Knee replacement surgery is a common and effective way to restore mobility and relieve pain in patients with degenerative arthritis of the knee. In most cases, knee replacement surgery is successful and produces excellent results. The procedure restores much of the original functionality of your knee joint while also addressing any underlying causes of pain and disability. However, the very idea of having to undergo surgery creates stress and anxiety in many people, especially the elderly, which is quite normal and understandable. In such an event, immediate family members and caregivers need to step in and do what it takes to prepare them for the upcoming surgery. 

What is a knee replacement?

A knee replacement is a procedure in which a surgeon replaces your knee joint with an artificial joint. The artificial joint is made of a metal and plastic component that is surgically implanted. Knee replacement surgery treats people who have advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Knee replacement surgery restores function to the knee joint. You may notice an increased range of motion and decreased pain after knee replacement surgery. 

How to Prepare Seniors for Knee Replacement Surgery

Preparing our elderly folks for surgery is one big factor in the success of the surgery. The surgery’s run-up is critical to success, healing, and recovery. Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure that can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain for elderly individuals with severe knee damage or degeneration. Preparing for knee replacement surgery can be a challenging process, especially for elderly individuals who may have additional health concerns or mobility issues. 

The role of caretakers includes:

• Taking care of the patient’s emotional health.
• Sharing success stories of other patients to boost their morale.
• Ensuring their good health and diet before surgery.
• Providing moral support.
• Creating an environment of acceptance and readiness to help them come through successfully.

Here are some steps you can take to help prepare your elderly loved one for knee replacement surgery:

• Help them understand the surgery: Make sure they understand the surgery well and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Of course, the surgeon and their team will brief the patient and their immediate family about the surgical procedure, what it entails and the outcome, and all the nitty-gritty. However, as a caregiver, it is your responsibility to try and comprehend the medical implications of this surgery and pass on the net positive information to the patient. This hand-holding will also reduce the fear, stress, and nervousness that come before undergoing a surgical procedure. 
•  Follow the surgeon’s instructions: The surgeon will provide specific instructions on preparing for the surgery, such as fasting for a certain period before the procedure. It’s also important for the elderly to follow their surgeon’s instructions and attend any pre-surgery appointments or educational sessions. By preparing in advance and working closely with their healthcare team, they can increase their chances of a successful surgery and recovery.
• Discuss medications and allergies: Make sure to inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist about any medications your loved one is currently taking and any allergies they may have.
• Do Your Research: Additionally, reading up on doctor-backed articles and information about the procedure for the layperson is helpful. Do make sure all doubts and questions are addressed before the surgery. Constant reassurance to your elderly loved one that you will be there before, during, and after the surgery. 
• Attend pre-surgery tasks and appointments: Your loved one must attend all pre-surgery appointments with their surgeon and anesthesiologist to discuss the procedure and any potential risks or complications. Help them gather necessary medical documents or reports, fill out paperwork, and arrange transportation to and from the hospital.
• Prepare the home: Consider making any necessary adjustments to the home to make it easier for your loved one to move around after the surgery and make the recovery process more manageable. This may include installing handrails, removing tripping hazards, and ensuring all necessary items are within easy reach. This assures them that their needs and comfort are taken care of and acts as a morale booster.
• Help them get in shape: Encourage them to engage in gentle exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve their overall physical condition before surgery.
• Make arrangements for aftercare and recovery plan in place: Assure your elderly loved ones that post-surgery, there will be someone to help them with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and arrange for their healthy meals, balanced diet, medications, and other routine needs.
• Keep Expectations Realistic: Any knee surgery has its set of ups and downs in terms of absolutely no 100 percent guarantee despite both physical and mental preparations. The patient’s anxiety cannot be fathomed. It is in our hands how we handle questions around the tenure of recovery, the physical limitations during the recovery process, and what recovery and rehabilitation look like. 
• Be Prepared About The Risks: Both the patient and the caregiver must be ready and prepared for the risks of such surgeries. They include infection around the surgical site, damage to blood vessels that can lead to gangrene or even limb amputation, breathing trouble due to anaesthesia, damage to nerves, or metal allergies from the metals used in the artificial joints. 
• Keep their spirits up: Surgery can be stressful, so it’s important to offer emotional support and encouragement to help them stay positive and focused. They will feel irritable and anxious because of their immobility. They will feel tremendous helplessness due to their dependence on others. There will be bouts of low self-esteem and lack of confidence as well. Offer emotional support and reassurance to help them feel more comfortable and at ease.

