A knee injury refers to any damage or trauma that occurs to the knee joint, which is the largest joint in the body. Knee injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including sports or recreational activities, falls, accidents, and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. There are many best knee procedures in Chennai handled by knee replacement surgeons to help patients overcome knee-related disorders.
Causes of Knee Injuries
There are common causes of knee injuries that include:
- Sports or Recreational Activities: Knee injuries are common in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and skiing.
- Falls or Accidents: Falling or being involved in an accident can cause knee injuries.
- Overuse or repetitive strain: Activities that require repetitive knee movements such as running or jumping can cause knee injuries.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of arthritis can cause knee pain and stiffness.
- Ligament Sprains or Tears: The ligaments in the knee can be sprained or torn due to sudden twisting or bending movements.
- Meniscus Tears: The knee joint is cushioned by a piece of cartilage known as the meniscus. Tears in the meniscus can be caused by sudden twisting movements or degenerative conditions.
- Patellar Tendinitis: It is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendon that links the kneecap to the shinbone.
- Bursitis: The bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. Inflammation of the bursae can cause knee pain and swelling.
Best Knee Procedures in Chennai
We specialize in the following knee procedures & treatments. Our sophisticated best knee procedures in Chennai include:
- Total Knee Replacement
- Unicondylar / Partial Knee Replacement
- Revision Knee Replacements
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is also termed total knee arthroplasty. It helps to treat the worn-out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint by replacing it with an artificial metal or plastic prosthesis.
Procedure
During the total knee replacement procedure in Chennai, the surgeon will make an incision on the skin over the affected area of the knee to expose the knee joint. The damaged portions of the femur bone are cut using specialized jigs. Then, the femoral component is attached to the end of the femur with or without the bone cement.
The damaged area of the shinbone and the cartilage is cut to remove the deformed bone, and the implants are attached. The tibial component is secured to the edge of the bone using a screw or bone cement.
Your surgeon will place an artificial surface between the implants to provide a smooth gliding surface for mobility. This will support the body’s weight and allow the femur to move over the tibia. On testing, the patella or the kneecap glided smoothly with a smooth range of motion.
After the knee replacement procedure in Chennai, the entire joint is cleaned with a sterile solution, and then the incisions are closed with a safe dressing.
Unicondylar / Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement is also known as unicompartmental or unicondylar knee replacement using minimally invasive surgery. It is done for patients with arthritis or if only a part of the knee joint has to be replaced through a small incision.
The knee joints are made up of three compartments that include the medial (inside), the patellofemoral (kneecap), and the lateral (outside) compartment. It is a surgical procedure that involves resurfacing or replacing the diseased or damaged surface of the joint instead of the entire joint.
Procedure
During the procedure, a small incision is made to expose the knee joint. The surgeon will remove only the diseased part of the meniscus and place the implants into the bone by moderately shaping the shinbone and thighbone. The artificial component is placed into the newly prepared area and then it is secured with bone cement.
The damaged part of the femur or thigh bone is ejected to adapt the new metal component to fix in the respective place using bone cement. When the femoral and tibial components are fixed, the knee can restore to routine movements. After the procedure, the muscles, and tendons are repaired and the cuts or incisions are closed.
Revision Knee Replacement Procedure in Chennai
Revision knee replacement surgeries require replacing a part or all previous knee prostheses with a new prosthesis. The operation may range from minor adjustments to massive operations replacing significant quantities of bone.
Procedures
In this knee replacement procedure in Chennai, the surgeon makes an incision over the knee and the knee cap along with its ligament is moved aside to make enough space to perform the operation.
The old femoral component of the knee prosthesis is ejected and the femur is prepared to accept the new component. But in certain cases, the damaged bone is removed and a metal wedge or bone graft is used to make up for the lost bone.
Next, the tibial component with its old plastic liner is removed and the damaged bone is cut to prepare the tibia to receive the new component. Like the femur, the lost bone is replaced by either a bone graft or a metal wedge. An unused plastic liner will be placed on top of the tibial component.
In case the patella or kneecap is damaged, the surgeon will resurface and attach a plastic prosthesis. The tibial and femoral components are then brought together using the prosthesis to form a new knee joint. Then, the knee muscles and tendons are attached by draining the excess blood and the incisions are closed with dressings.
