Comprehensive Insights on Knee Replacement Surgery - Causes, Types, Treatment, and Care

 Introduction:

Arthritis and knee injuries often lead to limitations in knee movement, impacting basic daily activities. For those who have exhausted conservative treatments like medications and physiotherapy, total knee replacement surgery becomes a prevalent solution. This procedure, whether total or partial, provides effective pain relief and enhanced mobility for a significant majority of patients.

Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery:

Knee replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a surgical intervention designed to address knee damage caused by arthritis or severe injury. During the procedure, a surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replaces them with metal implants on both surfaces and a poly insert in between. This restoration of smooth surfaces enables the bones to move effortlessly.

Common Causes of Knee Replacement Surgery:

• Osteoarthritis: Age-related wear and tear of the knee joint, resulting in the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis causing thickening and inflammation of the knee joint membrane.

• Post-traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis developing after a severe knee injury, leading to malalignment affecting knee cartilage.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery:

• Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Involves replacing both sides of the knee joint, offering a common yet highly effective solution.

• Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Targets only one compartment of the knee joint, ideal for cases where damage is limited. This procedure is associated with smaller incisions, reduced tissue handling, and simplified post-operative rehabilitation.

Post-Surgery Dietary Recommendations:

A proper diet is crucial for a speedy recovery post knee replacement surgery. Key dietary components include:

• Lean Protein: Essential for tissue repair, with an increased intake recommended post-surgery.

• Fiber: Important for energy and concentration, particularly crucial during limited mobility phases.

• Bell Peppers and Citrus Fruit: Rich sources of Vitamin C, aiding in wound healing.

• Nuts and Seeds: Excellent sources of zinc, supporting immune system function.

• Pineapple and Papaya: Contain protease enzymes, helping reduce swelling and inflammation.

Recovery Exercises:

A structured recovery exercise routine is vital for optimal rehabilitation:

• Rest and Elevate: Use pillows to elevate the leg for ankle pumps and other exercises.

• Ankle Pumps and Circles: Improve blood circulation and joint flexibility.

• Knee Straightening Stretch: Enhance flexibility by stretching the knee.

• Thigh Squeezes: Strengthen quadriceps by tightening thigh muscles.

• Heel Slides: Promote hip and knee flexion for improved joint movement.

• Leg Slides: Aid in abduction and adduction movements for enhanced flexibility.

• Straight Leg Raises: Strengthen thigh muscles and improve knee stability.

• Sitting Kicks: Focus on long arc quadriceps to enhance strength and flexibility.

Star Hospital's Orthopaedic Excellence:

Star Hospital's orthopaedic department boasts specialized care for a range of orthopaedic conditions. With expertise in accident and trauma cases, joint and bone diseases, and sports injuries, the department offers individualized care and advanced treatments, including knee ligament tear surgery, knee replacements, hip replacements, shoulder injury repair surgery, and spine surgery using minimally invasive techniques. Trust in Star Hospital for personalized orthopaedic care from some of the best surgeons in Hyderabad.