Month: February 2023

22 Feb 2023
knee replacement revision surgery

What Is Knee Replacement Revision Surgery?

What is knee revision surgery?

 

When the knee replacement surgery stops functioning correctly, a revision knee replacement surgery is performed. This surgical procedure involves the replacement of the old device with a new one.

One should take revision surgery seriously. It is supposed to be more complicated than a primary total knee replacement. Moreover, it involves almost the same risks. It is estimated that many total knee revision surgeries occur within two years of the initial knee replacement. 

What makes revision knee replacement more complicated than initial surgery? 

The initial knee replacement provides a lifespan of around 20 years, but the same is not true for revision knee replacement surgery. The performance gets reduced by accumulated trauma, scar tissue, and mechanical breakdown of components. Moreover, the chances of complications are also high. 

The complications arise as the best knee revision surgeons have to remove the original implant, which grows into the existing bone at a given time. Also, with the removal of the prosthesis, only a little bone remains. 

In some instances, a bone graft is required for a new prosthesis. It involves transplanting a piece of bone from another part of the body or a donor.

Bone graft provides support and leads to new bone growth. The procedure requires additional preoperative planning, specialised tools, and exceptional surgical skill. It takes much more time to perform knee replacement revision surgery than a primary initial knee replacement.

You will find some specific symptoms that indicate the need for knee replacement revision surgery. These include:

  • Reduced stability or function in the knee
  • increased pain or an infection 
  • a bone fracture or implant device failure
  • Pieces of the prosthetic device can break off, and the particles can accumulate around the joint.

 

Reasons for a Revision Knee Replacement 

Short-term revisions: Infection, failed procedure that leads to implant loosening, or a mechanical failure

Infection can start showing itself within days or weeks of surgery. It can also occur many years after surgery. 

Infection after the knee replacement generates severe complications. The bacteria that accumulates around the wound or inside the device is the reason for this Infection. It can also be caused by contaminated instruments or by items in the operating room. However, Infection is rarely caused in the operating room as extreme precautions are taken. Infection buildup fluids, and hence a total or partial knee revision surgery is required.

Unusual swelling, tenderness, or fluid leakage are the signs of Infection, and one should immediately contact the best knee revision surgeons. Your surgeon will examine your knee, which includes X-rays and other imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. It provides information about bone loss and determines if you are suitable for a knee replacement revision surgery.

An aspiration procedure is performed if fluid buildup around the artificial knee. The fluid is examined in the lab to understand the type of Infection and if other treatment steps are in order.

Long-term revisions: pain, loosening due to wear of mechanical components, stiffness, dislocation

Long-term wear and tear of the implant occur over the years. A well-researched statistics on the long-term knee revision surgery rates for knee replacement showed results of 2 per cent for five or more years in 2004. As of 2011, the revision rate is 6 per cent after five years and 12 per cent after ten years. It has also been found that the rate of total and partial knee revision surgery for all age groups within five years of surgery is about 77 per cent. This rate increases to 10 per cent for patients 65 and older.

The long-term total knee revision rates data varies due to several factors, such as age. The chances for revision are lower for younger people. To reduce future problems, try to maintain weight and not indulge in activities such as running, jumping, and high-impact aerobics that cause stress on the joint. 

The aseptic loosening procedure breaks the bond between the bone and the implant as the body attempts to digest the particles. At this time, the body begins to digest bone, known as osteolysis. This causes weakened bone, fracture, or problems with the original implant.

 

Visit Germanten Hospital now if you are looking for the best knee revision surgeons.  

 

13 Feb 2023

5 Tips for a Successful Total Hip Replacement Recovery

Hip replacement surgery recovery tips

A hip replacement is one of the common and life-altering operations. It helps patients get back to normal life and improves their quality of life. Suppose you are considering or have undergone hip surgery. In that case, you should know about the important hip replacement tips that can help you understand how to support yourself during the recovery phase.

Here are some of the hip replacement recovery tips recommended by specialists to help with successful recovery from hip surgery:

  • Prepare your home in advance

    Before surgery, one of the basic hip replacement recovery tips is rearranging your home to access all the necessities easily. Most importantly you will have to reorganise your kitchen and bathroom. Keep all the important things at the waist level and within easy reach.