Before the Knee Procedure
Before a knee procedure, a patient will typically undergo a series of medical evaluations, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and blood work to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
The patient may also meet with their surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks and complications, and what to expect during the recovery process.
In some cases, the patient may need to make lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, to improve their overall health and reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure.
During the Knee Procedure
During a knee procedure, the patient will be given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. The surgeon will then make an incision in the knee and access the joint to repair or replace damaged cartilage, ligaments, or bone.
Depending on the type of best knee replacement procedures in Chennai, the surgeon may use specialized tools to remove damaged tissue or bone and replace it with artificial components or perform a repair.
Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision and the patient will be taken to a recovery area to begin the healing process. The length of the procedure can vary depending on the type and complexity of the knee procedure.
Reasons for the procedure
Knee replacement surgery procedure is a therapy for torment and handicap in the knee. The most widely recognized condition that outcomes in the requirement from knee substitution medical procedure is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is portrayed by the breakdown of the joint ligament.
What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgery to restore a knee harmed by joint pain. Metal and plastic parts are utilized to cover the closures of the bones that structure the knee joint, alongside the kneecap. This medical procedure might be considered for somebody who has extreme joint inflammation or a serious knee injury.
What is the knee joint?
The fast response is the knee which is the biggest joint in your body. It also includes:
1. Lower leg bone (the tibia)
2. The thigh bone (the femur)
3. The knee cap (the patella)
And other various ligaments, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that associate with the knee.
How do I manage pain during my recovery?
There are several ways to manage pain during your recovery from knee surgery. To manage your pain, your doctor may recommend prescription pain medication. It is important to take medication as prescribed and communicate any side effects to your healthcare provider. Other pain management strategies may include ice therapy, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
Pre-Op & Post-Op Course
Pre-Op Course
All knee replacement procedure in Chennai requires medical clearance by an internist at HSS which must be done within 28 days prior to your surgery date. We will coordinate these appointments along with an educational class.
We recommend stopping using all anti-inflammatory, fish oil supplements, and other blood-thinning medications one week prior to surgery. Your doctor will provide guidance on other prescription medications that may be recommended for you.
Post-Op Course
After your surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. Once you are cleared by the therapy team, you will be allowed to return home. Visiting nurse services and physical therapy services will be provided to you at home, followed by outpatient physical therapy. Your first follow-up appointment will be scheduled for six weeks after the surgery.
Individual recovery time may vary, but on average, it takes about six to eight weeks to fully recover from knee replacement surgery in Chennai. Most patients can resume sporting activities within twelve weeks after the surgery. In some cases, knee ligament surgery may be necessary to enhance the stability and strength of the knee joint.
Benefits and Risks of Knee Procedure
Benefits:
- Knee procedures can help relieve pain and improve mobility, making it easier for patients to perform daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
- By reducing pain and improving mobility, knee procedures can help patients become more independent and reduce their reliance on others for assistance.
- Improved mobility and reduced pain can also lead to improved physical health, including better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of falls.
- It can improve mental health by reducing pain, improving mood, and increasing self-esteem.
Risks:
There is a risk of infection with any surgical procedure, including knee procedures.
- Knee procedures can increase the risk of blood clots, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.
- There is a risk of nerve damage during knee procedures, which can lead to numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the affected leg.
- Artificial knee components can wear out over time or become loose, which may require revision surgery.
- Pain and swelling are common after knee procedures, and may last for several weeks or months as the knee heals.
It is important for patients to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of knee procedures and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider before making a decision.
Treatment For Knee Replacement
The primary treatment for knee replacement involves surgical intervention, known as knee arthroplasty. During this procedure, the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. This surgery effectively relieves pain, improves joint function, and enhances overall mobility. Postoperative rehabilitation, including physical therapy and prescribed exercises, is crucial for a successful recovery, ensuring optimal strength, flexibility, and joint function.
Conditions for Knee Replacement
Knee replacement is commonly recommended for severe conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Individuals experiencing significant pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility due to these conditions may be candidates for knee replacement. Other factors include failed non-surgical treatments, persistent pain despite medication, and impairment in daily activities. Orthopedic surgeons assess each case individually to determine if knee replacement is the appropriate course of action.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are advanced knee procedures for patients suffering from knee conditions and injuries. It is important for patients to carefully consider their options, research their chosen medical center, and work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual needs.
Read also Hip Procedures in Chennai.