Overview
Knee replacement surgery can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. This procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.
About Knee Replacement
Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. In this surgery, metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap. Knee replacement may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury. The goal of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that have been damaged and to relieve knee pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments.
When is a Knee Replacement needed?
Knee replacement surgery is usually necessary when the knee joint is worn or damaged so that your mobility is reduced and you are in pain even while resting. The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Other health conditions that cause knee damage include:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Haemophilia
Gout
Disorders that cause unusual bone growth
Death of bone in the knee joint following blood supply problems
Knee injury
Knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage
Knee Replacement side effects
Infection
Bleeding
Blood clots
Pain and swelling
Breathing problems
Nerve and artery damage
Allergic reaction
Implant failure
Knee Replacement Recovery
Patients should be able to stop using crutches and resume normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery. It may take 3 months for the pain and swelling to completely settle down.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Getting Ready for Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure that can improve your quality of life by reducing pain and restoring function in your knee joint. However, to ensure a successful outcome and a smooth recovery, you need to prepare well before the surgery. There are several steps you can take to get ready for your knee replacement, such as:
Consulting with your surgeon and medical team. They will give you detailed information about the surgery, the risks and benefits, the recovery process, and the expectations. They will also perform some tests and exams to check your health status and suitability for the surgery. You should ask them any questions you have and follow their instructions carefully.
Improving your physical condition. You can do some exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion in your knee. This will help you recover faster and avoid complications. You should also stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, and manage your weight, as these factors can affect your healing and increase the risk of infection.
Preparing your home and arranging for help. You will need some assistance and support at home after the surgery, as you will have limited mobility and need to follow a rehabilitation program. You should ask a family member, friend, or caregiver to stay with you for the first few weeks. You should also make sure your home is safe and comfortable, by removing any obstacles, placing items you use often within easy reach, and stocking up on food and supplies.
Planning for your transportation and follow-up care. You will not be able to drive for several weeks after the surgery, so you will need someone to take you to and from the hospital and your appointments. You should also find a suitable physical therapy facility where you can continue your rehabilitation. You should let your surgeon and medical team know your choice, and they will provide you with a referral.
By following these steps, you can prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally for your knee replacement surgery. This will help you achieve the best possible results and enjoy a new and improved knee.
Types of knee replacement
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that replaces a damaged, worn, or diseased knee with an artificial joint. There are two main types of knee replacement surgeries: total knee replacement and partial knee replacement.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The most common type of knee replacement surgery. During a TKR, the surgeon removes the surface of your bones that have been damaged by osteoarthritis or other causes and replaces the knee with an artificial implant that is selected to fit your anatomy. The surgeon uses special surgical instruments to cut away the arthritic bone accurately and then shapes the healthy bone underneath to fit precisely into the implant components. A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the tibial and femoral metal components to create a smooth surface that glides easily and mimics the motion of the natural knee.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): This procedure is an option when damage is present only in a specific part of the knee. During PKR, only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, which can result in a quicker recovery and less post-operative pain compared to TKR. However, if arthritis spreads to other parts of the knee, additional surgery may be required.
The choice between TKR and PKR depends on the extent of the knee damage, the patient’s overall health, age, activity level, and the surgeon’s expertise. Both procedures can significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from knee pain.
How long does the surgery take?
On average, knee replacement surgery takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. However, it’s important to note that this is the time for the actual surgical procedure itself. The total time spent in the hospital on the day of the surgery will be longer when considering pre-operative preparations and post-operative recovery.
Before the operation, patients are typically admitted to the hospital on the day of the surgery. They undergo a series of pre-operative preparations, including the administration of anesthesia. Patients may receive either general anesthesia, where they are asleep during the operation, or a local anesthetic in the spine, where they are awake but have no feeling from the waist down.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the knee, removes the diseased and damaged bone and cartilage, leaving the healthy bone intact, and implants the replacement parts into the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap.
After the operation, patients are moved to a recovery room where they stay until they are fully awake. During this time, they may be given medications to help manage the pain.
While the knee replacement surgery itself typically takes 1 to 2 hours, patients should be prepared for a longer stay at the hospital on the day of the surgery due to pre-operative and post-operative procedures.
Knee Replacement in Iran
Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who suffer from knee joint issues.
How is knee replacement performed in Iran?
Knee replacement surgery in Iran is performed by highly skilled surgeons and is known for its affordability and high-quality care. The procedure typically takes between 2 to 4 hours and is conducted under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. After the procedure, patients are expected to stay at the hospital for 3-5 days. Rehabilitation starts right away with the help of a therapist.
The surgery begins with the surgeon making a 5 to 8-inch incision. The damaged surfaces of the femur and tibia (two bones located between the knee and ankle) are then prepared by removing the damaged cartilage and some extent of the surrounding bone. This is followed by the positioning of the implants, which are metal or plastic components that recreate the joint surface and restore the knee function and alignment. Depending on the case, the surgeon may or may not resurface the kneecap (patella). Lastly, a medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to provide a smooth gliding surface.
There are two types of knee replacement surgeries performed in Iran: Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Partial Knee Replacement (PKR). In TKR, the whole knee joint is replaced, while in PKR, only one damaged part of the knee (medial or lateral) is replaced. The choice between TKR and PKR depends on the extent of the knee damage, and the pre-op evaluations will help the surgeon decide which approach suits the patient best.
Cost of knee replacement in Iran
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged or worn-out parts of the knee joint with artificial implants. It is usually done to treat severe knee pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or trauma. Knee replacement can improve the quality of life and mobility of patients who suffer from chronic knee problems.
Knee replacement surgery in Iran is known for its affordability and high-quality care. The cost of knee replacement surgery in Iran varies depending on the hospital, the surgeon’s expertise, and the specific needs of the patient. On average, the cost of knee replacement surgery in Iran ranges around 2500-4000 USD. This cost is significantly lower compared to many other countries. For instance, the same procedure would cost around $50,000 in the US and $11,000 in the UK.
The cost of knee replacement surgery in Iran includes various expenses such as the surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, anesthesia fees, and the cost of the prosthesis. It’s important to note that the total cost may also include pre-operative tests, post-operative care, and rehabilitation services. Despite the low cost, the quality of knee replacement surgery in Iran is high. Iranian hospitals are equipped with modern facilities, and the surgeons are highly skilled with extensive experience in knee replacement surgeries. Iran offers an affordable option for knee replacement surgery without compromising on the quality of care. However, patients need to do thorough research and choose a reputable hospital and surgeon.
