Jul 19, 2025
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Know these 5 important things before knee replacement surgery – expert advice on risks and recovery

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(Dr. Vivek Prakash, HOD, Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement, & Arthroscopy, Prakash Hospital, Greater Noida)

1. Determining If Knee Replacement Surgery Is Truly Necessary

Before getting ready for knee replacement surgery, it’s important to explore all other treatment options. Experts often recommend surgery only after non-surgical methods fail to provide relief. Consulting the best orthopedic doctor for joint pain can help you understand whether surgery is truly needed or if other effective treatments might still work for you.

“Not everyone with knee pain requires surgery,” say orthopedic experts from Prakash Hospital. “We suggest looking into non-surgical treatments first. These can include:

  • Physical therapy and focused exercises
  • Programs to manage weight
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Corticosteroid shots
  • Gel injections like viscosupplementation
  • Braces or other walking support devices”

To decide if surgery is the right choice, people should think about a few important things:

  • How bad the pain is if it makes sleeping or daily tasks hard
  • How much moving around is limited
  • How much damage shows up in scans
  • How it affects everyday life
  • How well other treatments have worked

Anyone getting ready to have knee replacement surgery should start by getting a full check-up with a skilled orthopedic doctor. At Prakash Hospital, doctors do complete evaluations that include advanced scans, physical checks, and looking at medical history to see if surgery is the best route.

2. Understanding the Risks and Potential Complications

All surgeries come with risks, and knee replacement is no different. Understanding these risks is an important step when preparing to get knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgeries come with some common risks, which are:

Immediate Surgical Risks

  • Infection happens in about 1-2% of patients.
  • Veins in the legs or lungs might get blood clots.
  • Nerves or blood vessels can suffer damage.
  • Allergic responses to anesthesia can occur.
  • Bleeding that is harder to control may happen.

Long-term Complications

  • Implants can loosen or wear down as time passes.
  • Pain or stiffness might not go away.
  • Sometimes, implants fail and need another surgery.
  • One leg may end up longer than the other.

Good orthopedic doctors will explain what these risks mean for your personal case. At Prakash Hospital in Greater Noida, surgeons aim to lower these risks using advanced methods.

  • following infection control protocols
  • Using strategies to prevent blood clots
  • Employing accurate surgical techniques
  • Choosing implants based on the patient’s anatomy

Knowing the risks doesn’t mean you should avoid surgery if it’s needed. Instead, it means you should approach the process with a clear understanding and good preparation.

3. Comprehensive Pre-Surgery Preparation Steps

Preparing well can have a big effect on both your recovery experience and the results of your surgery. Learning how to get ready for knee replacement surgery includes several key steps:

Medical Optimization

  • Finish all necessary testing before surgery.
  • Keep medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart issues under control.
  • Check and change your medications based on the doctor’s advice.
  • Avoid taking some medications, including blood thinners or anti-inflammatories, before the operation.
  • Stop smoking at least six weeks ahead of surgery to help your body heal better.
  • Eat a healthy diet to help your recovery process.

Home Preparation

Your living space needs some extra thought the night before your knee surgery and during the weeks after the procedure.

  • Set up a temporary spot to live on the main floor if you can
  • Get rid of hazards like loose rugs and cords that could cause falls
  • Add safety tools like grab bars in the bathroom
  • Prepare meals in advance and store them in the freezer for easy access later
  • Plan to get help with daily tasks during the first few weeks
  • Make sure you have assistive gear like a walker raised toilet seat, or shower chair

Physical Conditioning

“Patients who build muscle strength before surgery often recover better,” say experts at Prakash Hospital. To prepare, try the following:

  • Work with a physical therapist to learn exercises that are helpful before surgery
  • Focus on strengthening the muscles near your knee
  • Practice movements you’ll use as you heal
  • Stay as fit as your body allows

4. Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation Process

Knowing what happens during recovery can help patients understand what lies ahead. It helps them stay prepared and feel more satisfied with the progress. Here’s what happens after knee replacement surgery:

Immediate Post-Surgery (1-3 days)

  •       Patients are usually hospitalized for approximately 1 to 3 days
  • Doctors manage pain with medicines.
  • Physical therapy begins often on the day of the operation.
  • Patients learn how to use devices that help them move.

Early Recovery (1-6 weeks)

  • Physical therapy sessions occur two to three times per week.
  • Exercises and activities increase during this time.
  • Patients start reducing or stopping pain medication.
  • Stitches or staples get taken out.
  • Doctors schedule follow-ups to check progress.

Mid Recovery (6-12 weeks)

  • Strength and range of motion keep improving
  • Start lighter activities again
  • Driving might be allowed (after six weeks)
  • Less need for assistive tools

Long-term Recovery (3-12 months)

  • Continue with strengthening workouts
  • get back to harder activities
  • Most progress is seen by the end of one year

“Recovery looks different for everyone,” say the rehabilitation specialists at Prakash Hospital. “Many patients notice big improvements in six weeks, but full recovery may take a year, and some people keep progressing even after that.”

5. Cost Considerations and Financial Planning

The cost of knee replacement surgery can vary widely due to several factors, such as hospital facilities, surgeon experience, and type of implant used. Understanding these costs is essential for proper financial planning and informed decision-making.

Choosing the best orthopedic doctor in greater noida

Selecting the best specialist for your knee replacement is an important part of your medical care process. If you’re seeking an experienced Best Orthopedic Doctor in Greater Noida, keep these essential factors in mind:

  • Their expertise in replacing joints
  • How many surgeries they handle every year
  • Results of their procedures and any complications
  • Feedback from other patients
  • Standards and certifications of the hospital

In Greater Noida, Prakash Hospital shines as a top choice for orthopedic treatment. The hospital provides excellent care for joint replacement with some major highlights:

  • Modern surgical methods like invasive procedures
  • Complete care before and after surgery
  • Special programs aimed at recovery and rehab
  • A skilled team of surgeons
  • Advanced tools and well-equipped facilities

Conclusion

Knee replacement surgery changes lives for people who deal with extreme joint pain and struggle to move . Preparing for this procedure means finding out if surgery is needed, being clear about the risks, preparing well, knowing what happens during recovery, and handling the financial side of things.

By choosing an Orthopedic hospital in greater noida following their advice , people can face this major surgery with confidence and clear expectations. If you’re thinking about knee replacement surgery near Greater Noida, book a consultation at Prakash Hospital to talk about your condition and learn more about treatment choices.

Good results rely not just on the skill of the surgeon but also on the effort patients put into getting ready and recovering. With the right care and focus many people can expect less pain and a better way of living after knee replacement surgery.

Prakash Hospital | Best Hospital in Greater Noida