Questions to ask your knee surgeon before knee replacement surgery

To decide on surgery is definitely not duck soup, and the decision to undergo knee replacement surgery is no different. There are over 1,20,000 knee replacement surgeries performed in India every year. Although knee surgeries have become a common treatment for arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, these surgeries carry certain risks and complications. If you are planning to have a knee replacement surgery or any other knee surgery. you should jot down your questions to ask knee surgeons or knee doctors. Make sure to have your doubts clear no matter how trivial it might look before your knee surgery is scheduled. This process of asking questions and clearing doubts will also help you evaluate your knee doctor’s experience and patient service skills. Politicalkeeda after several interactions with knee specialists has come up with a list of questions that you should ask your knee doctor and knee surgeon before knee replacement surgery.

What type of knee surgery would be suitable for me?

There is a myriad of knee replacement surgery options for knee arthritis, depending on the severity of your arthritis, your age, and your health conditions, among other parameters. You should also ask about knee replacement surgery cost in Bangalore. Options include:

• Total knee replacement for knee arthritis

• Partial knee replacement 

• Knee osteotomy surgery

• Knee arthroscopy

• Knee cap surgery

Do I need to stop taking my medications before knee surgery?

In addition to your arthritis medications prescribed by your doctor, ask your knee doctor whether you need to stop medications completely for any other health conditions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements.

What are the benefits of knee replacement surgery?

Pain Relief: Knee operation like knee replacement surgery,  knee arthroscopy, and knee cap surgery can reduce excruciating and chronic knee pain experienced while walking, running, standing, or even when you are sitting or lying down. Knee operation efficiently alleviates knee pain.

Smooth and improved mobility: Knee pain is responsible for preventing you from walking long distances. Total knee replacement can increase mobility and reduce pain in people who have an injured or arthritic knee joint. Knee replacement surgery improves mobility by relieving you from knee pain, arthritis joint stiffness, and easing daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing, and sitting. 

What can you expect after knee replacement surgery?

• You will be on crutches and not allowed to bear weight on your knees

• Your doctor may incorporate the usage of a continuous passive motion machine

• You may have significant pain after your procedure

• You might have some fluid draining from your incision

• You will be advised to start Physiotherapy about a week after surgery and continue for the next few months. 

• Your recovery time may vary from two months to 12months, depending upon your condition

• You will be asked to avoid any kind of strenuous activity for some weeks

What are the possible risks and complications of knee replacement surgery?

Common risks of knee replacement surgery are:

Infection

Any surgical wound is susceptible to bacterial infection. You should take proper care of the wound to avoid signs of infection. Watch out for the following signs of infections:

• redness

• swelling

• warmth

• discharge from the surgical site

• fever and chills

If an infection arises, call your doctor immediately

Bleeding

Although, bleeding during and after surgery is considered to be normal, if you lose too much blood during the surgery you may need a transfusion.  

Blood clots

A blood clot is one of the major complications of knee surgery. If surgery damages a blood vessel or you can’t move for several days after the procedure, a blood clot may form.

What kind of exercises you can do after knee replacement surgery?

A strict exercise regime is very important before and after undergoing knee replacement as it will help you to improve the range of your knee motion, strength, and balance. These are some of the common knee strengthening exercises for you:

• Straight leg raises

• Knee Bending

• Sitting Kicks

• Quad squeezes

• Heel Slides

Try Spending at least ten minutes twice a day performing these exercises. These leg strengthening exercises will impact the speed at which you are recovering. However, consult your orthopedic doctor or knee doctor in Bangalore to get a tailored exercise program depending on your condition. 

These questions to ask knee surgeon before knee replacement surgery will definitely help you to be prepared for everything happing in your body.