint. Finally the surgeon rotates your knee to see the balancing and to assure it functions properly. The knee replacement surgery normally takes 2 hours.

Recovery

After completing the procedure you  will  be required to use crutches for several weeks. Make arrangements to carry out everyday activities like bathing etc. Arrange a temporary care taker if you are living alone.

·         Arrange total living space in one floor as climbing will be difficult

·         Secure hand rails  and stairway handrails

·         Arrange a special chair with cushion seat and footstool

·         Arrange toilet seater

Recovery

After the surgery you will be in recovery room for one to two hours after which you will be brought to your hospital room. You may feel pain, but the medications can help you lessen pain. You have to keep moving foot and ankle which can prevent swelling. You will have to wear support hose or special boots for protection against swelling and clotting. Your physical therapist will start exercising you the very next day after the surgery. If you follow instructions of the surgeon, there will be good recovery during the first few weeks.

Results

This surgery provides pain relief and improved mobility  to  most people. It also improves the quality of life of the patients. After about six weeks you would have gained all the lost mobility. You will be able to sit in a car and in some cases to drive it and go for a ride.

After recovery you have to get engaged in activities like walking, biking, swimming etc. High impact activities like jogging have to be avoided till your recovery is completed.

Medical Tourism in India .

Medical tourism in India has increased tremendously as a result of the favorable approach taken by the Government and the existence of professional health care providers in the country with state of the art facilities. The enchanting traditional values of India combined with the ever green and mesmeric sceneries of the rural life are always a fascination for people from other countries. 

Another reason that prompts patients to visit India for their medical needs is the cheaper rates for various surgical procedures and the guaranteed hassle free services offered by the medical tourism centers flourishing in India. Any patient from outside or inside India can approach the best hospital suitable for their customized requirements. Contact us in the number 9605933311 for further details about the hospitals and doctors that are now readily available  for discussing your requirements. We assure you that the best doctor from India will call you back within 24 hours of you contacting us.