Knee replacement surgeries are on the rise — here’s why
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to resurface a damaged knee. Due to technological advancements, one can get treated as soon as they’re diagnosed with any form of knee degeneration. Early detection and treatment aids better recovery.
WHAT CAUSES KNEE DEGENERATION?
Physical injury and arthritis — a degenerative joint disease that usually affects the elderly — are the primary causes for knee damage. Arthritis can be caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and the adjacent bone (Osteoarthritis), inflammation of the synovial membrane that reduces joint friction (Rheumatoid arthritis) or by injury (traumatic arthritis). Knee arthroplasty, a relatively safe and effective procedure, can relieve long-term pain due to the abovementioned causes, increase mobility and improve quality of life.
WHY OPT FOR SURGERY?
During the surgery, a man-made prosthetic replaces the damaged cartilage to restore the functioning of the joint. According to Dr Rajeev Sharma, Chairman, Department of Orthopedics at Moolchand Hospital, there has been a rise in people opting for knee replacement over the years. This, he says, can be attributed to increased confidence among potential patients due to technical advancements. “The introduction of augmented reality devices in Delhi like Pixee, a first-ofits-kind French tracking technology, is a big leap. This technology aids better visualisation and precision during the joint replacement,” explains Sharma.
Even in cases of Total Knee Replacement (TKR), elderly patients
Beyond tech, improved recovery time, prep to avoid complications and effective pain control to lessen motor blockage are reasons why more people are becoming increasingly receptive to the surgery.
Dr Rajeev Sharma, Chairman, Department of Orthopedics at Moolchand Hospital
have been able to experience quick recovery. “Beyond tech, improved recovery time (with some patients being able to walk in seven days and sit cross-legged in 14), toe-to-groin prep to avoid complications and effective pain control methods to lessen the need for physiotherapy and motor blockage are reasons why more people are becoming increasingly receptive to the surgery,” he adds.
Multiple studies have found that the risk of potential complications, including blood clots, infections, nerve issues, etc. increases with age, as it is directly proportional to comorbidities.