If your knee pain has become a bane of your life that does not allow you to live life to the fullest, knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing decision. The thought of surgery may seem scary, but if you know the details of the procedure, it can make a huge difference.
This blog is going to delve into what to expect before, during, and after knee replacement surgery. Gaining these insights will help you feel confident and prepared for things.
Before the Surgery: Getting Ready – Physically and Mentally
Preparation starts well before the day of surgery. If you have been suffering from severe arthritis, injury, or chronic pain that did not improve with medication, therapy, and other conventional treatments, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend knee replacement. Here are the steps you will likely undergo to ensure you are ready:
1. Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will conduct blood tests, tests for the heart (for example, ECG), and imaging tests like X-rays to assess your overall health and joint condition.
2. Pre-Surgical Counseling: Your doctor will tell you everything about the procedure, how much time recovery normally takes, and possible outcomes. We advise you not to hesitate to ask questions. A mentally well-prepared patient has a tendency to recover faster.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments: To further ensure better prospects, your orthopaedician may advise you to lose a bit of weight, stop smoking, and manage any pre-existing conditions like diabetes. Following this advice helps lower surgical risks. They may also recommend pre-surgery physiotherapy to help strengthen the muscles around your knee.
4. Home Preparation: It would be good if you make some adjustments to your home so that you do not have to climb stairs in the initial days after surgery. Also, you should make sure there are no tripping hazards. That will make returning home post-surgery easier. Apart from that, get a walker in advance because you may need it during the first few days.
Remember: You are deciding to empower yourself. You are taking charge of your health for a more active, pain-free future.
During the Surgery: Safe Hands, Robotic Precision, and Trusted Care
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee resurfacing, is a well-established and highly successful procedure that knee patients are opting for, not just in India but all over the world. It has been giving people a gift of pain-free mobility, which brings with it freedom and a means to live with dignity.
Duration: The operation usually takes 1–2 hours under spinal or general anesthesia. You are awake, but you do not feel any pain.
What is Done: The damaged cartilage and bone of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial implants that mimic natural movement.
Technology and Precision: Many hospitals now use advanced techniques like computer-assisted navigation or robotic surgery, which allow surgeons to do their work with the highest levels of accuracy. Not only do you get new knees that feel like natural knees, but you also have a quicker recovery.
At Sohana Hospital, we use the most advanced CUVIS Joint Robotic System. It helps surgeons with accurate pre-planning of the surgery according to your unique bone structure, and further gives real-time feedback when the surgery is on. The result is highly successful outcomes with minimal invasion and negligible pain. Most importantly, our surgical team ensures you are comfortable, closely monitored, and supported throughout your knee resurfacing journey.
After the Surgery: Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Freedom
Recovery begins almost immediately after the surgery, especially with robotic knee surgery. It is a team effort between you, your doctors, and your physiotherapist. Initially, you walk with support, but within a few days, you start walking, climbing stairs, cycling, and performing other activities independently.
1. Hospital Stay: You are likely to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. Within 24 hours, your physiotherapist will help you stand and walk using a walker. Yes, that soon!
2. Pain Management: Don’t fear the pain after surgery. Modern medications keep pain and discomfort well-controlled. With robotic surgery, you get smaller cuts, and blood loss is also minimal. This is another aspect that allows you to move and recover faster.
3. Rehabilitation: This is the most important part of recovery. Regular physiotherapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and confidence. Physiotherapy is typically needed daily for 2 to 3 weeks. Gradually, it comes down to once a week. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 4 to 12 weeks.
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4. Returning to Routine Life: With each passing day, climbing stairs, walking longer distances, sitting cross-legged, and even dancing at your grandchild’s wedding become easier and more joyful.
A Brighter, More Independent Tomorrow
Knee replacement isn’t just a surgery – it’s a fresh start. Thousands of patients regain their independence and enjoy pain-free movement after the procedure. You may need patience initially, but in the end, it’s all going to be worth it. You rediscover life as you are able to walk, move, and live without constant knee pain.
If you or a loved one is considering knee replacement surgery, remember – you’re not alone. With expert surgeons at Sohana Hospital, prior guidance, cutting-edge technology, dedicated physiotherapists, and a positive mindset, you can turn a new chapter in your life.
Take the first step toward a more active life.