Imagine how much you rely on your knees every day – to stand, walk, run, and even sit down. Your knees are remarkable joints that make these activities possible. But sometimes, due to various reasons, they can become painful, stiff, and limit your mobility. This is where knee replacement surgery comes into play. It’s a medical procedure that can bring relief and improved quality of life for people with knee problems.
In simple terms, knee replacement surgery is like giving your knees a fresh start. When your knee joint is damaged or worn out, a knee replacement doctor can replace it with a new, artificial joint. This may sound a bit intimidating, but in reality, it’s a common and effective procedure that has helped countless individuals regain their active lives.
In this article, we will take a closer look at knee replacement surgery, who needs it, understanding when it’s necessary, what to expect during the surgery, and more. We’ll also introduce Dr. Rajat Jangir, a knee orthopedics expert. Dr. Rajat Jangir, a knee specialist doctor in jaipur, has extensive experience treating knee problems. So, let’s dive in.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee Replacement Surgery is a medical procedure where a damaged or painful knee joint is replaced with an artificial one, called a prosthesis. It is usually done when severe arthritis, injury, or other medical conditions make it difficult for a person to walk, climb stairs, or perform everyday activities due to knee pain.
During the surgery, a skilled knee specialist doctor removes the damaged parts of the knee joint, including the cartilage and bone. These are then replaced with a synthetic joint made of metal and plastic, designed to function like a natural knee. The procedure can be a total knee replacement, where the entire joint is replaced, or a partial knee replacement, which only replaces the damaged portion.
Knee replacement surgery can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing people to lead more active lives.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are several types of knee replacement surgery, each tailored to a specific set of circumstances. Here are the main types of knee replacement surgeries:
1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Total Knee Replacement is the most prevalent form of knee replacement surgery. It is an effective procedure used to alleviate pain and restore function in individuals with advanced knee joint issues, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
The knee joint is replaced completely during this surgery, which includes all three main parts:
- The Medial Compartment (Located on the Inside of the Knee)
- The Lateral Compartment (Situated on the Outside of the Knee)
- The Patellofemoral Joint (The Area Behind the Kneecap)
During a TKR, the damaged surfaces of these parts are changed with prosthetic parts, such as the femoral, tibial, and patellar implants. This makes the patient able to move and lessens their pain.
2. Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
Partial Knee Replacement is like fixing only a part of a broken knee instead of replacing the whole. In this surgery, the doctor replaces only the damaged part of your knee joint, which could be the inside or outside of the knee. It’s suitable when just one part of your knee is hurting, not the whole knee.
PKR has a quicker recovery than total knee replacement and feels more natural. However, not everyone can get this surgery; your doctor will decide if it’s right for you based on your specific knee problem.
3. Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Minimally invasive knee replacement is a special way of doing knee surgery. Instead of making big cuts, doctors use small cuts. This helps in healing faster and leaves smaller scars. It’s good for people who need a total knee replacement.
With this method, people usually spend less time in the hospital and get back on their feet quicker. It’s like fixing your knee with smaller cuts and less hurting after.
4. Bilateral Knee Replacement
Bilateral knee replacement is like having both knees fixed at the same time. Usually, it’s for people with really bad knee problems in both legs. Doing both knees together means less time in the hospital and less overall recovery time. But it can be tough on the body, so the doctor needs to decide if it’s the right choice.
5. Revision Knee Replacement
Revision knee replacement is a procedure of fixing a previous knee replacement that went wrong. When the first replacement doesn’t work because of infection, wear and tear, or other problems, doctors do this surgery. They remove the old knee parts and put in new ones.
This kind of surgery is harder and may take longer to recover from. It’s for people who need a second chance to have a working knee after the first replacement didn’t do its job.
When a Person Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is typically considered when a person is experiencing severe knee pain, reduced mobility, and a significant impact on their quality of life due to knee issues.
The most common reason for this surgery is osteoarthritis. However, it may also be recommended for individuals with other knee-related conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, gout, or knee injuries.
Here are some common indicators for when a person might need knee replacement surgery:
- If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in your knee joint, which is significantly limiting your ability to move and perform daily activities, knee replacement surgery may be considered.
- When knee pain is so intense that it interferes with your overall quality of life and even affects your ability to sleep, it may be an indicator that knee replacement is a viable option.
- If everyday tasks, such as walking, shopping, or getting in and out of the bath, become challenging or impossible due to knee pain and limited mobility, surgery may be recommended.
- In cases where knee problems are preventing you from working or participating in social activities, knee replacement surgery may be considered as a means to regain functionality and improve your overall lifestyle.
Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure considered after physiotherapy and steroid injections fail. Consult the best knee replacement doctor in Jaipur to assess your condition and decide if knee replacement surgery is right for you.
