A key aspect of making preparations for your knee replacement surgery is gathering adequate knowledge. Although there are plenty of online and offline sources that you can utilize to get your answers, your doctor is the best person who you can rely on for authentic information. Read on to know the right questions to ask your orthopaedist.
- How do I know if it is the right time for me to get total knee replacement?
Only you and your orthopedic doctor can decide whether or not you need total knee replacement – if it’s the appropriate treatment for your knee pain. Many factors can influence this decision. A total knee replacement may be right for you if you have:
- Severe pain or stiffness that hinders your daily activities
- Moderate pain even while resting or sleeping
- Swelling or inflammation around knees that does not heal with rest
- Visible knee deformity
- Already tried non-surgical treatments without any success
While most people continue to postpone their knee surgery till they completely lose mobility and suffer from unbearable pain, studies show that it is better to get TKR done earlier. Younger patients who are still in initial stages of knee damage have been found to have lower complication risks and enhanced outcomes. However, only you and your health care provider can decide what is best for you.
- Are there different types of knee implants?
Talk to your doctor about the number of knee replacements they’ve performed, and how routine this surgery is for them. Also ask about the kind of implant they plan to use. It is important because the ‘feel’ of your new knee is going to be significant to ensure your satisfaction and happiness with the procedure. There are majorly three kinds of knee implants:
| Implant Type | Speciality | Range of Motion | Who Should Choose |
| Fixed-Bearing Implants | Most common, standard for decades, highly successful and excellent long-term results | Fixed polyethylene cushion on the tibial component – does not move | Older, less active individuals |
| Mobile-Bearing Implants | Greater range of motion, more natural knee movement | Polyethylene insert can rotate a little within the tibial component | Younger, more active patients |
| Medial Pivot Implants | More natural feeling during walking or climbing stairs | Mimic the knee’s natural swinging and rotating motion | For patients who want stability and motion range |
- How should I prepare for a total knee replacement?
If you and your orthopaedic surgeon come to a conclusion that total knee replacement is the correct treatment for you, it will be good to start preparing. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can lower the risk of complications and promote healing post-surgery. Consuming a balanced diet, limiting smoking and drinking, and starting some kind of exercise routine before surgery can help prepare your body for surgery. Apart from that, some changes to your home can make it more comfortable for your initial days after knee surgery. Here are some changes that you can make:
- Make arrangements for transportation to and from hospital
- See how to manage cooking and cleaning
- Place frequently used items at convenient heights
- If you plan to use a cane or walker in the beginning, make sure it is easy to move around your home with these aids
- Make sure you have safety railings on stairs and bathrooms so that you can navigate these areas
- Remove loose cords, carpeting, and other tripping hazards
- Arrange a suitable chair on which you can relax and keep your leg comfortably elevated
- See that you have everything you need on the same floor – to avoid climbing stairs
It is important that you discuss with your doctor what all preparations you should make for your knee replacement. Likewise, you should also discuss your lifestyle and medical history to understand any potential risks, and take steps to minimize them.
- What can I expect before, during, and after surgery?
You must know what to expect after surgery. Discussing and managing expectations has been seen to have a huge impact on patient satisfaction. So, you should know what to expect immediately before and during surgery. This knowledge can promote recovery. Also, talk to your surgeon about what to expect during your hospital stay, from before until after surgery:
- When to reach the hospital for surgery?
- What items to bring?
- How long does a surgery generally take?
- What type of anaesthesia is used? How long does its effect last?
- How painful is the surgery and how is pain managed?
- How long is the hospital stay?
- What will rehabilitation be like? When will it begin?
- When can I resume normal activities?
- Whom and how to contact in case of any problem?
- What can I do to ensure my artificial joint is durable?
Although implants have significantly improved and longevity is quite high, their durability varies from patient to patient. Besides preoperative activities you can do to get better results, there are steps you can take after surgery to maintain your implant for a longer time. Discuss these factors with your surgeon:
- What are the ways to enhance longevity of the implant?
- What kind of rehabilitation and physical therapy exercises to choose?
- When to visit for follow-ups?
- How to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle?
- What kind of activities to avoid after surgery?
- Which other precautions to take for better long-term results?
Conclusion
Getting your knees replaced is a momentous decision of your life. At such a crucial time, you must not hesitate, and ask your doctor all that you want to know regarding your knee replacement surgery. This blog covers all the major questions that you might have in your mind. Knowing their answers will boost your confidence and morale, which in turn, would lead to better outcomes.
At Sohana Orthopaedic Centre, trusted knee specialists stand by you at every step of your knee replacement journey. Not only do they clear all your surgery-related doubts but also help you understand the entire process in detail.
Whether you choose traditional knee surgery or the advanced robotic knee replacement, we wish and hope that you get back fast to being your young self once again!
