What is a hip or knee replacement
surgery?
Hip or knee replacement surgery involves
replacing damaged joint lining of hip or
knee joint with metallic or plastic implant, to repair the damaged surfaces that
are causing pain.
Why would you need a hip or knee joint
replacement surgery?
-
When your hip or knee
joint has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture or other conditions due to
which common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair become
painful and difficult may require a joint replacement surgery.
-
In such cases the
damaged joint may be so stiff and immovable that even simple activities like
putting on your shoes and socks or climbing a few stairs is impossible.
-
You may feel
uncomfortable while resting and the pain even continues during rest.
-
There is inadequate
pain relief in spite of taking proper anti-inflammatory drugs, physical
therapy, or walking supports.
How
does your surgeon (Doctor) decide whether you are fit for surgery?
-
Your orthopedic surgeon
will enquire about your general health and ask questions about the extent of
your joint pain and how it affects your ability to perform everyday activities.
-
The surgeon will assess
the mobility, strength and alignment of the affected joint.
-
The surgeon will
require X-rays to help him determine the extent of damage or deformity in your
joint.
-
You may need opinion
from cardiologist, general physician and anesthetist before proceeding to
surgery.
What
happens during surgery?
Your
orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone and then position
the new metallic implants to restore the alignment and function of your joint.
What
care should be taken post – surgery?
-
There will be some pain
after the surgery but your surgeon will provide you necessary medication which
should be taken in timely manner.
-
Though there is pain,
the movement at the replaced joint should start soon after the surgery.
-
There will also be some
antibiotics that you may need to take to prevent infection.
-
Light exercises like
walking are essential parts of recovery. If you do not move as early as
possible some postoperative complications become likely.
What
is the significance of recommended medication?
-
You should continue to
take the prescribed medications.
-
You will be recommended
to take antibiotics before, during and after the surgical procedure to prevent
any infection at the operated site.
-
After the surgery, many
of the patients develop blood clots, hence blood thinners such as
anticoagulants are recommended.
-
You should follow your
doctor’s recommendations for the prescribed duration when blood thinning
medications are given.
What
are the alert signs after surgery?
-
Do report to your
doctor in case you observe any of the below
1. Warmth
and redness at the incision site.
2. Unusual
pain or tenderness at the incision site.
3. Pain
or warmth in the calf muscles.
4. Development
of an odor or strong smell.
What are the possible complications of
the surgery?
Some possible complications of the
surgery include:
1. Infection
that may or may not be limited to the skin of the wound.
2. Leg-length
inequality after hip replacement surgery.
3. Blood
clot formation or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
-
Blood clot formation is
the most common complication of replacement surgery which may develop during
first several weeks of your recovery.
-
The blood clots
generally develop in the leg veins or pelvis.
-
These clots can be life
threatening if they break free and travel to your lungs.
-
You should immediately
visit your doctor of you develop any of the following warning signs:
1. Increasing
pain in your calf.
2. Tenderness
or redness above or below your knee.
3. Increasing
swelling in your calf, ankle and foot.
How can you prevent DVT?
-
Post-surgery, your
doctor will outline a prevention program which will be helpful to reduce
possibilities of a DVT event.
-
This may include blood
thinning medications, inflatable leg coverings, ankle pump exercises and early
mobilization.
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