If you’re like many people who have a bad knee, you’re probably thinking about knee surgery but aren’t sure if you should do it. You may be concerned about how to manage the pain, the amount of time away from work, complications, or the fact that you are too elderly. You might be relieved to know that most of the claims about the benefits of knee surgery are indeed true!
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty can help reduce pain and restore function in severely arthritic knee joints. Knee replacement surgery involves the removal of damaged or diseased portions of the knee joint and their replacement with metal or plastic components. Metal and plastic components, as well as the kneecap, are used to cap the ends of the bones that make up the knee joint.
Who Undergoes Knee Replacement Surgery?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consider knee replacement surgery:
- Knee arthritis or a knee injury has severely damaged the joint’s mating surfaces.
- Pain and stiffness make it difficult to perform ordinary tasks such as walking up and down stairs or getting in and out of a car.
- Rest and medication do not alleviate swelling and irritation.
- Your knee is distorted, for example, it appears bloated or is not shaped appropriately.
High Success and Satisfaction rates
A knee replacement is an excellent treatment for worn-out or damaged knees. People who have this procedure can go about their regular lives in comfort and without pain. According to research, most individuals had a 95% success rate with knee replacement surgery.
Surgical reconstruction of the ACL, for example, has a success rate of 82 to 95 per cent. According to a study presented at the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2010 Annual Meeting, more than 95 per cent of patients are satisfied with the results of knee replacement surgery one year after the treatment.
There are no age limitations for complete knee replacement surgery. Doctors make surgical suggestions based on the patient’s discomfort and impairment, not their age. While the majority of total knee replacement patients are between the ages of 50 and 80, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that knee surgery enhances the quality of life for patients of all physical abilities and ages, from young athletes to the elderly.
Positive Outcomes
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that 90 percent of people who receive a knee replacement experience significant pain relief. It allows many people to be active and may allow them to resume activities they formerly enjoyed, such as walking and golf.
According to the AAOS, more than 90% of replacement knees are still functional after 15 years. According to a 2019 study, 82 percent of complete knee replacements are still functional after 25 years. A successful knee replacement often results in a higher quality of life, reduced discomfort, and improved mobility for the majority of people.
Many people report considerable changes in the following areas after a year:
- Pain
- Bodily function
- Vitality
- Social Functioning
Risks of the Procedure
Complications are possible with any surgical operation. Some examples of potential difficulties include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots in the lungs or legs
- Fracture
- Loosening or wearing out of the prosthesis
- Continued pain or stiffness
The replacement knee joint may become loose, dislocated, or fail to function properly. In the future, the joint may need to be replaced again.
Nerves and blood arteries in the surgical area may be damaged, resulting in paralysis or numbness. Surgery may not be able to alleviate joint pain.
Conclusion
Knee replacement gives pain relief, greater mobility, and a higher quality of life. For the vast majority of people, most of the daily tasks can be resumed after 3-6 weeks after surgery. Driving is also doable after three weeks if you can bend your knee far enough to ride in a car, have enough muscular control to use the brakes and accelerator, and aren’t still on narcotic pain medications.
After your recovery, you can resume low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or biking. However, high-impact activities such as jogging, skiing, tennis, and contact or leaping sports should be avoided. Discuss your limitations with your doctor.
