Ramesh Pawar was an active 52-year-old farmer living in a small village in Maharashtra. His day began well before sunrise, and he worked hard in the fields with his two sons.
He relaxed by playing with his grandchildren in the backyard of his house. Life was hectic but enjoyable. So when he was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure, Mr.Pawar was surprised. He took his medicines whenever possible and had no time to brood over minor aches and pains.
Over the years, the minor aches and pains worsened. He was exhausted most of the time. His knees were bent, and he was in severe pain. Sitting on his haunches was excruciating, so he could no longer work on his farm. Worse, he couldn’t even go to the toilet without help.
He spent most of his time lying on his bed and depended on others for the simple tasks a healthy person takes for granted. When Mr Pawar came to Sahyadri Speciality Hospital and consulted joint replacement specialist Dr Sushrut Badve, he was just a shell of his former self.
The first thing that was done was a general physical checkup. Mr Pawar’s sugar was out of control, his blood pressure was very high, and he had a heart condition. Like most busy people, he had ignored his health because ‘he had very little time for himself’. He was immediately put on medication to bring his sugar, BP, and heart condition under control.
His knees were severely arthritic and deformed. “The knee is made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). Articular cartilage covers the ends of these bones where they touch and provides a lubricated gliding surface for the smooth movement of the knee.
When this cartilage begins to wear away, it causes pain and stiffness. When it wears away completely, the bones rub directly on each other and cause persistent pain and reduced mobility,” explains Dr Badve.
This type of osteoarthritis is common in patients who are 50 or older. However, it is also seen in people with a family history of arthritis or in professions that put pressure on the knee joint, such as sportspeople. The cartilage can also wear away in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis or as a result of traumatic arthritis caused by severe knee injuries.
“For patients whose knees are severely arthritic, the pain is debilitating. Performing routine activities like walking or climbing stairs becomes nearly impossible,” says Dr.Badve.
In such cases, total knee replacement (TKR) can relieve pain, correct deformities, and help resume normal activities. In TKR, the damaged part of the joint is removed from the surface of the bones. Then, the surfaces are shaped to hold the metal or plastic implant.
The implant is attached to the thigh bone, shin, and knee cap with cement or a particular material. The attached parts fit together to form the artificial joint. It is supported by the surrounding muscles and ligaments, just like a typical knee joint.
“The use of good quality implants adds to the cost of the procedure, but TKR is one of the most effective surgeries. The results are predictable and reproducible. It dramatically improves the quality of the patient’s life for many years,” says Dr.Badve.
The now 57-year-old Ramesh Pawar should know more about that. He can now easily walk from his house to the farm and play with his grandchildren again. He says, “I went from being active to relying on others even to get up from the chair. With knee replacement, I have become a fit, productive person and regained my active life, confidence, and dignity.”
FAQs
What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery? Total knee replacement involves replacing damaged joints with prosthetics to restore function and relieve pain.
Who is a candidate for total knee replacement? Patients with severe arthritis, joint damage, or chronic knee pain affecting daily activities may qualify.
How long is the recovery after knee replacement? Recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks, but physical therapy is critical in regaining mobility.
What are the risks associated with knee replacement? Risks include infection, blood clots, implant wear, or stiffness, which are rare with proper care.
How successful is total knee replacement surgery? It boasts a high success rate, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility.
