Joint Replacement Surgery: FAQs

Joint replacement surgery is a medical procedure that aims at helping people suffering from chronic joint ailments. The procedure involves the removal of a damaged joint and replacing it with an artificially created graft made up of plastic, ceramics or metal. The procedure is offered at all the leading orthopaedic hospitals including the leading spine surgery hospital in India. Joint replacement surgeries have paved way for new possibilities by making it possible for the patient to get rid of the unnecessary pain and discomfort that prevented them from living a normal life. However, joint replacement surgery is usually the last resort of the doctors when all other treatment options fail to work. 

In this blog, we have tried to answer some frequently asked questions about joint replacement surgery with the help of Dr.Bharat Bahre who is one of the most trusted names when it comes to joint replacement surgery in India.

Why do I need joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery is used to help patients suffering from chronic joint damage which may be the result of a prevailing medical condition like arthritis or osteoporosis, an injury sustained in an accident, severe blow or wear and tear due to prolonged indulgence in rigorous physical activities. Elbow, ankle and shoulder joint replacement surgeries are usually performed in case of sports-related injuries. A lot of patients prefer to undergo elbow, ankle and shoulder joint replacement in Delhi as the treatment offered here is at par with excellence.

Will the surgery help to completely evade the problem? 

The surgery can help you to get instant relief from the pain but it is not a permanent solution and you might even need a revision surgery especially in case of arthritis or osteoarthritis. However, sticking to the guidelines set by your doctor can help to increase the life of the graft and also help you to cope up with the post-surgical trauma. 

How do I know whether I need total or partial knee replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement is recommended to patients whose knee joint has been completely damaged and cannot be restored whereas partial knee replacement is used for patients whose joint has not been damaged completely. The decision is usually taken by your doctor after conducting a series of tests and screenings to determine the extent to which the joint has been damaged. Both partial, as well as total knee replacement surgery in Delhi, is performed by specialised experts who leave no stone unturned in delivering best results. 

What are the various complications associated with joint replacement surgery?

Just like any other medical procedure, joint replacement surgery also has a number of risks and complications associated with it. The surgery is performed under the influence of anaesthesia and as such is not recommended for patients who are allergic to anaesthesia. The various complications associated with joint replacement surgery include blood clotting, infection, nerve damage, dislocation of the prosthesis etc. It is very important to keep all of these in mind before opting for the procedure.

How long do I need to stay in the hospital post surgery?

Undergoing a joint replacement surgery is definitely a big deal and it might take up to months or even years to recover completely. Usually the patient is discharged within 2 to 3 weeks post surgery, however movement of the affected joint is restricted to some extent. Doctors usually recommend complete bed rest and abstaining from all kind of rigorous activities. Normal activities can be started only after consulting your specialist.

What all guidelines need to be followed after a joint replacement surgery?

The success rate of a joint replacement surgery majorly depends upon the willingness of the patient to follow the guidelines and routines set by the doctors. It is advisable to avoid rigorous physical activities. Keep your weight under check as excessive body weight can give rise to complications especially in case of knee, ankle and hip replacement surgeries. Do not move the affected area unnecessarily. Avoid lifting heavy objects and bending your back. Physiotherapy is very important as it helps to increase the flexibility of the affected joint and minimises the time taken for recovery.

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Exercises before Knee Replacement Surgery?

Joint problems can affect anybody and especially people who are in their mid 40's or above. Join problem is mostly age-related however it can be the outcome of many other reasons as well which include a persisting disease or chronic injury. Whereas most of these can be effectively treated with the help of exercises, therapies, topical and oral medicines, on some cases where the damage is Chronic, the patient might even need to undergo joint replacement surgery. The surgery can be performed for removing the defected portion of the joint and replacing it with an artificially created graft. Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common types of joint replacement surgeries performed in India. Knee replacement specialist in India resort to the use of the latest technology for offering quality treatment to their patients. 

Dr. Sourabh Shah is one of the most trusted names when it comes to knee replacement surgery in India. Hailing from the best partial and total knee replacement surgery hospital in Delhi, he is responsible for many successful transplants that have helped to transform the lives of numerous patients. Undergoing and knee replacement surgery is definitely not a small thing and a lot of facts have to be kept in consideration while taking the decision of proceeding with the surgery. The procedure can be performed in two ways that are arthroplasty and arthroscopy. The type of procedure that is to be performed depends upon the preference of the patient as well as the severity of his condition. After the surgery has been performed the patient has to follow certain guideline said by the doctor which include special exercises and therapies. Doctors may even recommend certain exercises to be performed before the surgery. These are quite important as they can greatly help in your speedy recovery.

People suffering from joint problems often tend to sit at one place due to pain and discomfort. This leads to inflammation and swelling in the joints and weakens their muscles and bones which can give rise to complications during the surgery or even after it by slowing down the healing process. Exercising can help to avoid this problem why strengthening your bones and muscles and helping you prepare physically for the surgery. The best doctors for knee replacement surgery in Delhi recommend certain exercises to their patients that can be easily performed at home without any hassle.

Some of these have been mentioned below:

Walking - walking is very important as it helps to release all the strain from your muscles and also strengthens your bones. You can go out for morning and evening walks as per your convenience. 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking every day can surely prob to be very helpful.

Leg raises - lie down flat on your back and raise your legs simultaneously at 60 degrees. Hold the position for some time and then repeat. Perform three sets of 10 reps each every day.

Ankle pumps and circles - lay down on your backhand pump your feet up and down. After doing this rotate your feet in both clockwise and anticlockwise direction.

Bed mobility exercise - Lie flat on your back, and slowly raise your upper body on both elbows. Straighten your arms out behind you and slowly rise to a sitting position. Lower yourself down onto your elbows again, then down back to the initial lying position.

Apart from these, you can also perform leg slides, side leg raises, lying kicks, chair push-ups, Knee bending and stretching. Yoga can also prove to be helpful for tackling joint related problems.

Some of the exercises that are to be performed before a knee replacement surgery and after it may slightly vary from each other. Hence it is very important to consult a specialist and educate yourself about all the different types of exercises that can help you before and after the surgery. Exercise is also important as it helps to avoid excess body weight which can lead to complications after the surgery by putting excessive strain on the operated knee.

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