Knee smart

BY Irfan Ahmad

Know about partial knee replacement surgery

An active lifestyle is very important for good health. But there are so many diseases which prevent us from leading an active life. Joint problem is one of them.

However, there is some good news. A newly introduced surgical technique gives hope to those who have joint problems of the knee particularly due to arthritis. This technique is called partial knee replacement surgery. Dr. J. Maheshwari, Chief of Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgery, Indian Spinal Injury Centre in New Delhi, says, “Partial knee replacement surgery is the best available surgery for young people who are affected by arthritis and the disease is in the early stage. This surgery delays the need for total knee replacement surgery. It entails a much smaller incision without the joint or ligaments being removed. This minimally invasive knee surgery removes only the most damaged areas of the cartilage and replaces them with artificial caps. These caps are made of steel and plastic.”

What is the advantage of partial knee replacement surgery over total knee replacement surgery? He explains, “Partial knee replacement surgery helps to keep the natural joint to last longer with total knee replacement as a back up option. This surgery doesn't stop people from doing their normal activities. They can bend their knees, they can squat and sit cross-legged. They can walk, run and swim like normal people.”

Are there any side effects of the surgery? He states, “There is no specific complication after the surgery. We take all precautions before going for it. Choosing the right patient is very important for this surgery. A patient goes through various check-ups and examinations before we decide on the surgery.”

The surgery takes around an hour and ten minutes. And patients can start normal walking after ten days. This surgery is new for our country but, Dr. Maheshwari says, “ success rate is ninety per cent.”

The typical symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling of the knee area, locking and instability of the knee. Obesity, diabetes and genetics are the usual causes of arthritis. Lack of awareness about the disease worsens it. . The doctor, however, sums up the conversation on a positive note, “Young people can avoid it by leading an active and healthy lifestyle.”