Knee Replacement in Hosur | Book Discounted Consultation

Diagnosis Before Knee Replacement Surgery

Before undergoing knee replacement surgery, patients typically complete a thorough diagnostic process to assess the severity of their condition and confirm that surgery is the most appropriate course of action. Common evaluations include:

• Medical History and Physical Examination – The orthopedic surgeon reviews the patient’s medical history—symptoms, prior treatments, and underlying conditions—and performs a comprehensive physical exam of the knee to evaluate range of motion, stability, strength, and signs of joint damage.
• Imaging Tests – Imaging helps determine the extent of knee damage and aids surgical planning. X-rays can reveal bone abnormalities, joint space narrowing, and alignment issues. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be used to visualize soft tissues such as cartilage and ligaments and detect additional problems.
• Joint Aspiration – In selected cases, fluid may be removed from the knee joint (aspiration) for laboratory analysis to identify signs of inflammation, infection, or other underlying conditions.
• Functional Assessment – Functional tests—such as gait analysis—evaluate mobility, identify movement limitations, and reveal compensatory mechanisms that may impact treatment planning and recovery.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement typically involves the following steps:

• Before the surgery begins, the patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
• Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon makes an incision over the knee joint, typically 6 to 10 inches long, to access the damaged knee components.
• The type of incision may vary depending on the surgeon’s preference and the patient’s anatomy.
• The surgeon carefully removes the damaged portions of the knee joint, including the diseased cartilage and bone, using specialized surgical instruments. This step aims to prepare the knee for the placement of artificial implants.
• The surgeon removes the damaged tissues and proceeds to place the artificial components that will replace the natural structures of the knee joint. This usually involves attaching metal implants to the ends of the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone).
• In some cases, the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) may be resurfaced with a plastic component to improve joint function and reduce friction.
• Once the artificial implants are securely in place and the knee joint is realigned, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples. Sterile dressings are applied to the surgical site to promote healing and prevent infection.
• After the surgery, patients are monitored closely in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or outpatient facility. Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in the recovery process, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the operated knee.

Frequently Asked Question

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