Knee replacement surgery is a well-known and effective orthopaedic procedure that has benefited many people with severe knee pain or mobility problems. The causes of severe knee pain and impaired mobility may be arthritis, injuries, or normal wear and tear. It makes it difficult to undertake regular activities, necessitating this restorative surgery. To make an informed decision, it’s important to know the benefits and possible risks about knee replacement surgery.
What is knee replacement surgery?
It is an orthopaedic procedure in which worn-out or damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts. Mostly, these prosthetic parts are made of strong, long-lasting materials like metal, plastic, or ceramics. Due to improvements in surgical techniques and prosthetic materials, the procedure has become more successful over time.
Knee replacement surgery has several benefits
Significant Pain Relief
Knee replacement surgery has many benefits, but the most significant is effective and lasting relief from chronic knee pain. Most people who have surgery say that their pain gets much better, and some even say that their pain goes away completely.
Improved Knee Mobility and Function
One of the most important benefits of this surgery is that it helps restore knee function. It lets people move around better and helps them become more independent, making it easier for them to get back to their normal lives. Everything becomes a lot easier to do, like walking, climbing stairs, and doing light sports or recreational activities.
Quality of Life
Knee replacement surgery often improves the overall quality of life. As a person’s mobility improves and their pain goes down, their mood, social life, and overall well-being usually get better.
Self-Esteem Boost
Regaining independence and being able to do things you enjoy leads to a boost in confidence and a more positive outlook on life. It is an often-overlooked benefit that has a significant impact on overall life satisfaction.
Read also What to Expect After Your Knee Replacement Surgery
A Balanced Look at Risks and Complications:
Knee replacement surgery has many benefits, but like any other surgery, it has risks. It’s important to think about these possible risks before opting for this procedure.
Infection
Infection is a common risk of knee replacement surgery. It can happen at the site of the surgery or in the tissue around the new joint. Even when all the safety measures are taken, infections can occur, requiring more treatment or surgery.
Blood Clots:
Less mobility during recovery can cause blood to clot in the veins of the legs. In rare situations, these clots can move to the lungs, causing serious health problems. Medications that thin the blood and gradually help regain mobility after surgery are often recommended as ways to prevent complications.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is another risk of knee replacement surgery. It can make the affected leg numb, weak, or paralysed.
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Pain that doesn’t go away or problems with the implant placement
Despite progress, there is a chance that the new joint won’t work as planned or will cause pain that doesn’t go away. Over time, the artificial joint can wear out or become loose, leading to another surgery.
Even though these risks are there, it’s important to remember that most knee replacement surgeries are successful. Most of the time, the benefits outweigh the risks. But it’s important to have a balanced view of the process before opting for it.
Take the time to talk about these issues with your doctor and evaluate one’s health, lifestyle, and possible commitments during the recovery period. It’s also a good idea to think about the experience of the surgical team, the plan for the surgery, and the help that will be available during recovery.
Orthopaedic departments at reputed hospitals are recommended for knee replacement surgeries because they offer full care, from pre-surgery consultations to post-surgery rehabilitation, based on the needs of each patient.
To sum up, knee replacement surgery has several benefits, such as a significant reduction in pain, better mobility, and improved quality of life, but it’s important to weigh these benefits against the risks. Knee replacement surgery is a choice that should be carefully thought out. The most important thing should always be your health and well-being.
