Knee replacement surgery is the solution generally recommended for osteoarthritis. This is a joint disease that occurs due to breakdown of cartilage (rubbery tissue which acts as a cushion and is found between joint bones) and underlying joint bone.
Knee joints bear the weight of whole body and hence, knee injuries prove problematic in performing locomotive movements. Obese people are more prone to knee injuries as they have to bear extra weight onus.
Knee replacement surgery is also known as arthroplasty. In this procedure, weight bearing knee surfaces are substituted by artificial joint replacements to reduce pain and disability. Before the surgery, various tests are conducted to evaluate overall health. CBC (Complete Blood Count) test, chest X-rays, ECG, making arrangements for blood transfusion in case of emergency, knee X-rays etc. are carried out.
Three types of knee X-rays such as AP (anteroposterior), lateral and 30 degrees flexion are conducted. Precise X-rays are indispensable to create artificial replacement components. Iron supplements are also given for few weeks before the surgery to increase hemoglobin count. To reduce amount of bleeding, medications, such as aspirin and warfarin will also be discontinued for few days before the surgery.
Recovery time for knee replacement surgery is approximately 2–3 months. In this period, patient might need mobility aids, such as canes, crutches, walking frames etc. Patient has to undergo intensive rehabilitation procedure wherein they are taught about how to take care of the newly replaced joints and other physiotherapy procedures.
Patient is advised to refrain from long duration of physical movements in initial period. Diet rich in calcium and phosphorus is mandatory as these minerals are major constituents of bones and help in restoring bone health. Milk, diary products, salmon, sardines, nuts, such as walnuts, almonds etc. are good sources of calcium. Also, exposure to early morning sun will give you doses of vitamin D which is required to absorb minerals - calcium and phosphorus.