Is Knee Replacement Surgery Necessary
If someone needs knee replacement surgery, it depends on the condition of their knee joint, their general health, and how they live their life.
Knee replacement surgery is usually suggested when non-invasive methods like physical therapy, drugs, and changes to one’s lifestyle have not helped enough with knee pain and mobility problems. It is often done to treat severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases that hurt the joints a lot.
If knee replacement surgery is not pursued when necessary or if the condition is left untreated, several consequences may occur:
1. Increased Pain
If you don’t get the needed treatment for your painful knee, the pain can get even worse. It’s like having a problem that doesn’t go away, like a constant toothache. Not treating it can make the pain stronger and more uncomfortable, affecting your daily life.
2. Reduced Mobility
Reduced mobility means that you can’t move your knee as easily as before. It becomes hard to walk, climb stairs, or even stand up from a chair. Your leg may not bend or straighten properly, making everyday activities challenging. It’s like your knee is stuck, and you can’t move it smoothly. This happens when your knee is in pain or doesn’t work well, and it can affect how you live and do things in your daily life.
3. Progression of Joint Damage
When you don’t treat a bad knee, the problem can get worse. The joint, which is where your bones meet and move, can keep getting damaged. If you have something like arthritis, which can wear down your joint, not treating it means the arthritis can keep hurting your joint. As time goes on, it can become more damaged, and that’s not good because it can make your pain and mobility issues even worse.
4. Muscle Weakness
When you have knee problems and don’t get them fixed, it becomes hard to move around. This makes the muscles around your knee weaker because they aren’t being used properly. So, not fixing your knee can lead to your leg muscles becoming less strong and making it even more difficult to move and do things like walking or climbing stairs.
Now, you know everything about knee replacement surgery, it’s time to discuss about the best doctor for knee replacement in India — Dr. Rajat Jangir.
Who Is Dr Rajat Jangir?
When you search for “best knee replacement doctors near me”, you get plenty of results near your locality. You might find some good surgeons there, but you may also escape some good doctors like Dr. Rajat Jangir. But, who is Dr. Rajat Jangir? Dr. Rajat Jangir is a highly experienced doctor who specializes in treating knee problems. He has 13 years of experience and is an expert in dealing with issues like ligament injuries, sports-related injuries, and surgeries to replace knees, hips, and shoulders. Currently, he works as a consultant at the Shoulder and Knee Replacement Surgery Clinic in Jaipur, where he helps people with these problems.
How Much Experience Does Dr. Rajat Jangir Have?
Dr. Rajat Jangir is an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur, India, with more than 13 years of experience. He is well-known for his expertise in shoulder and knee surgeries, particularly in the field of arthroscopy and sports medicine.
Dr. Rajat Jangir is the only trained sports physician in Rajasthan and has performed over 4500 arthroscopy surgeries. His expertise extends to being recognized as the best ACL surgeon in Jaipur.
Dr. Rajat Jangir Clinic in Jaipur
His clinic in Jaipur is widely recognized for its excellent care of knee, shoulder, and sports-related injuries. Dr. Rajat Jangir has gained a reputation as one of the top joint surgeons in Jaipur due to his extensive experience and specialization in arthroscopic procedures, joint replacements, meniscus repairs, and sports-related injuries.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rajat Jangir serves as a professor and heads the Department of Sports Medicine at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jaipur. His groundbreaking work in the field has made him one of the leading knee replacement doctors in Jaipur. He was even invited to be the Athlete Medical Doctor at the Rio Olympics in 2016 by the International Olympic Committee, where he provided medical care to national and international athletes, including well-known figures like Sakshi Malik, Deepa Karmakar, and the renowned German gymnast Andreas Toba.
His clinic is equipped with a state-of-the-art operating theater, advanced surgical instruments, and post-operative rehabilitation services. They offer exceptional treatment for various issues, including:
- Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- ACL
- PCL
- Collateral Ligament Injuries
- Cartilage Injuries
- Meniscus Repairs
- Shoulder Injuries
Dr. Rajat Jangir is also highly regarded as the best hip replacement doctor in Jaipur and is among the few prominent surgeons in India who excel in shoulder replacements and meniscus surgery.
Consult Dr. Rajat Jangir Today
Are you tired of knee pain slowing you down? Meet Dr. Rajat Jangir, your trusted knee specialist in Jaipur! With years of experience, Dr. Jangir is here to help you get back on your feet pain-free. Whether it’s arthritis, sports injuries, or joint problems, he’s got you covered. Don’t let knee issues hold you back from enjoying life. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jangir today, and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free future. Regain your mobility, confidence, and happiness with the expert care of Dr. Rajat Jangir, the name you can trust for knee health in Jaipur.
You can also Read: Sports Injury and Their Prevention: Guide for Athletes
