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Is Knee Replacement Surgery Safe for Seniors

Knee Replacement Surgery – Maintaining ideal joint health becomes increasingly important as people age. The question of whether knee replacement surgery is a safe and practical choice frequently arises for seniors struggling with crippling knee pain and reduced mobility. 

The pros and cons of undergoing knee replacement surgery are very important to understand. Old age is a critical age and considering the pros and cons of surgery can help one decide whether it is safe for seniors to undergo knee replacement surgery or not.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

The knee is a hinge joint that moves in one direction. In this joint, the thigh bone is inserted and placed under the shin bone covered with the knee cap. When for any reason the joint is displaced from its position, it causes pain in the knee joint. 

Knee pain is the reason why you must immediately visit the best knee replacement surgeon and get your problem corrected as early as possible. Depending on the severity of your knee damage your surgeon might suggest for a knee replacement surgery. 

Knee Replacement surgery is a simple process in which the surgeon removes the damaged part of the knees and replaces it with an artificial joint or implant. The implant acts as a real joint and provides mobility and flexibility to your knees. 

When to go for Knee replacement surgery?

There are various reasons why one must visit a doctor for a replacement surgery. Some of the reasons include:

  • Extreme pain in knees
  • Swelling and inflammation in the knees
  • Mobility of the knee is the last
  • Patients find it difficult to get up and sit down.
  • Patients are unable to fold their legs
  • The patient avoids morning walk
  • Pain might get worse while sleeping
  • Patients are unable to perform their daily task activities

If any of you or your family members experience knee pain or any of such symptoms, you must immediately visit a good orthopedic doctor. 

Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery Time?

Anticipating a higher quality of life with knee surgery? Knee replacement Surgery is a very effective way to fix the injury and get the knee back to normal. It has had amazing effects on people of all ages and has long been used in the field of sports medicine. If an older person’s knee discomfort, stiffness, or swelling interferes with their ability to walk, stand, or climb stairs, bothers them while they are relaxing, or keeps them awake at night, they may be candidates for a knee replacement. 

After Knee Replacement surgery the recovery time can vary from person to person. It merely depends on the type of surgery, age of the patient, recovery methods and physiotherapy. 

Recovery Timeline After Knee Replacement Surgery for an Old Age Patient

Day 1 – Undergoing surgery

Day 3 – Patient starts to walk

Day 5 – Patients are discharged from the hospital after a checkup

Week 1 – Patient undergoes physiotherapy and exercises

Week 2 – Patient is able to walk without pain

Week 3 – The patient is able to use stairs with support

Week 4 – Patients are able to use the Indian toilet system

One month – Patient walks with full confidence 

Two months – Patient is able to lift heavy things

Three Months – Patient can drive a car

Remember the recovery of patient of old age differ in timeline as it merely depends on the severity of the problem and the type of surgery they undergo.

Pros of Undergoing Knee Replacement Surgery in Old Age

If your parents or grandparents are experiencing extreme knee pain and thinking of undergoing a replacement surgery, you must consider these points. Some pros of undergoing surgery are:

  • It provides relief from knee pain 
  • It improves the mobility of patients and allows them to walk
  • It improves the quality of life. They are able to work on their own independently.
  • They will be able to go out and enjoy & interact with people.
  • They will be able to relax and sleep at night without tension.
  • Knee replacement surgery will provide long-term relief to the patients. 
  • The patients will not be dependent on painkillers which will increase their health and immune system.
  • Ultimately, all these factors will lead to an increase in their mental stability.

Cons of Undergoing Knee Replacement Surgery in Old Age

One must know the cons of undergoing the replacement surgery as it can lead to severe complications and problems in humans. Some cons include

  • The health of older people is severe and surgery could cause higher risk.
  • The recovery period can vary from 4 months to 7 months depending on their health. 
  • It can also cause blood clots and other complicated issues.
  • Even after the surgery, the bones are prone to breakage because of their low bone mass density. 
  • Some patients might have to undergo a longer period of physiotherapy to get back on their knees.
  • Any patient with an existing medical condition can be at a higher risk of infection after the surgery.
  • Depending on their age, some patients might be asked to stay a longer period in the hospitals. 
  • Some patients might have to undergo revision surgeries if their first surgery is not successful.

Factors to Consider Before Undergoing Knee Replacement Surgery

There are a few factors you must consider before going for knee replacement surgery, which includes

  • Type of Hospital
  • Type of bed chosen
  • Type of implant to be grafted
  • City of the surgery
  • Company of the implant
  • Experience and review of the doctor 

To Sum Up

To conclude, knee replacement surgery is totally safe for seniors. One must consider the pros and cons of replacement surgery of old age people, before going for one. They must also consult a good orthopedic surgeon for their problem and know what they must do.

A good orthopedic doctor will first analyze the condition of an old age person, ask for their previous health condition and then provide a perfect solution for their pain. They will also tell the rehabilitation and recovery process; a patient must follow if they have undergone surgery.

This will help the old age patient recover faster without any further complications. However, the overall knee replacement surgery cost in Delhi will depend on various factors.

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