Knee replacement surgery is a common and effective way to restore mobility and relieve pain in knee osteoarthritis patients. Many people dread getting a new knee, while others may have reservations. However, helping elderly patients know what knee replacement surgery entails and preparing them for it can make the process less stressful with their positive acceptance and mindset. 

What should I not do before knee replacement surgery?

– Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent surgical blood loss. 

How long does it take a 70-year-old to recover from knee surgery?

– It takes about 3-6 months for a full recovery.

How long do you need someone with you after knee replacement surgery?

– Post-operation, a patient needs a caregiver for 2-3 weeks for support and exercise assistance till they gain confidence and independence from pain.

What do you need at home after knee surgery?

–Lots of care and support besides good nutrition, timely medications, and exercise assistance.

Common Joint Replacement Myths Busted!

Per the latest statistics published by the Indian Society of Hip and Knee Surgeries Registry, a total of 10,407 hip replacements and 129,371 knee replacements were reported from October 2006 to March 2017 by 150 surgeons.  The demand for joint replacement surgery is on the rise. These surgeries have become more and more common because they offer a quick fix to ailing joints. However, people in line for a  joint replacement surgery often continue to assume a lot about the procedure around pain, medication, recovery and recuperation. Typically, the surgeon will help navigate through the number of questions and doubts the patient may have. Here are some common joint replacement myths that you can quickly fact-check with the help of this article:

Myth – Joint replacement surgery is not permanent.

Fact – In general, many people are afraid of getting knee replacement surgery. They think they have to lie in bed for an extended period after the surgery, which is painful. After surgery, one feels it will hamper day-to-day activities such as walking, running, stair climbing etc. 

These are all misconceptions!

Total knee surgery is a boon for the patient suffering from Osteoarthritis. It improves the quality of life as one gets relief from knee pain and sees a significant improvement in mobility. Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common bone and joint surgeries. 

Knee replacement requires a stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s practices.

With modern technology, the patient should do activities daily after surgery. One can go walking, can go to washrooms etc. The faster one does it, the better the recovery will be. 

Yes, initially, there will be a little bit of pain, but you can overcome that with time and with the help of a pain management/Physio person.

Myth – You’ll only need physical therapy after joint replacement surgery

Fact – This is another myth that people tend to believe. But, in reality, physical therapy is often recommended for several weeks after joint replacement surgery. For example, knee joint replacement patients are often advised to do static and dynamic stretching exercises for at least two weeks after the surgery is completed. This is because the muscles around the knee need time to heal and get stronger again. Once the muscles have been stretched and strengthened, you can start doing more active exercises like running. Many hip joint replacement patients are also advised to do simple exercises like walking and swimming for a few weeks after the surgery is over. The hip joint is the largest joint in the body. And it’s surrounded by muscles that can be very weak after joint replacement surgery. Therefore, you’ll want to do some simple, gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joints so that they don’t get too weak.

Myth – Joint replacement surgery only works for severe arthritis.

Fact – This is another common joint replacement myth. Most types of arthritis do not lead to severe pain and inflammation that leads to arthritic joints becoming severely damaged. In fact, about one-third of all arthritis cases are caused by other medical conditions or injuries. Joint replacement surgery is performed in these cases as well.

Myth – Joint replacement is only for elderly people.

