Knee Replacement Surgery in Dubai
When your knee is completely damaged due to Osteoarthritis or age-related factors, you may find it difficult to do even the daily regular activities. For example, you may start experiencing pain while walking, climbing, lying down, or standing. It may also happen that medications and physiotherapy sessions prove to be ineffective. In such cases, getting a Knee Replacement surgery in Dubai can help you get your daily life back on track.
Knee Replacement or Arthroplasty surgery is quite a common knee surgery that has been around for more than 30 years. This procedure aids in relieving pain and restoring regular knee movements.
In a Knee Replacement surgery, the damaged bones and cartilage are separated from the Shinbone, Thighbone and Kneecap and replaced with an artificial implant (prosthesis) made of polymers and metal alloys.
When it comes to Knee Replacement Surgery in Dubai, Dr. Rik Kundra thoroughly assesses your knee and condition to ascertain whether a Knee Replacement is required or not. Many factors will affect the choice of prosthesis to be used including age, body weight, activity level, knee shape, size and history of previous knee injury/surgery.
Types of implants
Posterior Stabilised implants are specially designed to substitute the Posterior Cruciate Ligament. In this type of implant, the tibial part is slightly raised, having an internal post that fits into the femoral component.
Cruciate-Retaining implants can be used to preserve the PCL. These require a functioning posterior cruciate ligament and need less bone removal at time of surgery.
In a fixed bearing design, the polyethylene of the tibial implant is firmly fixed to the metal tibial component, and the femoral part rolls on this cushioned surface.
A mobile-bearing knee prosthesis allows the polyethylene insert to rotate short distances inside the metal tibial tray.
Bicruciate Retaining designed implants enable to preserve both ACL and PCL ligaments.
Dr. Rik offers you full support and guidance in understanding the various implant types to help ensure success with your knee replacement surgery in Dubai.
Various ways to fix an implant
Cement Fixation
The implants are set with a bone cement called polymethylmethacrylate in this method.
Cementless Fixation
Cementless fixation involves no bone cement, but implants are press-fit onto the bone. Cementless implants are made of such material that they trigger new bone growth.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Dubai
Dr. Rik Kundra is one of the leading orthopaedic surgeons you can refer to when you need Knee Replacement Surgery in Dubai.
Prior the procedure
A few days before the procedure, you will meet with one of the Consultant Anaesthetists who work with Dr Rik and decide upon your preferred method of anaesthesia – general or spinal. Following anaesthesia on the day of the procedure, a nerve block is usually provided around your knee to help reduce pain afterwards. You will also receive a few antibiotic doses before and after the procedure to help minimise infection risk.
During the procedure
Your knee is kept in a bent position to allow easy access to all areas of the knee. Next, a straight incision is made at the front of the knee. Moving aside the kneecap, Dr. Rik then separates the damaged joint portions of the knee.
After the joint surfaces are prepared, he fixes the artificial knee implant onto the surfaces. Before closing the incision, he bends and rotates the knee to make sure that the implant is stable and functioning properly.
Post-surgery
Afterwards you are taken to the recovery room and later transferred back to the ward where family and friends can visit you. Discharge from the hospital is usually around 2 days after the procedure once you are walking and standing safely after physiotherapy assessment.
You will also be given blood thinners and compression stockings and these will need to be continued at home following discharge from hospital for 2 weeks.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Dubai - FAQ
If other treatments do not give you relief from severe pain and loss of function, you may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery. The main cause of knee pain and immobility is lack of cartilage that protects and cushions the joints. With age and reduced lubrication, bones rub against each other, causing further damage and pain.
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial joint. This could be made up of metal, plastic or ceramic materials. Materials used are strog and thoughtfully designed to last for long.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision across the front of your knee, reaching to the patella or the kneecap.
The most common risks associated with knee replacement surgery include:
- Blood clots
- Dislocation of the kneecap
- Infection
- Inbalance and falls
- Less range of movement
- Loosening of the joint
- Nerve injury
It is good to be informed and prepared before surgery. The doctor will do a physical examination and pre-admission testing (PAT) to explore any health issues with an objective to achieve optimal surgical outcome. Consult the doctor to understand the surgery process and recovery requirements so that you are prepared for life post-surgery.
Hospital stay after sugery can be upto three days maximum. Doctor assess your recovery progress, your ability to walk longer distances, and overall well-being, to decide your discharge date.
Generally patients are allowed to take bath on the second day after surgery in the hospital itself. At home, you should keep a shower seat and a hand-held showerhead to sit comfortably while bathing. Your may be instructed to cover your incisions.
After procedure, while you are in hospital, you will be frequently visited by surgeon, physician assistant or practicing nurse. Take follow-up appointments at the orthopaedic clinic in the next two to four weeks after surgery.
Post surgery, the skin may feel tender, discolored with some swelling and pus around your incision. If you feel more pain or redness, abnormal swelling or bad smelling pus coming out of your incision, it may indicate infection. If you have fever above 101°F, it may be because of of infected incision.
Residing your legs above a pillow will make the knee more comfortable and stable. You should try sleeping on your back or on the either side, depending on your comfort.
Recovery is gradual process and may vary with individuals. For a quicker recovery, do physical therapy exercises like walking, and other movements.
In six weeks, most patients resume their daily routine. After three months, patients regain the strength and endurance. Six months is a good time to expect full recovery. The times depend on various factors, like your health, lifestyle, type of surgery, etc.
It’s personal, but life can be pretty much back to normal after total knee replacement. You may be required to walk with a cane for the first couple of weeks. You can resume driving after four weeks of surgery, but only after consultation of the the surgeon. Minor aches and pains may last for longer.
The total knee replacement cost depends on the type of surgery and the implant used.
Disclaimer
All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.
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