Knee replacement surgery is the last option recommended by doctor if treatments, physiotherapy and medications fail to lessen knee pain. If a person is suffering from intense knee pain and is not able to perform even the simplest of simple activities that involve movement of knee joints, then knee replacement surgery is the right choice for you.
At the beginning of a knee replacement surgery procedure, patient is administered general anesthesia that puts him/her in a state of deep sleep and numbness. 8-12 inch of incision is made on front part of the knee. Through this incision, damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with artificial knee joint. Muscles and tendons of knee are reshaped in such a way that they can hold the artificial joint which is connected to knee cap, thigh bone and shin with help of cement or special material. This artificial joint, with the help of surrounding tissues and muscles, behaves like the original one. Patient is required to stay in the hospital for few days or weeks after the surgery to check for presence of any complications and recovery.
Patient should be given bed-rest for few days post surgery. After that, gradually one can start exercising, like slow walking for half an hour. Exercises that put strain on knees should be strictly avoided. Cardio exercises such as running should also be refrained from for few weeks. Before starting any heavy physical exercise, better consult with your doctor.
After knee replacement surgery, patient can no longer feel knee pain and activities which were previously difficult to perform, can now be performed with complete ease.