Pawar Hospital

Spire Hospital

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Dr Gaurav Pawar is a well established Hip and Knee joint replacement and sports injury (Arthroscopy) surgeon. He has eight years of experience in Trauma & Orthropaedics and has gained considerable knowledge and espertise in this field during this period. He has also worked in Trauma and Orthopaedics in the NHS system in UK for 3 years at reputed hospitals like Royal Free Hospital,London, Chase Farm Hospital, London and Tameside Hospital, Greater Manchester. He has performed numerous joint replacement and arthroscopy surgeries during this period and is well versed with the latest surgical techniques. He has also presented and published many papers at national and international stages.

Knee Replacement

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Knee Replacement

Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with artificial components (implants) to relieve pain and improve knee function. This procedure is most commonly performed on individuals who have severe arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions that have caused significant damage to the knee joint.

There are two main types of knee replacement procedures:

  • Total Knee Replacement (TKR): In a total knee replacement, all three compartments of the knee joint are replaced with artificial implants. The damaged ends of the thigh bone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) are removed and replaced with metal and plastic components that mimic the natural joint's structure and function.
  • Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, partial knee replacement involves the replacement of only one compartment of the knee joint. This procedure is suitable for patients who have damage limited to one area of the knee and where the rest of the joint is relatively healthy.

The knee replacement procedure typically involves the following steps:

  • Preparation: Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests (such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) to assess the extent of knee joint damage and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
  • Anesthesia: The patient is given either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural) to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
  • Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the knee to access the knee joint.
  • Resection of damaged bone and cartilage: The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the femur, tibia, and patella to prepare the joint for the implants.
  • Implant placement: The artificial knee implants, which consist of metal and plastic components, are then inserted into the prepared joint. These implants allow the knee to move smoothly, similar to a healthy knee joint.
  • Knee alignment and stability: The surgeon ensures that the implants are positioned correctly to optimize knee alignment and stability.
  • Closure: Once the implants are in place, the incision is closed with sutures or staples.

Do's & Don'ts in Knee Replacement Surgery

Before knee replacement surgery, there are several important do's and don'ts that patients should be aware of to ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Following these guidelines can help minimize complications and promote optimal healing:

Do's for Knee Replacement Surgery

  • Follow Preoperative Instructions: Adhere to all preoperative instructions given by your surgeon and healthcare team. This may include fasting before surgery, stopping certain medications, and attending preoperative education sessions.
  • Inform About Medical History: Provide your surgeon with a complete and accurate medical history, including all medications, allergies, and past surgeries.
  • Prepare Your Home: Before the surgery, arrange your home to make it more accessible and safe for post-operative recovery. Remove trip hazards, secure handrails, and consider using assistive devices like a walker or crutches.
  • Practice Physical Therapy Exercises: Preoperative exercises recommended by your physical therapist can help strengthen your knee and improve mobility before surgery. This can contribute to a smoother recovery.
  • Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to communicate with your surgeon, nurses, or physical therapist. Understanding the process and knowing what to expect can alleviate anxiety.

Don'ts for Knee Replacement Surgery

  • Don't Ignore Infections or Illness: If you develop an infection or illness before the scheduled surgery, inform your healthcare team immediately. In some cases, surgery may need to be postponed until you have fully recovered.
  • Don't Smoke: If you smoke, it's essential to quit before knee replacement surgery. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
  • Don't Overdo Physical Activity: Avoid high-impact exercises or activities that may put excessive stress on your knee joint before surgery. This can worsen the condition and delay healing.
  • Don't Ignore Medication Instructions: Follow your surgeon's advice regarding medications before surgery. Some medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped.
  • Don't Eat or Drink Before Surgery: Follow the fasting guidelines provided by your healthcare team to prevent potential complications during anesthesia.