Fact – This joint replacement surgery myth needs to be busted. Joint replacement surgery is not something that is only recommended for elderly people. In fact, it’s one of the most common surgeries performed today. As a matter of fact, the joint replacement procedure is already available as a third option for treating damaged joints. This means that it can be done in patients of any age.

Myth – Joint replacement is too expensive for person. the average

Fact – This is another myth that’s busted. Joint replacement surgery is one of the safest surgeries that a person can undergo. In fact, some joint replacement surgeries are now offered as a government-funded program for those who meet certain health criteria. These surgeries are typically performed by a doctor who does not charge anything upfront. There are no out-of-pocket expenses like insurance premiums or copayments.

Myth – Joint Replacement Recovery Time Is Incredibly Long

Fact – activities and lead a much more active life. Most people are able to walk just a few hours after joint replacement surgery is completed. They’re not able to run and do more vigorous activities right away. But, within a few days, most patients are back to their normal, active lifestyles. In most cases, full recovery from joint replacement surgery is complete in between one to three months. That’s it! Ready to feel better and not worry about hip or knee pain? Schedule your joint replacement surgery consultation today.

Myth: Bedridden for weeks after the surgery

Fact: This is a false notion. In fact, your surgeon will advise and encourage you to walk or climb a few stairs the same day or the day after surgery. This light activity is suggested to help warm up the muscles and reduce any chance of blot clot formation, which is not good. Typically, hip surgery patients can walk without the walker after a few days and discontinue the use of the walking cane after a few weeks.

Myth: Joint Replacement Surgery means no more sports

Fact: This is not true at all. Initially, during the recovery period, the patient will be asked to stay away from any intensive and strenuous physical sport and activity but they can always pick up other low-impact games and sports like cycling, tennis, golf, swimming and walking.

Overall, most patients report feeling better after joint replacement surgery. They can resume their normal

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part in technological advancement in healthcare. AI significantly impacts many areas of the healthcare ecosystem, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. Orthopedics, among all branches of medical specialties, is an area where surgeons have an array of new tools and assistants in the form of robots. Even though research is still around the success rate and superiority of robotic replacement surgery, the tech adoption has been very swift and global. Very soon, we will see exponential growth in robotic-assisted replacement surgeries that will outnumber manual knee replacement surgeries in a very short time. Patient concerns are mainly related to the procedure, recovery time, safety, costs, etc. 

What is Joint Replacement?

Joint replacement is a specialized procedure where artificial joints are implanted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It has been used as a solution for joint damage, especially in older people with osteoporosis and those who are injured frequently. This surgery is also effective in treating people with arthritis or arthritis associated with other joint diseases like polytraumatic arthritis or psoriasis. Some of the most common joints that are replaced include the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Joint replacement can be used to treat pain and restore function after a joint has been severely injured or due to a chronic joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Artificial joints can be made from various materials, including metal alloys, plastic, and bio-implants like ceramic and polyethylene. This article will discuss the future of joint replacement and AI, why it’s important, and what can be done to improve it?

Impact of AI in Joint Replacement Surgery

In joint replacement surgeries, robots typically assist with pre-surgery planning, intraoperative execution, monitoring and assessing complications, and any short-term or long-term outcomes. Robotic assistance in such surgeries can expand to using the computer vision model, sensors application, and feedback and loop execution, all of which will greatly help the surgeon for technical precision. 

Robotics with imaging is frequently used for 3D reconstruction, comparison of bone registration and ligament evaluation, performing bone resection, and collecting feedback. This leads to fewer mistakes and less damage to the soft tissues of the knee, as well as betters the implant alignment and corrects any flexion-extension gap and gap asymmetry. The fact that it predicts patient outcomes is an exciting prospect for both the patient and the surgeon. It promotes efficiency and faster healing times, improves precision and accuracy, personalizes patient care, and results in fewer complications. AI helps in surgical decision-making and eliminating risk factors and human-driven errors.

How can AI improve Joint Replacement?

