Total knee replacement in Kolkata: A laymans guide

Orthopedics & Joint Replacement | by Dr. Ashok Kumar Das | Published on 25/03/2021

Recommended to go for total knee replacement, but getting second thoughts? Well, this blog is just for you, to help you understand the procedure and make an informed decision. Around 120,000 knee replacement procedures are carried out in India annually. Offered at the best Multispeciality hospital in Kolkata, knee replacement has helped to transform the lives of hundreds and thousands of people who were struggling to get back on their feet and indulge in normal day-to-day activities without any pain or discomfort.

 

What is total knee replacement?

 

Total knee replacement is the most common surgical orthopedic procedure that aims at replacing all the components of the knee joint with artificially created prosthetic components which mimic the original ones in terms of structure and function. Unlike partial knee replacement, which involves the replacement of only one part of the knee joint, total knee replacement involves all the 3 components, i.e., the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap).

 

Performed under the influence of anesthesia, the surgery can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours depending upon the extent of the damage. The procedure has a significantly high success rate with no age restriction. If you are planning to undergo total knee replacement in Kolkata, CMRI is your ultimate destination as the hospital is a hub for some of the best knee replacement doctors who are recognized both nationally and internationally.

 

Why have you been recommended to go for the procedure?

 

Total knee replacement is recommended for patients whose knee joints have been completely damaged due to an underlying medical condition, excessive wear and tear, and injuries or trauma sustained in an accident. In such cases, the joints become difunctional, making it difficult for you to carry out your day-to-day work, owing to the limited range of motion and excruciating pain. Degenerative joint diseases are the leading cause of knee disability. These include:

 

• Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that predominantly affects women above 50 years of age. It refers to the gradual withering of the cartilage that cushions the knee bones. As a result of this, the bones start rubbing against each other, resulting in chronic joint pain and stiffness.

 

• Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis belongs to a special category of arthritis, i.e., inflammatory arthritis. It is marked by the inflammation or thickening of the synovial membrane, which eventually results in the loss of cartilage.

 

• Post-traumatic arthritis –Experts from the best Multispeciality hospital in Kolkata usually recommend surgery to patients suffering from any of the above-mentioned problems, in case they are not responding to medications and therapy, which are usually the first line of treatment.

 

Is there anything that you need to take care of prior to the procedure?

 

Just like any other medical procedure, total knee replacement, too, calls for the need for proper preparation. There surely are certain things that are to be taken care of, and these include:

 

• You will be required to undergo some tests for the proper evaluation and assessment of your knees. This will help the doctors to devise a proper treatment plan in accordance with your specific needs.

 

• You need to make sure that your doctor is well aware of your medical history and inform him/her about any medication that you have been taking. You might need to stop taking these for some time.

 

• You will need to abstain from eating anything, starting 12 hours prior to the surgery

 

• After the procedure, you might need to use a walker or crutches for a time. It is better to make all the arrangements beforehand so that you can have a hassle-free experience.

 

How is the procedure going to change your life?

 

Knee replacement can help to transform your life. The procedure offers relief from excruciating pain and swelling which can prevent you from carrying out your day-to-day work. With enhanced mobility and improved range of motion, the surgery makes it possible for you to indulge in various activities that you earlier used to refrain from.