Knee replacement surgery in Dubai, tips that you need to know before and after

by Dr Neha | Sep 20, 2021 | Body

When knee problems come into play, knee replacement surgery is often the best option for treatment. However, getting knee replacement surgery in Dubai can be difficult to find out about and understand. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post with tips that you need to know before and after knee replacement surgery in Dubai!

What is knee replacement?

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that relieves knee pain and disability by replacing the knee joint surfaces. The goal of knee replacement surgery is to relieve knee pain, improve mobility, reduce stiffness or instability in the knee.

Knee replacement surgery is appropriate for people with knee pain that prevents them from living a normal life with a success rate of 98%. Knee problems may include knee arthritis, osteoarthritis, and knee injuries such as ruptured or torn ligaments, cartilage damage in the knee joint.

In most cases of severe knee pain due to arthritis or injury, knee replacement surgery can relieve knee pain and improve knee function.

The procedure usually takes one to two hours, it is performed under general anesthesia, and may require a hospital stay of up to two days in fit and well patients and upto five days for people with other medical conditions or who are obese. The knee joint surfaces include the femur (upper leg bone), tibia (lower leg bone), and the knee cap (patella). The knee joint surfaces are replaced with a prosthetic surface- either metal or plastic.

The goal of knee replacement surgery is to relieve knee pain, improve mobility, reduce stiffness or instability in the knee.

What you should do before a knee replacement surgery?

Before knee replacement surgery, you should talk with your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking. You might need to stop them beforehand and change up the dosage as needed. This includes aspirin, antihistamines, cold remedies like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), products containing caffeine including some pain relievers such as Advil or Aleve, and any supplements like vitamins with iron.

You should also be sure to clear out your stomach by not eating solid foods for 24 hours before the procedure. Other things that can slow down digestion include clay products such as Kaopectate (loperamide), laxatives, antacids, and heartburn medications.

You will also need to stop eating any dairy products like milk or cheese at least 72 hours before knee replacement surgery because they slow down the digestive process.

You should be sure not to eat any citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, or tangerines either because of their acidic content they can interfere with the knee replacement surgery.

You should also stop smoking before knee surgery because it can affect the healing process and you might not be able to smoke for weeks after knee replacement. You will need to use a nicotine patch or gum if you want to try quitting cold turkey instead of using medication like Chantix (varenicline) which can interfere with knee replacement surgery.

You should also try to stop taking any over-the-counter medications that you use on a regular basis like ibuprofen or Tylenol before knee replacement surgery because they can interfere with blood clotting and increase bruising after knee replacement.

Before knee replacement, talk to your doctor about all of these things so that there are no complications.

What to expect during the procedure?

Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which the knee joint surfaces are replaced by metal components. The procedure of knee replacements can take place under general anesthesia, or it may be performed with an epidural injection that numbs specific areas.

– Surgery will last for approximately two hours and you should expect to stay at least one night post-surgery.

– You will be prescribed pain medication to help manage knee pain, which may last for up to a week after the procedure.

– After knee replacement surgery you should expect some stiffness in your knee and it is possible that you will experience difficulties bending or straightening your knee due to scar tissue build-up around the joint. This scar tissue can be removed with knee injections or a second surgery.

– As the knee heals, you will need to restrict your movement in order to avoid pain and further damage to the joint.

– After about six weeks of restricted movement, it is possible for people who have had knee replacements to fully return back to their normal daily activities.

– Typical knee pain relief medication includes acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, and naproxen.

– The knee replacement surgery process is relatively simple but it can be painful during the recovery phase; make sure you’re prepared for this by having other people help with your daily activities or at least provide you with lots of support.

How to prepare for recovery and what you can expect once you’re home 

After knee replacement surgery, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. Your knee will be iced to reduce swelling and there is a risk of blood clots so it’s important that you stay mobile as much as possible until the doctor approves the physical activity.

• The knee may feel stiff or too weak for walking right away.
• You may need crutches or a knee scooter.  You’ll only be able to put weight on your knee if you have assistance and it’s okayed by the doctor, so use them as needed until then.
• It’s important to avoid stairs or any knee extension exercises (bending it upwards, e.g., when getting out of bed) until advised
• As you get better and more mobile, some simple at-home knee strengthening exercises can help:  hold on to a chair and raise your knee as high as it will go, or use a towel to walk on.
• Your knee may feel stiff for up to six weeks after surgery, but with time you’ll be able to put more weight on it.  The knee joint capsule is tight in the first few months because of swelling: we recommend wearing compression knee sleeves to help with knee pain.
• Physical therapy is an important part of healing from knee surgery, but don’t push yourself too hard during the first weeks.  It’s important to take it easy and listen to your knee, which may be feeling very tight or sore.