AI can use genetic data to help select the best type of joint replacement for each patient. This would help reduce the number of patients who receive incorrect treatment, helping to improve the overall quality of care. AI can also be used to help doctors identify when a patient is at risk of developing a dangerous complication. This could include monitoring the health of a patient’s joint to identify any potential problem, like excessive wear on the joint.

The Future of Joint Replacement and AI

There is a constant effort to improvise the technology, learn from mistakes, and adapt to ensure that AI tools support surgeons with precision in their medical decisions and reduce human error. We are looking at a future with next-generation robots with advanced machine-learning algorithms capable of performing replacement surgeries with minimal human intervention. The impact of AI on the targeted segment will be huge as well. One area that can benefit from AI is joint replacement. 

Conclusion

Artificial joints/ Implants have been used for a long time now. The future of joint replacement, however, could be very interesting. AI could significantly improve the treatment of joint damage by automating a larger part of the process. This would allow doctors to spend more time on actual diagnosis and treatment, leaving less time wasted on administrative tasks. Patients who undergo joint replacement would be able to receive an AI-integrated treatment, like a virtual or augmented reality (VR/AR) treatment. AI could also be used to help select the right type of joint replacement for a patient based on their genetic profile. Researchers are focusing on newer technology for designing implants for  joint replacement with advanced and more biocompatible  material. The results of these studies can be helpful for the future of joint replacement.

Introduction

Joint replacement is the most preferred solution for the chronic joint pain accompanying arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. But, as with any artificial joint, it comes with its challenges. In such a scenario, physiotherapy plays a significant role in the pre-operative and post-operative procedures in rehabilitating the muscle and the joints.

How is Physiotherapy Used Before Joint Replacement?

Physiotherapy can help you prepare for joint replacement surgery. Before a joint replacement, your doctor may recommend a program of joint exercises and physiotherapy to help you prepare your body for the change, including demonstrating what exercises should be done and how to properly execute them to reduce pain and any risk of injury. It is critical to focus on strengthening the muscles around the joint that is to be replaced. What that does is improve the chances of optimal recovery from surgery. An important thing to remember is that joint replacement surgery is not a way to cure arthritis; it is a way to relieve pain.

How is Physiotherapy Used After Joint Replacement?

In a joint replacement surgery, your doctor will remove all or part of your diseased joint and replace it with an artificial component. The material of artificial components is metal or plastic. These metal and plastic parts help your joint move freely or bend, making it more stable. You may need this surgery if your joints become worn out from overuse or if you suffer from a serious injury that damages your joints. After joint replacement, you’ll need to take it easy for a while to allow your body to heal. This means you’ll probably need to reduce the amount of activity you do physically. That, in turn, means you’ll need to turn to physiotherapy.

The post-surgery focus should primarily be on recovering the full range of motion and regaining full strength in the muscles around the knee. Physiotherapy at this point will include active exercises and stretches to improve the range of motion and gain muscle strength. The idea is to demonstrate and supervise strengthening programs to maximize recovery and administer modalities and manual therapy to minimize pain and swelling after the surgery.

The prognosis for recovery after Joint Replacement

Joint replacement is an effective way to relieve pain caused by arthritic conditions & trauma. Joint replacement also has the advantage of being a long term solution. The long-term prognosis for recovery after joint replacement is favorable, although the recovery process varies from person to person. For this reason, following your doctor’s post-surgery recovery plan is important.

Conclusion

As you can see, joint replacement aided with physiotherapy before and after the process has many benefits to offer. Physiotherapy can provide the physical therapy you need to recover from joint replacement surgery. Physical therapy can also help improve and restore movement after joint replacement surgery and prevent or manage some complications, if any. Physiotherapy can help manage chronic pain and swelling, help you get back to a normal lifestyle, and help you maintain or improve your quality of life. Physiotherapy also helps improve bone health, strength, and blood circulation, treat any accompanying pain and swelling, build strength in and around the joint, and aid in faster recovery. To recover as quickly and pain-free as possible after joint replacement surgery, following your doctor’s post-surgery recovery plan is essential.