*   Who is a candidate for a total replacement?
  *   What are the risks of total knee replacement?
  *   When do I return to the clinic?
  *   Should I have a total knee replacement?
  *   Who develops a more severe or an earlier arthritis?
  *   When can I return home?
  *   What measures should be taken after the surgery/operation?
  *   What activities should I Avoid after Knee Replacement?

Who is a candidate for a total replacement?

Total knee replacements are usually performed on people suffering from severe arthritic conditions. Most patients who have artificial knees are over age 55, but the procedure is performed in younger people.

The circumstances vary somewhat, but generally you would be considered for a total knee replacement if:

   * you have daily pain.
   * Your pain is severe enough to restrict not only work and recreation but also the ordinary activities of daily living.
   * You have significant stiffness of your knee.
   * You have significant instability (constant giving way) of your knee.
   * You have significant deformity (knock-knees or bowlegs).

What are the risks of total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement is a major operation. The most common complications are not directly related to the knee and usually do not affect the result of the operations. These complications include urinary tract infection, blood clots in a leg, or blood clots in a lung.

Complications affecting the knee are less common, but in these cases the operation may not be as successful. These complications include:

   * some knee pain
   * loosening of the prosthesis
   * stiffness
   * infection in the knee

A few complications such as infection, loosening of prosthesis, and stiffness may require reoperation. Infected artificial knees sometimes have to be removed. This would leave a stiff leg about one to three inches shorter than normal. However, your leg would usually be reasonably comfortable, and you would be able to walk with the aid of a cane or crutches, and a shoe lift. After a course of antibiotics the surgery can often be repeated to give a normal knee.

When do I return to the clinic?

Even if everything is fine, it is advisable to return every three years after the surgery for a review.In the meanwhile if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to write to us at help@whosp.com.

Should I have a total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement is an elective operation. The decision to have the operation is not made by the doctor, it is made by you.

All your questions should be answered before you decide to have the operation. If you have any questions, please feel free to write to us at contact@wockhardthospitals.net.

Who develops a more severe or an earlier arthritis?

One who has family history (this having a strong hereditary influence), who has history of injury in the joint (e.g. a fracture or a ligament/meniscal injury in the knee), who has deformity of knees and the one who is overweight. Medicines are not the treatment for this form of arthritis. Weight reduction, regular exercises, local heat therapy help in early stages. Physiotherapy is the mainstay of the treatment. Painkillers should be used only occasionally as they adversely affect our kidneys, cause intestinal ulcers and bleeding.

Another form of Arthritis is Inflammatory arthritis (Rheumatoid or its variants). This does need medical treatment (DMARD's), which changes the course of the disease and prevents further damage to joints. Surgical treatment is needed when structural joint changes have taken place. Before and after the surgery, the patient should remain under care of a Physician/Rheumatologist.

Post Traumatic Arthritis can folllow a serious knee injury. A knee fracture or severe tears of the knee's ligaments may damage the articular cartilage over time, causing knee pain and limiting knee function.

When can I return home?

You will be discharged when you can get out of bed on your own and walk with a walker or crutches, walk up and down three steps, bend your knee 90 degrees, and straighten your knee.

What measures should be taken after the surgery/operation (Post operative instruction)?

The success of your surgery also will depend on how well you follow your orthopaedic surgeon's instructions at home during the first few weeks after surgery.

Wound Care you will have stitches or staples running along your wound or a suture beneath your skin on the front of your knee. The stitches or staples will be removed several weeks after surgery. A suture beneath your skin will not require removal.

Avoid soaking the wound in water until the wound has thoroughly sealed and dried. A bandage may be placed over the wound to prevent irritation from clothing or support stockings.

Diet some loss of appetite is common for few days after surgery. A balanced diet, often with an iron supplement, is important to promote proper tissue healing and restore muscle strength.

Activity Exercise is a critical component of home care, particularly during the first few weeks after surgery. You should be able to resume most normal activities of daily living within three to six weeks following surgery. Some Pain with activity and at night is common for several weeks after surgery. Your activity program should include:

* A graduated walking program to slowly increase your mobility, initially in your home and later outside.
* Resuming other normal household activities, such as sitting and standing and walking up and down stairs.
* Specific exercises several times a day to restore movement and strengthen your knee. You probably will be able to perform the exercises without help, but you may have a physical therapist help you at home or in a therapy center the first few weeks after surgery.

Driving usually begins when your knee bends sufficiently so you can enter and sit comfortably in your car and when your muscle control provides adequate reaction time for braking and acceleration. Most individuals resume driving about four to six weeks after surgery.

What activities should I Avoid after Knee Replacement?

Even though you may increase your activity level after a knee replacement, you should avoid high-demand or high-impact activities. You should definitely avoid running or jogging, contact sports, jumping sports, and high impact aerobics.