Knee Replacement Surgery: Risks, Complications And Post-Operative Care

When faced with any uncertainty in life, it is quite normal to struggle with the fear of what is about to happen or worry about one’s future. While presently, the lockdown brought up these fears with a new intensity, when it comes to something like surgery, it is normal to have doubts on your mind. Anything related to health that might have a lethal complication in your life ought to evoke fear in anyone. Despite the fear, surgery like knee replacement surgery can be a beneficial option if you can no longer bear the chronic pain in your knees. And, the sooner you take the decision, the better for you it is.

What Is A Knee Replacement Surgery?

In simple words, when a part of the knee is replaced with metal or plastic parts as a treatment in case of a damaged knee, it is known as a knee replacement surgery. Also named as knee arthroplasty, the surgery entails removing the damaged part or cartilage and placing artificial joint made from metal alloys like titanium, cobalt-chromium alloys, or even plastic.

Why The Need For Knee Replacement Surgery?

The most common reasons for your doctor to suggest a knee replacement surgery are as follows:

• Chronic Knee Pain Or Stiffness: As per facts, arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain. When other treatments like medication and physiotherapy aren’t enough to reduce knee pain due to arthritis, doctors suggest a knee replacement surgery. If the pain interferes with your ability to move around and perform daily activities normally, it may result in a lower quality of life.
• Knee Inflammation: When knee inflammation is seen persistently despite medications, other treatments, and rest, this option is one people experiencing it can turn to.
• Deformity: When the knees bow inward, and the leg looks more crooked than usual, it causes many issues.

Risks Of A Knee Replacement Surgery

As in any surgery, even the knee replacement surgery has certain risks. Although, as per the statistics, they occur very rarely in this case. If your doctor has recommended surgery, it is wiser to stay prepared in case of any complications.

So, we are here to help you along and make you aware of these following risks:

• Infection: An infection can develop in the area around the prosthetic knee after the surgical procedure. So, mostly it is recommended to delay a dental process to prevent infection post the surgery.
• Persistent pain: In most cases, the patient is relieved from pain after the procedure; however, sometimes, pain can still erupt post-surgery.
• Neurovascular injury: There is also a chance of injury to the blood vessels or nerves around the knee at the time of surgery.
• Difficulties arising from the artificial implant: Sometimes, implant materials can face wear and tear, and the components may go through severe friction.

Post-Operative Care

While taking care during surgery is essential, it is more important to take care of yourself or your family member after the surgery. You need to be patient because recovery takes some time, and you can only take advantage of this treatment once you recover from it. This is required for a healthy life. You should be mindful of the following steps after the procedure:

• • Proper Medication:

Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor. Be sure to confirm with your doctor about any signs or symptoms you may notice. Take care in case of opioids as medication, as they can be addictive. Talk it out with your doctor to know more about your pain medications.

• • Be Proactive:

It is better to be safe than sorry. So, if you experience fever, redness, or swelling in the area of the incision, it would be wiser to notify your doctor immediately.

• • Home Adjustments:

To avoid falls or accidents after the surgery, it is better to make specific changes to your house. You can install handrails in the shower room or bathroom or install an elevated toilet seat. Check around your home for loose wires or remove things that may result in a fall.

• • Walking Aid:

Until you have recovered totally, you can use a walker or a cane to walk around if the need arises. Trying to ease into a normal routine may take time, and a walker may fasten things up.

• • Regular Walking Or Exercise:

Planning an exercise routine is essential for recovery. During many instances, you may feel like giving up on the routine due to pain or discomfort, but this will help you live healthy in the long run.

• • Emotional Support:

This is very important as the frustration from not doing things normally may result in depression or crankiness. If it is your loved one going through this phase, be patient for them as they are going through a lot. You can make them indulge in hobbies or talking with friends to distract yourself.

While this procedure might be painful, once you overcome it, you can live healthily for the rest of your life. Now that you know the risks and complications, have an open discussion with your doctor and your loved ones to get through this procedure.

Conclude:

Doctors recommend knee replacement surgery in severe pain when it cannot be reduced through other treatments. Though they rarely occur, it is better to know about the risks of this procedure i.e., infection, neurovascular injury, and others. Post-operative care is essential to get the full benefit of this treatment.