Why Did I Opt For Knee Replacement Surgery For My Grandmother

It all started two years back, when on coming back from office, I saw my grandmother in extreme pain, holding on to her left leg and on enquiring I came to know that she had frequent knee pains but they weren’t as severe as this one. I took her to a local physician and she has prescribed some painkillers. Although they helped for some time but things again became serious when her condition deteriorated. At first, she complained of stiffness in her knee accompanied by swelling, which was followed by utter discomfort and pain while climbing stairs, laying down, sitting or standing. In a course of a month, our world turned upside down. DadiMaa was barely able to move and that too with immense discomfort. This not only physically hampered her movement but also affected her emotionally and mentally as she used to be very active and now due to her health condition, she became dependent upon us for even going to the washroom. The day I saw her crying with pain, I realized, I had to do something on my own to help her and hence my search for the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi started.

How did I search for the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi?

I took my grandmother to one of the finest orthopedic consultants who conducted a number of tests and screenings and we found out that Dadi Maa was suffering from osteoarthritis. The cartilage in her knee was withering off and if we didn’t take proper measures, she might not be able to walk for the rest of her life. He suggested us to consider a knee replacement surgery. Seeing the deteriorating health condition of my grandmother, I and my father instantly agreed to it. As our quest for the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi began, I came across many specialists, some of whom were suggested by friends and family and others whom I found online. My search finally ended and DadiMaa underwent the surgical process. Before the surgical procedure, we were informed of all the risks and benefits of the procedure and there were 90 percent chances of complete recovery. DadiMaa was prescribed certain antibiotics to be taken before and after the procedure. One the day of the surgery, I remember the doctor asking us to have faith in him and his words were very reassuring at that time. The surgery lasted for about 3 hours and it was a success.

How did the surgery affect my grandmother?

The procedure, as the doctor had assured us, was very helpful and gave satisfactory results. DadiMaa’s physical therapy was started three days after.  The swelling decreased and ultimately vanished. The pain ended along with all the discomfort that she felt while moving. Certain exercises were also recommended as home-based physical recuperation. It has been almost a year and a half since her surgery and DadiMaa has never been dependent on anybody for her day to day activities and neither has she complained of knee pain ever since.

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If You Are Coming To Delhi For Your Arthroplasty (Knee Replacement Surgery)

Arthroplasty is a sub-specialty of Orthopedics that deals with the restoration of the proper functioning of the joints by substituting the deformed and damaged joint of the knee with an artificial joint (often referred as prosthesis). The national capital of the country, Delhi has some of the best orthopedic hospitals all over India. Many people opt for knee replacement surgery in Delhi because of the provided state-of-the-art infrastructure, high class facilities, exceptionally trained medical surgeons, and assurance of quicker recuperation.

Why should I opt for knee replacement surgery?

The composition of joint incorporates bones which help the knee a smooth functioning and enhance the associated flexibility, the related muscles that empower the joint to move, and tendons balance out the joint when it moves. Often, the complex structure of knee is ruptured with a serious injury, mishap or disease. In usual case, patients of knee problems observe pain while kneeling and running, stuck knee movement, knee buckling, swelling, and morning stiffness. All these could be symptoms of grave knee injuries or medical conditions associated to it. Majorly, osteoarthritis is the common cause of these conditions; it is degradation of knee due to wear and tear.

The complexity of knee joint often adds to the common problems of knee pain which include ligament injuries, cartilage tears, post trauma arthritis, bone chips, bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome, medial plica syndrome, osgood-schlatter disease, osteoarthritis, partially dislocated kneecap, tendonitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Why should I come to Delhi for knee replacement surgery?

The services offered by the best knee replacement surgery in Delhi are centered to provide personal satisfaction to the clients. Significance is catered to work along standard medical lines and proper functioning units are provided to the clients. Surgical expertise and high level professional care are the primary objectives offered by best known replacement surgeon in Delhi.

