Hip and Knee replacement: Everything You Need to Know Before, During, and After Operation
The unbearable discomfort in your knees or hips may be a sign that you need joint replacement surgery. This treatment method has grown famous for pain relief to most aging adults, mainly due to severe arthritis.
But, joint replacement isn’t designed only for aged adults. Even younger adults from 30 years may still need such surgery. That’s because pains can result from different causes, including sports or slip and fall injuries.
Here, we’ll cover the facts you need to know before, during, and after your surgery.
Hip and Knee Replacement Procedures are Common and Successful
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ study results indicates a projection of up to 635,000 and 1.28 million hip and knee replacement surgeries by 2030. The study also shows that almost one million patients undergo these medical procedures yearly.
The results and testimonies from the surgeries show that patients live longer, healthier, and stronger after going through knee and hip replacements.
Again, it’s possible to resume your daily life. According to experts, some patients even manage to run marathons after surgery. However, doctors say that the possibilities have a limited lifespan since the materials used are artificial.
How To Establish If It’s the Best Treatment for You
The process starts with evaluation. This step includes checking your medical history to rule out any possible risk factors. These include:
- Height-weight ratio
- Smoking history
- Presence of other infections
- Whether you’re on other medications.
Then, you’ll undergo ex-rays to indicate the severity of the injury. After the assessments, you and your doctor will review the results and exhaust other alternatives before settling for the surgery.
Some of the considerations to make include whether you’ve ever tried any other medications, physical therapy, or injections and how you reacted with the alternatives. Also, you’ll need to discuss with your doctor how a typical day is to you and if the pain and discomfort affect your normal activities.
Your physician may suggest a knee or hip replacement if the pain persists and your situation qualifies for surgery.
Preparing for The Surgery
One of the ways to prepare for this life-changing activity is by asking questions and seeking clarifications. This step helps you clear doubts and understand the necessities.
Ask your doctor about the preparations you need before the procedure and whether it’s possible to resume your daily activities after the surgery. Also, enquire if a Post-Op rehabilitation will be necessary and how long it will take.
Additionally, you need to know whether you’ll require any assistance after the surgery and the form of aid necessary. Occasionally, patients have had to relocate to a short-term care center for a few days after surgery. Inquire from your physician if you’ll require this too.
What Happens at The Hospital?
Most joint replacement patients require only a single night at the hospital, while others leave the same day. The treatment process has been revamped, and the anesthesia physicians use in the surgery is one of the most significant innovations. Also, there are drugs to manage blood loss, removing the need for transfusion after the surgery.
Thus, patients no longer require a breathing tube after the surgery undergo minimal pain, nausea, and confusion.
How Long Does Healing Take?
According to doctors, most joint replacement patients can walk down the hall, climb stairs, or walk in and out of their cars before leaving the facility. But, physical therapy is essential to guarantee full recovery. The healing process will mostly take one-month post-surgery; some patients may take three to four months, while others will fully recover after an entire year.
Joint replacement surgery effectively relieves stubborn pains in your knees and hips. Rehabilitation is also vital to guarantee full recovery. We specialize in offering reliable short-term care and rehabilitation at the Abors in Amarillo, Texas. Contact us today for steadfast rehabilitation, care, and therapy.
