Joint Replacements are a very common process now a days, specifically the knee joints are most commonly replaced joints.... 

When is it Required:

> there are certain classifications of arthritic changes depending on which staging is decided and also the need of replacement.

> Certain conditions like infections or injuries damaging joints badly.

Knee joint replacement are undertaken through four stages:

* Preparing the ends of the thigh and shin bones by removing any damaged cartilage.

* Cementing and positioning metal implants to recreate the joint’s surface.

* Resurfacing the knee cap by inserting a plastic button behind the patella inserting a medical-grade plastic spacer between the metal components to form a fluid gliding surface, allowing the knee to move freely in its natural range of motion. 

After Knee Replacement: 

  • Immediate postoperative mobilisation done on same day in most cases.
  • Patient in most cases is discharged walking with walker by other day.
  • Open Wound Protection, Avoiding Infection, maintaining minimum advised range are the responsibilities of Patients.

Physiotherapy Roles Pre and Post Operatively! 

         Preoperative Rehab: 

  • Very important to Identify muscular weakness and undergo good exercise regimen, if needed 5-8 regular sessions with a physio should be under taken
  • Understanding few exercises required postoperatively is helpful.

         Post Op Rehabilitation:

  1. Its important to gain early Strength and reduction in swelling over knee joint to prevent any immediate post operative complication.
  2. Good range of knee bending and complete knee extension should be achieved.
  3. Pain free walking in first two weeks, and by end of four weeks ability to take stairs could be Ideal progression.
  4. Exercises are individual specific and so are to be done as and when administered by a qualified Physiotherapist only.
  5. There are certain mechanical issues that can be due to muscular weakness and can be identified by a Physio only and if we continue to neglect such things it could cause early Damage to Implants. 
  6. Citation : “There has always been a philosophy that the patient and the surgeon want the joint replacement to last as long as possible — hopefully, for the duration of the patient’s life,” Thomas P. Schmalzried, MD. But that is in contrast to the philosophy about patients having joint replacement surgery to enjoy a better quality of life and there are certain physical activities that increase their quality of life.
  7. Keeping muscles strong is essential to promoting function and battling the sarcopenia, which occurs with age.
  8.  Inappropriate rehabilitation could force one into Revision surgery in future life.