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The
early stages of arthritis is well controlled by medication, physiotherapy,
general exercise, key hole surgery,etc. But when it becomes difficult
for the patient to lead day to day life due to pain, in spite
of using pain killers, then surgery is recommended. As there is
no point in aggravating the suffering.
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Is
there any particular age limit for performing the surgery?
There
is no upper age limit for performing the surgery. It can be undergone
if the general health is satisfactory. Sometimes in people in
the young active age group of below 40, doctors try to postpone
surgery. Nevertheless, if the condition becomes severely painful,
surgery can be carried out any age.
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Can
people already suffering from diabetes, hypertension, heart problems,
undergo this surgery?
Yes
certainly. Most of the times elderly people undergo this surgery,
even as they are afflicted with diabetes, blood pressure,etc,.
We must understand that this is not an emergency surgery. There
is enough time provided to make sure that one’s blood sugar,
etc are well under control, before surgery.
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Can
total knee replacement surgery make one’s leg straight?
Yes,
the legs can be made straight. During the surgery adequate corrections
are made to ensure this. One can certainly look and walk better
after surgery.
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Do
we require to take long term medication to keep the artificial
joint going?
No,
it is not necessary to take long term medication, until and unless
prescribed.
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What
are the risks and complications involved in knee joint replacement
surgery?
Nothing
in life is without risk. Even though this is a complicated surgery,
it has a very high rate of success, if properly done. In spite
of several precautions sometimes infections may occur. There is
just one percent chance of this occurring. Even this can be controlled
by antibiotics. Occasionally, one may have to undertake a second
surgery to correct the complication. Stiffness is another problem
some people experience after surgery. But even this is not painful
and the patient’s situation can be improved with physiotherapy
and general exercises.
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What
is the life span of the artificial joints?
Like
any other mechanical device, the artificial joints also undergo
wear and tear. But the use of modern and quality prosthetics ensures
a life span of 15 to 20 years. If the situation demands so, the
surgery can be done again, for replacing the existing joints.
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How
many days will the entire process, upto the patient being discharged
take place?
After
surgery it usually takes about 10 -12 days for the patient to
be discharged. The patients actually start walking with support
just a couple of days after surgery and within ten days the sutures
are removed. The patients are able to walk around 30 to 40 ft
during their time of discharge, comfortably.
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Is
it necessary to be in complete bed rest after going home?
No
it is not necessary to take bed rest. You can gradually start
off with walking inside your house and carry on with your personal
activities.
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What
are the precautions to be taken after surgery?
There
is no special precaution to be taken. Care should be taken to
avoid infections, during accidental injuries to the knee. The
knee area should be kept clean during such times. Body weight
should be kept under check, to increase the effectiveness and
longevity of the artificial joints. Western style toilets are
recommended for people who have undergone this surgery. People
should also avoid sitting cross legged and jumping after this
surgery.
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Can
we undertake exercising after surgery?
Yes,
You can. Mild exercises, stretching, swimming, breathing exercises
can be undertaken after surgery.
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Can
both the knee joints be replaced, at a time?
Yes,
it can be. Many a time’s patients come with problems in
both the knees at an advanced stage. During such times, both the
knee joints are replaced by surgery. This also saves cost and
is also less time consuming, for everyone concerned.
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How
far can I walk, after surgery? Can I climb stairs, also?
You
can walk for a kilometer or two, depending on your general status
of health, without any problem. You can also comfortably climb
stairs within 3 months of undergoing this surgery, without any
support.
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