The best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi prescribe knee replacement surgery to treat severe knee pain or stiffness, chronic knee inflammation, fractures (patella, ends of the femur and tibia), dislocation, anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal and tendon tears, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and knee deformity. Normally, in the high-end precision faculty of knee replacement surgery in Delhi, the process of surgery is performed in almost two hours.

As per the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi, partial knee replacement surgery should be recommended over total knee replacement surgery because the former case of surgical expertise in  realm of knee operations has various advantages over the latter case which incorporates quicker recuperation, decrease of pain after the knee replacement surgery, and less blood loss has been observed. But in few conditions, knee replacement surgery in Delhi is not advocated through the process of partial; knee replacement surgery. For instance, if the individual suffers from inflammatory arthritis, prominent knee stiffness, ligament damage, pr any such related medical conditions, the best knee replacement surgeons in Delhi do not recommend partial knee replacement surgery.

What are the types of knee replacement surgery which are offered by the knee replacement surgeons in Delhi?

1. Unicondylar knee replacement: It is also termed as unicompartmental knee replacement and ‘partial’ knee replacement. It is a proper option to total knee replacement for patients, especially for patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis which limits to a single compartment. During this surgical treatment, only a section of the knee resurfaced. A partial knee replacement has various advantages over other alternative knee replacement surgeries, its aftermath utilizes less time for the process of recovery. Since, the marked incision is small in size, it gets healed readily and patient’s stay at hospital is minimal, post-surgery. Adequate medical evaluation is required to recommend this surgery. The location of pain primarily, provides the assessment of treatment required. He or she will be specifically concerned with the location of your pain. Secondly, X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are ordered to clarify the situation.

2. Failed or revision joint replacement

In many medical accidents or mishaps from the authority, joint replacement goes wrong, to provide an adequate treatment, failed or revision joint knee replacement surgery in Delhi is a good alternative. The failed joint replacement can be rectified with a correct revision joint replacement.

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10 Key Exercises to help you Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery

Ageing brings lot of health issues and knee pain is the most common health issues among elderlies and also people with low calcium and vitamin D. Knee Pain can start in women at menopausal stage and also after pregnancy. However, factors like obesity, arthritis or osteoporosis are main cause of excruciating knee pain.

People suffering from it, can face various problems in doing normal activities like standing for long, walking and even sitting cross legged. It can also lead to sleepless nights with bouts of extensive pain. While many take over the counter pain killers or pain relieving sprays/ointments, there are many who rely on home remedial massages. But not all massages can relieve knee pain. In case of arthritis or osteoporosis, massage can accentuate pain or even lead to fractures as the bones are fragile.

It is always advised to seek medical opinion and talk to your orthopaedic. There have been many patients who have relied on knee surgery in order to get rid of their pain without knowing about the repercussions of the knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery needs lot of post-surgical care; sometimes even a successful surgery can lead to complications if a patient does not follow the guidelines properly. If you are planning for a knee replacement surgery then do look out for best kneereplacement surgeons in Delhi or anywhere.

However, a doctor always advises to avoid knee replacement surgery and manage the knee pain. Some of the exercises are mentioned below:

1.       First, lie on the floor on your back

a.       Tighten your thigh muscle by pushing back of your knees down

b.      Hold it for 5 seconds and at least perform 3 sets of 5

2.       Take a chair or stand in front of a top or a drawer (waist level)

a.       Hold the support and stand on the leg with pain for 30 seconds while lifting the other leg in the air

b.      Repeat it for at least 10-15 minutes

3.       Lie on floor or bed

a.       And, place a rolled towel under your knee (which has pain)

