Quality Of Living And Recovery After A Knee Transplant

Knee transplant is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with a metal shell. This procedure requires major surgery and hospitalization. Knee transplant is considered for patients whose knee joints have been damaged by either progressive arthritis or other rare destructive diseases of the joint. The most common reason for knee transplant is severe osteoarthritis of the knees.

Risks After Knee Replacement Surgery

Undergoing knee replacement surgery is not an easy decision to make and the patients should understand the risks involved before making this crucial decision that can impact their life. Decisions regarding whether or when to undergo knee replacement surgery are not easy. Patients should understand the risks as well as the benefits before making these decisions about knee replacement. Risks of knee replacement include blood clots in the legs that can travel to the lungs. Pulmonary embolism can cause shortness of breath, and chest pain. Other risks include urinary tract infection, nausea and vomiting usually related to pain medication, chronic knee pain and stiffness, bleeding into the knee joint, nerve damage, blood vessel injury, and infection of the knee which can require reoperation. A range of early complications can occur after knee replacement. Such complications include problems with wound healing, infection, deep venous thrombosis, swelling, and persistent pain. One of the most common problems people experience after knee replacement surgery is difficulty with normal activities like climbing stairs, and getting out of a car.

Benefits Of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can bring relief from pain in knees and the patient can perform normal day-to-day activities like exercising, walking, running, or climbing stairs with much ease. It can result in improved mobility and improve the quality of life. About 85 to 90 percent of all knee replacement operations prove to be successful for approximately 10 to 15 years, depending on the patient’s level of activity. It may be worth considering a knee replacement surgery if your knee is damaged by arthritis and the pain or stiffness is having serious effects on your daily activities. With the advancement of technology, knee replacement is done with modern medical devices using minimally invasive techniques that cause little pain and discomfort to the patients.

Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery

After a successful knee replacement surgery, most patients can resume normal daily activities within six weeks and start driving within four to six weeks. It may take four to six months or up to an entire year to fully recover and realize the total benefits of knee replacement surgery. Patients can walk on their own after four to eight weeks of surgery and regular physiotherapy sessions help to strengthen the muscles of the knee and help regain natural movement. Patients who have undergone knee replacement are required to use crutches for an initial period of six weeks after which they can resume normal activities. However, it may take up to three months for pain and swelling to settle down. Patients have to avoid crossing legs for several weeks and refrain from sleeping with a pillow under their feet after surgery.