What to Expect Before, During, and After Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery (known as arthroplasty) is a type of surgery that treats pain and restores function in joints that have been injured or affected by conditions such as arthritis. The procedure involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Joint replacement surgery has become an increasingly common procedure in knee replacement hospitals. It has provided relief and improved the quality of life to millions of people (up to 90% of people) across the globe. 

However, the thought of having surgery can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know what to expect. Continuing reading to understand what happens before, during, and after knee replacement surgery can prepare you for success and a better outcome.

Why is Joint Replacement Surgery Done?

Joint replacement surgery in orthopaedics hospital in Delhi is primarily done to relieve pain caused by arthritis that limits your ability to walk and climb stairs. Surgeons can also do a partial joint replacement if only a single part is damaged, or replace the whole joint with a total joint replacement, and then reshape the natural thighbone and shinbone to fit artificial parts. Implants may also be used to stabilise the joint if the joint ligaments are not strong enough.

How You Prepare For Joint Replacement Surgery 

The doctor will first explain the procedure and give you a chance to ask any questions. Here’s what to expect before the surgery:

• Before the procedure, your doctor will review your full medical history and may do a physical exam and blood or other diagnostic tests. 

• Tell your doctor about any sensitivities or allergies to medications, latex, tape, or anesthetics. 

• In addition, report all medications you take, such as prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.

• If you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulants, aspirin, or other drugs that affect blood clotting, let your doctor know. 

• You may need to stop these medications before the procedure. 

• If you are pregnant or think you might be, notify your doctor.

• You will usually be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, typically after midnight. You may receive a sedative before then.

What You Can Expect During The Procedure 

When you arrive for your surgery, you will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown. You’ll receive either a spinal block, which numbs your lower body, or general anaesthesia, which makes you sleepy.

Your joint replacement surgeon in Faridabad may also inject a numbing medicine around nerves or in and or around the joint to help block pain after your surgery.

During the Procedure

Joint replacement surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. During the procedure, the surgeon of the best orthopaedics hospital in Delhi will do the following steps:

1. After giving anaesthesia, usually spinal, the surgeon will make an incision over the knee.

2. Removes diseased or damaged bone and cartilage, leaving healthy bone intact.

3. Implants replacement parts of the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap.

4. Adjusts the prosthesis or the healthy part of the joint to ensure a good fit.

5. Closes the incision with stitches or surgical staples.

6. May place a drain at the incision site to remove fluid.

7. Applies a sterile bandage or dressing.

After the Joint Replacement Surgery 

After surgery, you'll rest in a recovery area for a short time. How long you stay in the hospital depends on your needs; many people go home the same day. The risk of blood clots rises after knee replacement. To lower that risk, you may need to:

• Move early: You'll be encouraged to sit up and walk with crutches or a walker soon after surgery.

• Apply pressure: During and after surgery, you may wear elastic compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves to prevent blood pooling and reduce clot risk.

• Take blood thinners: Your surgeon might also prescribe blood thinners for several weeks, depending on your activity level and clot risk.

You'll do breathing exercises after surgery and gradually increase activity with help from a physical therapist. Continuing physical therapy at home or at a centre is common. 

Most patients get pain relief, better mobility, and an improved quality of life. Knee replacements typically last 15 to 20 years. After recovery, low-impact activities like walking and swimming are recommended by the joint replacement surgeon in Faridabad. High-impact activities and contact sports should be avoided. 

Get Rid of Joint Pain by Undergoing Joint Replacement!

Joint replacement is an established option for chronic pain relief and restoration of mobility. Adequate pre-operative preparation with an early post-operative rehabilitation plan and progressive reintegration into lifestyle will result in the greatest improvement in quality of life. The best long-term success will occur when you comply with recommendations and self-pace, allowing you to return to activity with confidence. 

If you would like tailored treatment and care for Joint Replacement, please speak with our trained Orthopaedician in Park Hospitals, a well-known knee replacement hospital. Our orthopaedician will guide you throughout the process and help you find long-term relief from chronic joint pain!