b.      Straighten your leg and knee and hold the position for 5 seconds

c.       Lower your leg down and rest

d.      Repeat it with other leg

4.       Lie on your stomach on the floor

a.       Lift your one leg in the air for 2-3 seconds

b.      And bring it down slowly

c.       Repeat it with other leg

5.       Take a straight chair, sit on it with your back straight

a.       Raise your leg until it’s straight

b.      Hold the position for 5 seconds

c.       Slowly lower your leg

d.      Repeat it with other leg

6.       Sit on a straight chair

a.       Hold the arm of the chair and do push up while holding the chair

b.      Take support of the chair

7.       Take a straight chair and sit on it

a.       Bend your knee backward, as far as you can take

b.      Repeat it with the other leg

8.       Lie on the floor, on your side while keeping your heels together

a.       Bend your knees while lying down

b.      Open and close your legs

c.        Change the side and repeat it from other leg

9.       Lie on your side, on the floor

a.       Lift your one leg which is on the upper side

b.      Keep it in the air for 5-10 seconds

c.       Lower it down

d.      Repeat the same from other side

10.   Lie on your back

a.       Lift your one leg

b.      And then other

c.       Keep repeating for 10-15 minutes

These exercises are quite effective in managing knee pain and may avoid knee replacement surgery. Other remedies include weight loss, calcium diet and lot of rest.

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Baby Genetic Testing : What Exactly Does It Mean?

Genetic testing is a process which involves the examination of the blood sample from the expected parents check for any abnormality in the jeans that lead to various diseases and health problems in the baby. A special of the genetic diseases known as recessive disorders need the passing down of the affected gene to the baby by both the parents so as to make the child affected. Hence if both the partners do not test positive for a specific abnormality on their genes, it is unlikely of the child to inherit it and even if the abnormality is found in the genes of both the parents, there's a mere 25 percent chance of the child being affected by it.

When should I opt for genetic testing?

The screening need not to be done during the conceiving period but can be done before a women gets pregnant. This procedure is usually carried out by gynecologist and obstetrician by taking blood samples of both the parents. Usually a woman is testedfirst and if her tests are negative, the male counterpart need not to be tested but in case the woman is tested positive the male  also needs to undergo the procedure.

Why is it important?

Genes passed down from the parents not only determine the various physical features of the child but are also responsible for various diseases and abnormalities which if not detected on time can prove fatal for the child.

If both the partners are tested positive before conceiving it give them a wide variety of choices such as test tube baby and sperm donation to ensure that after the child is conceived,he/she does not inherit any of the abnormalities

Getting tested after conceiving helps to doctor to provide all the necessary information for the prenatal care of your baby and even helps to prepare you for taking the proper care of the child. The child is also at a risk of developing problems like sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.

What needs to be done if both the parents test positive?

Even if both the parents test positive there is no need to be afraid as there are only 25% chances of the child inheriting the abnormality. Early detection proves very beneficial as it gives ample time to the parents to prepare for taking care of a baby with special genetic conditions. In case the problem is detected before pregnancy, you can opt for other options which include adoption, sperm donation etc. 

What are the common diseases that can be diagnosed baby genetic testing?

Some of the most common diseases that can be diagnosed through baby genetic testingare listed below:

Sickle cell disease - Sickle Cell anaemia is a blood disorder which leads to decrease in the blood levels in the body leading to weakened immune system.

Cystic fibrosis - cystic fibrosis is a life threatening disease which affectsthe lungs  and the digestive system.

Thalassemia - it leads to decrease in the blood levels with reduced bone growth and also severely affects the liver.

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Laparoscopic Surgery in India: The Benefits & Risks

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimal invasive technique to perform various surgeries and diagnostic procedures. During laparoscopy a tiny instrument called ‘Laparoscope’ is used, to reach the abdomen of a patient. The laparoscope also has a tiny camera which gives a clear picture of the inside thereby assisting a surgeon and also to conduct correct diagnosis. During the procedure, a very small incision is made which is healed very fast without harming the surrounding organs or area.

