Single Knee Replacement

The problem in the knee starts with severe pain and functions of the knee gets severely restricted. Even after adequate medication fails to provide relief from pain and X-rays show severe damage to the bones and cartilage, doctors have no alternate but to recommend replacement surgery.

How is it done?

In knee replacement surgery the ends of the thigh and shin bones and the knee cap are capped with artificial surfaces with metal and plastic. The damaged cartilage is just replaced with the new joint surface.

The modern techniques adopted these days locate the damaged portion either in the inner or outer surface and replace that part. This technique is known as 'Unicompartmental' replacement. The knee joint components are secured with the bone by cementing.

How successful is it

The after effect of this surgery is very encouraging. The pain disappears if all the post - surgery directions are followed meticulously. You can stand and walk for much longer period than you were able to do in pre-surgery period. You can certainly resume daily normal activities slowly and after some time. Of course people who were sportsperson will not be able to resume their usual sports activity like playing tennis, but playing golf is certainly allowed.

Some dos and don’ts

Watch your weight, in case of weight gain the pressure on your knee will increase which may damage it.
You must remain active that will maintain your strength and flexibility. Under professional advice, you may resume walking, swimming, bicycling on a stationary bike, golfing and even dancing if you so like.

Post Surgery

Rehabilitation is an important part of knee replacement and involves certain exercises. The patient must adhere to exercises, which are recommended to him/her. Amongst them is walking, with or without crutches or walker and the knee bending exercise. Eventually, the patient would be able to bend the knee to at least 90 degrees, enough to do all normal daily work.

Who cannot have knee replacement?

Please remember knee replacement only allows you to resume normal activity and it cannot restore the same level of functions, you used to do once upon a time.