Knee Replacement Surgery (arthroplasty) is a procedure when orthopaedic surgeon replaces all or a part of your knee joint. The surgeon will replace damaged cartilage and bone with a prosthetic joint (a prosthesis made of metal and plastic). It can take up to 12 months to recover fully after a knee replacement surgery in Nairobi, but you will be able to resume some of your usual daily activities gradually as you heal.
Knee replacement surgery types
Orthopaedic surgeon will recommend either a partial or total knee replacement surgery:
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery is the most common type of knee replacement in Kenya. Surgeon will replace all three areas of your knee joint - the inside (medial), outside (lateral) and under your kneecap (patellofemoral).
- Partial Knee Replacement Surgery is exactly what it says. Surgeon will only replace some parts of the knee joint - usually it is recommened when only one or two areas are damaged. Partial knee replacement surgery is more common in younger adults who have experienced an injury or trauma.
Knee Conditions Treated
Dr. Miano might recommend knee replacement surgery when you have severe symptoms that don’t improve after trying nonsurgical treatments, such as below:
- Knee joint pain.
- Stiffness in the joint.
- Limited mobility.
- Swelling in the knee joint.
Arthritis is the most common condition, which causes people to require a knee replacement surgery. Most patients, who choose to have a knee replacement have osteoarthritis, but some with rheumatoid arthritis may need one too.
In some cases, orthopaedic doctor might suggest knee replacement surgery when you have experienced a bone fracture in your knee joint that causes post-traumatic arthritis after below:
- Car accident.
- Bad fall.
- Sports injuries.
Knee replacement surgery benefits
Knee Arthroplasty is a safe and effective surgical procedure, which helps patients regain their mobility and helps relieve long-term pain. Most people who have a knee replacement surgery experience reduced pain, increased ability to move and use their knee, hence an improved quality of life.
Knee replacement recovery
It usually takes around 12 months to recover fully after a knee replacement surgery. But you should be able to resume most of your usual daily activities around six weeks after surgery.
Your recovery time will depend on a number of factors, such as:
- Physical activity level before surgery.
- Your age.
- Other health conditions.
Dr. Miano will give you a customized recovery plan, but in general, you are adviced to:
- Ice your knee few times a day for 20 minutes at a time will help with pain and swelling.
- Elevate your knee above the level of your heart as often as possible. You can use cushions or pillows while lying down.
- Keep your incision clean and covered, strictly follow surgeon’s incision care instructions. Surgeon will advice when you should change the dressing on your incision site and when it’s safe to take a shower or bathe.
- Home exercises to do as soon as possible after your surgery to strengthen the muscles around your knee and prevent stiffness.
- Physio therapy few months after your knee replacement surgery.
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