For those with degenerative diseases or chronic knee pain, knee replacement surgery [ผ่าตัดเปลี่ยนข้อเข่าเทียม, which is the term in Thai] is a procedure that can improve quality of life. That being said, there are a few things to think about before choosing to have knee replacement surgery.
Evaluating Your Condition
Determine how bad your knee condition is before thinking about having surgery to replace it. You should carefully consider factors like chronic pain, and how knee issues affect your daily activities. Speaking with an orthopedic specialist is essential to getting a precise diagnosis and figuring out if surgery is the best course of action.
Age And Health Conditions
The best candidates for knee replacements are typically those who can withstand extensive surgery and rehabilitation. The ideal age range for knee replacement surgery is believed to be over 60. People over 80 or those with significant health issues, such as lung or heart disease, may not be suitable patients for this kind of surgery.
Considering Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical options for treating knee pain and improving function include physical therapy, medication, and injections. It’s crucial to investigate these conservative measures to see if they can offer enough relief before moving forward with surgery.
An artificial implant replaces the entire knee joint during a total knee replacement. The implant type that is utilized may differ. You should discuss the benefits of a particular implant with your physician. Discuss the specifics of the implant and the planned surgical approach.
Assessing The Risks Of Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with knee replacement surgery. It is important to comprehend the surgery’s possible risks, advantages, and anticipated results. A successful knee replacement procedure depends on the orthopaedic surgeon you choose having the necessary training and experience. One should carefully consider the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and performance history.
Recovery Process
The entire healing process following knee replacement surgery typically takes three to six months, depending on the specifics of each case. Contrarily, some people might need up to a year to return to normal. Patients are more likely to be happy with their surgical results if they are aware of what to expect following their procedure.
Financial considerations are involved with knee replacement surgery, including the cost of surgery, post-operative care, and rehabilitation. You should also be aware of your insurance coverage and other unexpected costs.
Deciding to have knee replacement surgery is a big step back towards living an active, pain-free life again. Never forget to set reasonable expectations, make a thorough plan for the surgery, and adhere to the advised rehabilitation and post-operative care advice.