Tips on how to protect your new knee from injury or pain after surgery 

The knee is a complicated joint, so it’s not surprising that knee replacement surgery takes time to recover from and there are many factors to consider when recovering. However, if you follow these tips for how to protect your new knee after knee surgery, the recovery process will be easier than expected.

– Stretch: Stretching before any physical activity can help with knee pain and prevents injury.

– Wear a knee brace: A knee brace will protect your new knee from trauma or sudden movements that could cause you to fall, which is dangerous for anyone who’s had knee replacement surgery.  It may also be recommended by physical therapists if they are concerned about varus/valgus knee instability.

–  Stay off of knee: Stay off your knee as much as possible for the first few weeks after surgery to allow it time to heal and develop scar tissue. After that, you should only put pressure on your knee when absolutely necessary (e.g., walking down a long hallway). You can also test if putting weight on your knee causes pain and swelling.

–  Take medications as prescribed: If you are given any medication to take after surgery, be sure to follow the instructions on how much and when it should be taken exactly as instructed. Medication can help with knee pain post-surgery during recovery by reducing inflammation.

– Wiggle toes or touch toes to knee: This exercise will help keep your foot flexible and the muscles in your lower leg strong.

–  Don’t cross legs when sitting: Crossing one knee over another can put stress on the knee joint, so it’s important not to do this for any length of time post surgery.

– Rest as much as possible: This is crucial for knee surgery recovery.

– Massage: A knee massage can help relieve pain and pressure on the knee joint from osteoarthritis because it releases synovial fluid that lubricates the joint–a common problem with arthritis sufferers.

– Ice packs: Ice packs can be applied to a knee during or after knee surgery to reduce swelling, knee pain, or arthritis symptoms.

– Knee brace: A knee brace is a good idea for someone who has had knee replacement surgery because it can lessen the force of impact on your new knee and protect you from an injury that could cause more damage.

– Stay active but not too much: It’s important to maintain a healthy level of activity during knee surgery recovery. It’s best to try and keep it gentle or light because any long periods of intense activity can lead to knee pain, swelling, and injury.

– Swimming: If you’re not able to stay active through the other tips mentioned here, swimming is a great alternative that gives your joints support while not putting too much stress on your knee.

– Push yourself: A little bit of activity is better than none, so if you’re able to stay active and do a light workout like swimming or gentle stretching, it’ll help with knee pain recovery.

The knee is a complicated joint, so it’s not surprising that knee replacement surgery takes time to recover from and there are many factors to consider when recovering.

Helpful things people have done to get back on their feet after surgery – including walking aids, physical therapy exercises, and more

– Physical therapists teach knee replacement patients how to increase their range of motion with knee joint movement and lower extremity strengthening activities. These physical therapist-led sessions are crucial in helping knee surgery patients get back on their feet after they have recovered from the surgery, but it is important for them not to start too soon, or do too much.

– Knee replacement patients are advised to wait about six weeks before starting these exercises because knee joints need time to heal and strengthen after surgery. They should also start with light resistance movements like knee bends, hamstring stretches, toe raises, side leg lifts while sitting on a chair; then progress into more difficult exercises as knee strength improves.

– A knee replacement patient should consult with their physical therapist before starting a knee strengthening program so they can be given the best instructions for getting back on their feet after knee surgery, and avoid any potential setbacks from exercising too soon or not doing enough of an exercise to get strong again.

As you can see, there are a number of things to consider before and after knee replacement surgery. It’s important that your recovery is as successful as possible so contact me on hello@nehathedoctor.com if you have any questions about what I talked about in this blog post or would like more information on the procedure itself. If you’re looking for additional information about how to recover well from knee replacement surgery, I’ve got some helpful insights well!

Frequently asked questions:

What is the cost of a replacement knee surgery in Dubai?

Surgery in Dubai varies, but in a recent report on surgical services published last year, the average cost per knee replacement was $2,925.00 USD (5,466.52 AED).