Laparoscopy procedure is recommended in case of any health issue related to pelvic area or any part of abdomen and lower abdomen. Doctors rely on laparoscopy procedure in case of problems like Ectopic Pregnancy, Stones, Appendicitis, Endometriosis, Ovarian cyst and Pelvic inflammatory disease.

Once a feared word, ‘Surgery’ nowadays have become a common phenomenon with the advanced technique and quick healing. With laparoscopic procedures, patients do not have to stay in hospital for days and can get discharged on the day of the surgery or after a period of 1-2 days only.

The laparoscopic surgery is quite effective while performing procedures like:

·         Appendectomy

·         Cholecystectomy or removal of gall bladder

·         Partial or full Proctocolectomy (removal of intestine and rectum)

·         Vasectomy

·         Biopsy procedure

·         In treating endometriosis

·         In treating ectopic pregnancy

How many hospitals in India offer Laparoscopic procedures?

Almost every hospital in India has the facility and technology to perform laparoscopic surgery in India. In fact, people from abroad come to India for their laparoscopic procedures because of the affordable cost and reliable technology.

Does India have the technique of robotic laparoscopy?

Of course, it does. India in years has evolved as a promising nation for providing advanced medical facilities. Doctors in India have also contributed in various transforming and ground-breaking research and inventions. Robotic laparoscopic has only taken the medical field in India to the next level.

What is Robotic Laparoscopy?

Robotic Laparoscopy is conducted by a mechanical hand which holds the laparoscope and is controlled by a surgeon. The surgeon controls the robot through a controller to administer the laparoscopic procedure.

Can it be risky?

The machine in case of a robotic laparoscopy is fully controlled by a surgeon therefore there is no scope of any error.

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Cardiac Hospitals: When to call my Cardiologist?

Cardiac issues or heart issues can pose serious threats. Hence, a hospital’s emergency room is always bustling with patients facing sudden chest pain. However, almost 85% cases go home after finding no heart issues. Well-being of heart is very important for a healthy life. Any slight pain in chest can definitely give us a chill down our spine. But always running to a hospital’s ER room is not the solution. One needs to learn about the alarming signals. All the chest pain are not related to heart and no pain/symptom do not ward off the threat of a heart problem. Then how will you decide whether or not you need a heart specialist?

A cardiologist always insist on two things; one regular health check-ups and second a healthy lifestyle. While we some of us do follow the first advice, many of us ignore or choose to ignore the later. A sedentary or laid back lifestyle is a big threat to the inside of our body. A laidback lifestyle where a person has to sit maximum time of the day (which restricts physical activities) can lead to various health problems including heart issues.

What can affect my heart?

Though, a healthy person who has been following a healthy lifestyle all along is also at risk of heart issues but there are some habits which makes a person more vulnerable towards an ailing heart, like:

·         Unhealthy diet

·         Lack of physical activities

·         Obesity which is the main cause of heart problem due to accumulation of fat and cholesterol putting a lot of stress on heart

·         Smoking

·         Tobacco use

·         Alcohol addiction

When to go to a cardiac hospital?

Visit your cardiologist in case you suffer from following symptoms:

·         Feeling extreme fatigue for many days

·         Loss of appetite or nausea

·         Cough which gets worse even after medication

·         Fast pulse rate

·         Irregular heartbeat

·         Chest pain moving towards your hand and jaw

·         Trouble in sleeping

·         Less urination

·         Dizziness

How can Heart problem is diagnosed?

After learning about your symptoms, a cardiologist may go for certain test to ascertain your heart condition, the different scans and tests may include:

·         Echocardiogram: The test monitors flow of blood through the heart.

·         Electrocardiogram (ECG): Monitors the rhythm of heart.

·        Cardiac Computer Tomography (CT) Scan: It is done through X-ray and captures cross-sectional views of heart.

·        Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): an image of hear tis extracted through powerful magnets and radio waves.

Holter Monitoring: It is a portable device which is used to monitor continuous ECG of a patient. The device is worn for 24 to 72 hours. 

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