“Knee replacement surgery, knee surgery, isn’t it scary! You can say that because you’re not the one having the surgery…”
It is believed that most people who are deciding to undergo knee replacement surgery often think this way, which is not unusual. Because when it comes to surgery, everyone is afraid. However, if you truly know every detail from an expert doctor with extensive experience in knee replacement surgery, your perspective and decision will change. That’s because you have understanding and correct knowledge. The willingness to endure pain from your current condition will come to an end.
Opening the world of… knee replacement surgery… all aspects (that you want to know)
Osteoarthritic knee disease occurs due to the degeneration of the knee articular cartilage caused by aging (commonly found in people over 55 years old). When the cells in the body deteriorate, the cartilage cells also degenerate. Especially if there is heavy use or excessive load, such as being overweight or playing high-impact sports, the knee cartilage will deteriorate faster. Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, but common ones include knee pain without warmth, stiffness in the morning, creaking sounds, knee deformity, and sometimes associated conditions that cause osteoarthritis such as obesity, previous injuries, or frequent episodes of joint inflammation.
Treatment approaches for osteoarthritis of the knee
Currently, treatment can be divided into two main groups:
- Conservative treatment is usually the initial approach, including muscle exercises, weight loss, medication, injections, and PRP injections, which involve spinning blood and injecting it back into the knee joint. This treatment has medical evidence showing it can help relieve pain long-term in patients with severe osteoarthritis.
- Surgical treatment includes various methods such as arthroscopic surgery, osteotomy around the knee, partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, partial replacement assisted by robotic arms, or simultaneous bilateral knee replacement in one surgery.
Battling to overcome knee degeneration
When conservative treatment cannot relieve your pain or your leg deformity worsens, surgery becomes the next option. However, patients must not have contraindications for surgery such as infections, muscle weakness, or neurological disorders controlling body functions, which…
Which type of surgery is suitable will be decided by the doctor. What helps reduce patient anxiety is that surgical techniques have continuously developed to minimize injury, speed up recovery, use smaller incisions, and employ modern, internationally standardized technology. For example, arthroscopic surgery reduces incision size, and personalized surgical planning tools and robotic-assisted surgery controlled by doctors are used.
Completing every detail in treatment
“Orthopedic team” at Phyathai 3 Hospital is prepared to systematically care for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, from preoperative preparation, intraoperative treatment, postoperative recovery care, to pain management throughout the treatment.
Every step of care involves a multidisciplinary team with knowledge, understanding, and specialized expertise, including treating physicians, expert anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, and pharmacists, all essential components in enhancing treatment effectiveness.
When patients are discharged, it means they are ready in every aspect. This confidence comes from the orthopedic team not only helping to rehabilitate patients but also emphasizing training relatives in patient care and rehabilitation, along with advising on home environment adjustments suitable for the patient’s lifestyle.
Recognition
The Musculoskeletal Institute at Phyathai 3 Hospital has a nationally renowned orthopedic surgical team recognized internationally, with expertise and experience in specialized diagnosis and surgery. Due to patient trust and confidence in surgery, Phyathai 3 Hospital is currently the private hospital performing the most knee replacement surgeries in Asia, averaging about 700 joints per year.
After easing concerns about surgery information, the next worrying question is, where is the best place for knee replacement surgery…
What we want to convey to those deciding on surgery is to consider all aspects of treatment, not just the cost. Consider choosing a medical facility with experienced and specialized medical personnel in knee replacement surgery, skilled anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and nurses for postoperative care, a standard operating room, quality prosthetic materials, replacement devices, and a clear rehabilitation plan. Therefore, after thorough consideration, you should decide to undergo treatment immediately. Don’t let pain continue to harm you aimlessly.