Different hospitals have different rates and policies for surgery and typically offer pre-hospitalization services as well post-treatment care such as physical therapy. Patients should consider talking with their insurance providers to understand what surgical costs will be covered by their insurers before considering any medical treatments.

Does knee replacement surgery replace the kneecap?

Much depends on the diagnosis. If your surgeon deems necessary then yes , he will replace the cartilage that has eroded away over time. This doesn’t make for an easy surgery however and recovery can take months. That said, if all you need are a few ligaments tightened up, no surgery is needed in this case but a physical therapist can help with strengthening exercises to get your knee range of motion back.

The knee replacement surgery does not replace the kneecap in most cases. Sometimes, a partial or complete knee replacement might be needed to replace the entire knee joint.

How many months does it take to recover from a knee replacement?

It takes between six months to a year for an individual to recover from surgery.

The time period after surgery will vary depending on the type and scope of the surgery that has been performed. Time is needed for healing, and it is important to listen to your body during this phase of recovery. In addition, some rehabilitation exercises are often required in order to maintain range of motion in other limb joints and even parts of the leg that have not had any form of surgical intervention.

What is the best knee replacement today?

The best knee replacement would depend on the person and their injury. However, in general, a total knee replacement is usually a good option when there is significant joint damage or deformity due to severe arthritis.

What happens if you wait too long for a knee replacement?

Waiting too long for a knee replacement will make it more difficult to find enough cartilage left in the joint to use as part of the healing process.

Waiting too long does not usually affect the outcome of surgery, but studies show that there is a correlation between waiting and post-operative arthritic changes in patients who undergo bilateral knee replacement operations. Further research should clarify whether delaying surgery puts undue stress on other joints or on bone structure; however, it does seem likely that prolonged pain may alter kinematics and cause additional wear and tear throughout the body.

What is the average hospital stay for a knee replacement?

A typical knee replacement should take 2-3 hours, but there are many factors that could slow the process down.

There are many physical and psychological factors that contribute to how long this procedure will take, such as age — younger patients tend to do well because they have less systemic disease and are able to tolerate general anesthesia better than older patients; general health — those with good cardiovascular function and no other significant co-morbidities usually recover more quickly; pre-surgical physiotherapy or home rehabilitation programme – people who maintain movement following their injury often experience shorter stays.

How far should I be walking after knee replacement?

The amount of walking will depend on how well an individual’s knee has recovered and the level of support, including physical therapy and their level of activity. Exercises and range-of-motion exercises could be scaled back if needed. So it really depends on who you are talking to for your answer, as there are many factors that contribute to recovery times. What is important is that you should try not to overexert yourself when first getting up out or sleeping in chairs can help prevent injury while recovering from a surgery like this one. Though this may seem extreme for someone with a condition that might keep them from doing what they used to do before, over time these short adjustments can make a world difference in the quality of life.

What is the best age to have a knee replacement?

There is no “best age” for a knee replacement. Factors that affect the decision may include your health, symptoms of pain and disability, activities you would like to be able to do again after surgery, your rehabilitation options following a knee replacement, and any other health problems you have.

It’s also important to know that even with successful joint replacement surgery there can still be physical limitations related to the condition of joints in surrounding areas such as an ankle or hip: weakness from certain muscles; stiffness because of inflammation; or chronic pain syndrome which is when nerve signals are received but not interpreted correctly by the brain. The surgeon will identify these areas at your pre-operative visit and discuss them with you.

How bad does a knee have to be before replacement?

The most common reasons for replacing the knee are severe arthritis, joint dislocation, or an accident. Other less common reasons may be osteonecrosis (loss of blood flow to bone tissue), loosening of the tendons in this area, or bone tumors that require removal.

This question has been answered as it seems by different people and their response may not be accurate to everyone’s situation which can make it difficult for an answer on a specific situation. For more information please seek professional medical care as everyone’s case is different.

Can you live a normal life with a knee replacement?

Yes, studies report that after 1 year, healthy adults and older adults with mobility limitations were equally satisfied with their new knee replacements and had made similarly meaningful gains in health-related quality of life measures. In other words, most people who are looking to get a knee replacement should go ahead without fear as the outcomes may not be worse for them than anyone else’s. There is also evidence suggesting that these respondents overall have a good quality of life.