Total Knee Replacement Surgery or Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery is a major knee surgery that is performed when there has been widespread cartilage damage in the knee.
Usually caused by knee osteoarthritis and wear and tear of the joint, cartilage damage is accompanied by severe knee pain and functional limitations that impact quality of life.
Mr Punwar performs many complex knee surgeries every year, including knee replacement surgeries as well as partial knee replacement surgeries. If an operation can be avoided, Mr Punwar will always explore other options with his patient.
Mr Punwar only uses modern implants with a proven track record. Every effort is taken to minimise tissue damage and promote rapid recovery.
Mr Punwar’s team will keep a close eye on patients after the surgery, monitoring progress and giving plenty of aftercare advice to ensure that results meet with expectations.
The surgery normally takes around 90 minutes to perform. A patient would need to stay in hospital for 2 to 3 days and until suitable strength is regained.
You will have a general anaesthetic, so you will not feel anything throughout the operation. A cut is made on the front of your knee and the damaged joint surfaces are removed. After this, the implant is inserted. Mr Punwar only uses modern implants with a good track record. This is fixed to the bone with bone cement.
Mr Punwar will try to minimise any tissue damage. Afterwards, the area is closed with sutures or clips and a protective surgical dressing will be applied to keep the wound clean and minimise the risk of infection. You will also be given antibiotics before your surgery and several doses following the procedure to give you the best coverage.
The modern knee replacement implants that Mr Punwar uses can last for twenty years or more.
What happens before knee replacement surgery?
It is important to keep yourself fit and healthy in the lead up to an operation. Mr Punwar and his team are always on hand to advise.
Exercise regularly and try to maintain a healthy weight. Also, make sure that you stop smoking several weeks before the operation. This will all go a long way to improve your recovery afterwards.
You should avoid waxing or shaving the area where the incision is likely to be. The best way to prepare your skin is by having a bath or shower, either the day before or the day of your surgery. This will help reduce any risk of infection.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
There will always be a discussion around all the options available, and these will depend largely on a patient’s individual needs, the risks and the benefits. Physical therapies, medications and self-management techniques can all be beneficial for treating cartilage damage, with knee joint replacement surgery being your last resort.
Losing weight can also help reduce the load on your knee if you are overweight.
Are there any risks of surgery?
It is very rare for complications to occur in knee replacement surgery. However, Mr Punwar will always consider the risks and advantages when deciding whether surgery is the best option for you. Mr Punwar will always discuss any risks that may relate to your unique circumstances during your first consultation.
Risks of surgery can include:
What follow-up care is provided?
After the procedure, Mr Punwar and his team will keep a close eye on you whilst you recover in hospital for a few days.
Your wound should be healed two weeks after the surgery, and the dressing would be changed. You will be provided with a comprehensive aftercare programme and have regular check-ups with Mr Punwar to make sure that you are recovering well.
Most individuals recover and return to their normal activities after six weeks. Initially, as you increase your activity the knee can be sore, but with appropriate medication and gentle exercise, you should make a good recovery.
Between six and twelve weeks after surgery, a check-up x-ray would be recommended. There would also be a review at six-months and at nine-months post-surgery.
Knee replacement surgery is an operation to replace the damaged parts of your knee and is also known as knee arthroplasty. If there is widespread cartilage damage within the knee accompanied by pain and limited movement, a knee replacement may be the best option. Before Knee Replacement Surgery Before the surgery takes place, you will […]
Shirley Oaks Hospital
Poppy Lane
Shirley Oaks Village
Croydon
Surrey
CR9 8AB
The Blackheath Hospital
40-42 Lee Terrace
Blackheath
London
SE3 9UD
The Sloane Hospital
125 Albemarle Road
Shortlands
Beckenham
BR3 5HS
London International Patient Services: 020 8194 8541
Shirley Oaks Hospital Reception: 020 8655 5500
The Blackheath Hospital Reception: 020 8318 7722
The Sloane Hospital Reception: 020 8466 4000
Privately insured and Self Pay patients: 0808 273 6283 (Circle Health Customer Enquiry Centre)
Please contact Mr Punwar by emailing info@shahpunwarortho.com
Serving Clients throughout the London area
