Some Key Facts About Knee Replacement Surgery

A knee replacement surgery is the process of replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial implant made up of plastic or metal. It is performed to relive the pain and stiffness in the knee. Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended for older patients suffering from severe arthritis and disability due to arthritis. Other conditions which lead to arthroplasty are trauma, inflammation, disability, infection and stress. It is a significant way of restoring function of knee and improving the quality of life.

Some of the key facts about knee replacement surgery are:

What is the need of knee replacement – Knee replacement surgery is needed to increase the mobility and reduce the pain caused due to arthritis or any injury to the knee joint. After the surgery patients can restore their daily activities and live a better quality of life.

Cost of knee replacement surgery – The cost of knee replacement surgery  varies from country to country depending on the facility and specialists. However India offers world class facilities and affordable knee replacement packages which drives in large number of foreign patients to India every year.

Be wise while choosing your surgeon and hospital – A study conducted in 2004 reported in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery shows that patients undergoing the procedure by surgeons who have performed over 50 knee replacement surgeries in a year are at lower risk of developing complications than those getting the surgery from surgeons who performed 12 or lesser surgeries in a year.

Beware of marketing – In 2008, 63% of the total knee replacement surgeries were carried out on women. The reason could be because women above the age of 50 are at high risk of developing osteoarthritis in knee than men. Some manufacturing companies take advantage of this and promote gender specific knee replacement devices especially designed for women's unique physiology.   

Recovery – A patient is required to stay in hospital for 3 days after the total knee replacement surgery and one day in case of partial replacement. After undergoing total replacement, patient may be asked to stay in a rehabilitation facility for some time. Recovery period differs from person to person. Once the discomfort subsides, patients can start physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is very important otherwise the knees will become stiff. 

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable knee replacement surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.