Knee Replacement Surgery: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare

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Description	Are you struggling with chronic knee pain impacting your quality of life? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from knee pain due to joint damage and degeneration, usually because of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Knee replacement surgery is a common operation for individuals experiencing severe knee pain involving the removal and replacement of damaged parts of the knee. For individuals who have found no relief from conservative treatments, it's the key to a more active, fulfilling life. Unfortunately, knee replacement surgery is often expensive and difficult to access for patients in Ireland. Kardiolita Hospital offers world-class knee replacement surgeries to patients from Ireland at an affordable price. In this article: → What is Knee Replacement Surgery? → Types of Knee Replacement Surgery → When is a Knee Replacement Needed? → Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery → How Long Does it Take to Recover from Knee Replacement Surgery? → Knee Replacement Surgery at Kardiolita Hospital What is Knee Replacement Surgery? Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure involving the replacement of a damaged knee joint with a prosthesis or implant. The surgery aims to permanently relieve pain, improve function, and restore mobility to the knee joint. Depending on the severity of your condition, one or both knees may require an operation. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove the damaged parts of the knee joint and replace them with artificial components made of either metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. The prosthetic components mimic the natural shape and movement of the knee joint, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain. Due to the invasive nature of the procedure, general anaesthesia is standard practice. You can expect the operation to last between 1-2 hours. Following surgery, you'll be closely monitored in hospital for several days before discharge. Types of Knee Replacement Surgery Two main types of knee replacement surgery: total knee replacement (TKR) and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement (UKR). Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty) Total Knee Replacement (TKR) involves the replacement of the entire knee joint, including: - Lower surface of the thigh bone (femur) - Upper surface of the shin bone (tibia) - Kneecap (patella). We typically recommend this procedure only for patients with severe knee arthritis or significant knee joint degeneration. Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee Replacement Unicompartmental (partial) Knee Replacement (UKR) is a less invasive surgery involving replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint. We recommend this procedure for patients with early-stage arthritis confined to one knee joint area. Because less of the knee is operated upon, recovery is usually quicker, and patients report less pain and a better range of motion. Your surgeon at Kardiolita Hospital will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual case. When is a Knee Replacement Needed? Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended exclusively for patients with severe knee pain and disability that have failed to improve with non-surgical treatments. Some common indications for knee replacement surgery include: - Osteoarthritis – OA is the leading cause of arthritis and knee replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in the knee joint erodes due to wear and tear, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. - Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA is an autoimmune disorder that typically affects multiple joints, including the knee joint. Chronic inflammation caused by RA severely damages the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. - Other Conditions – In addition to OA and RA, we recommend knee replacement surgery in haemophilia, seronegative arthritis, gout, and avascular necrosis, when the knee has undergone severe degeneration. If you are experiencing severe knee pain and have not found relief from other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections, and are living in Ireland, consider knee replacement surgery at Kardiolita Hospital. Our expert orthopaedic surgeons can help determine if knee replacement surgery is right for you. Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery Preparing for knee replacement surgery involves several steps to ensure a successful procedure and recovery, says AAOS. Here are three key steps to take before your surgery at Kardiolita Hospital: Home Preparations Before surgery, you should prepare your home to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery. Some home preparations may include: - Installing handrails or grab bars in bathrooms and hallways - Removing rugs and other tripping hazards - Rearranging furniture to create a clear path for mobility aids, such as walkers or crutches - Stocking up on easy-to-prepare meals and snacks - Setting up a comfortable recovery area with pillows, blankets, and entertainment options Pre-Admission Assessment You will have a pre-admission assessment at Kardiolita Hospital a few weeks before your surgery. It will involve a physical exam, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. Compression Stockings Wearing compression stockings before and after surgery can help reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs. Your surgeon at Kardiolita Hospital will provide you with compression stockings and instructions on how to use them. At Kardiolita Hospital, our team of experts will work with you every step to ensure you are fully prepared for knee replacement surgery and a successful recovery. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Knee Replacement Surgery? You can expect it to take approximately 10-14 days to heal from knee replacement surgery and up to six weeks to recover fully from the operation. However, it can take up to 12 months to return to normal activities. During this time, you'll need to attend physical therapy appointments and follow any recommendations from your surgeon to ensure a complete recovery. Your surgeon may recommend exercises to help improve your knee joint's strength, flexibility, and range of motion, including: - Ankle pumps - Leg raises - Heel slides - Stair lunges - Mini-squats Knee Replacement Surgery at Kardiolita Hospital For affordable and reliable knee replacement surgery, Kardiolita Hospital in Lithuania is an excellent option for patients from Ireland. Our experienced surgeons specialise in total and partial knee replacement surgeries, using the latest techniques and technologies for optimal outcomes. Our world-class facilities, dedicated healthcare professionals, and excellent customer service make us a top choice for knee replacement surgery abroad. Send an inquiry to learn more about our personalised treatment plans and how we can help you recover successfully.
Created	13 May 2023
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