    After coming home from surgery, you will need assistance with household chores like cleaning, cooking and shopping. Talk to your friend or family in advance to help you out for a few weeks after the surgery.

    Another hip replacement surgery recovery tips is to go shopping before surgery to buy a perching stool or chair. You will need it to move around and complete tasks. The perching stool has a seat that slopes and also has armrests. Using this type of stool can make the everyday activity less strenuous. 

  • Take some time off from work.

    The recovery time depends on how you manage the phase and what hip replacement surgery recovery tips you follow. Giving yourself enough time to recover before continuing your regular activities is very important. It is expected to have three months for rehabilitation after the operation. If you have a physically demanding job, your return to work may take longer.

    Moreover, your travel convenience is also a factor to consider while looking for hip surgery recovery tips. It is best to explore a different way of working for a smoother and quicker recovery. Plan this before the surgery to avoid any issues after the operation.

  • Rest, recovery and gentle exercise

    Patients tend to minimise their movement as much as possible after the surgery. Though taking adequate rest for recovery is important, moving is also important. If you stay still for too long, your body can become stiff, impacting your recovery and increasing the time.

    Therefore one should do gentle exercises like short, gentle walks in and around your home. Supervised physiotherapy, like rehabilitation programmes and hydrotherapy, includes hip surgery recovery tips.

    Consult your orthopaedic care team to support you with exercises. It is important not to overdo exercise as it could lead to more pain and loss of confidence. Hence a balance between rest and exercise is vital.

 

  • Nutrition plays a major role.

    A healthy and balanced diet is a key hip surgery recovery tip. After surgery, the body needs to heal, and for that, it needs a varied diet. It boosts the healing process. Nutrients such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals must be present in your diet. Moreover, one should not try to attempt weight loss during recovery.

  • Think about your holidays and travel plans

 

  • Lying

    For the first six weeks after surgery, you should refrain from flying. You can fly short-haul after some time, but long-haul should completely be avoided for three months. Sitting for too long can increase the chances of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in your legs.

 

  • Driving

    This is the basic hip replacement recovery tips you should follow if you drive. You should check with your insurance company if your policy covers you driving following a surgical procedure. You might not be insured to drive for some weeks.

 

You can consult with your surgical team about your after-surgery pain medication and hip replacement tips. It is important not to drive at all on strong painkillers. 

You start driving again after six weeks. In any case, one should be aware that reflexes can get impacted just after surgery. So take a comfortable position in your driving seat where you can perform an emergency stop.

These are some of the important hip replacement recovery tips that you should follow for quicker recovery. To know more about hip replacement tips, consult the doctors at Germanten Hospital. Book your appointment now.  

 

06 Feb 2023
best exercises for golfer elbow

Best Exercises and Home Remedies for Treating and Preventing Golfer’s Elbow

Exercise for golfers elbow

These golfer elbow exercises should be followed twice daily to build strength, boost flexibility, and eliminate pain. It should be done gently and gradually over time. Perform the exercise for golfers elbow before and after the activity that leads to strain or stress. Move gently; do not force any. 

Moreover, it is common to experience slight pain, discomfort, and sensation. However, if it becomes severe, discontinue the golfer elbow exercises. Give your body some rest and consult your doctor if you don’t see any improvement. 

  • Isometric wrist strengthening (extension)

    Sit and relax your whole body. Keep your affected forearm on the table or arm of the chair with your palm facing downwards. Place the opposite hand on the affected one and press it to create resistance. Do it for 10 seconds by slowly increasing the resistance and releasing it. Remember to keep your body still during these golfer elbow exercises. You can repeat it 15 times. 

 

  • Isometric wrist strengthening (flexion)

    Sit and relax your whole body. Keep your affected forearm on the table or arm of the chair with your palm facing up. Place the opposite hand on the affected one and press it to create resistance. Do it for 10 seconds by slowly increasing the resistance and releasing it. Remember to keep your body still during this golfer elbow exercise. You can repeat it 15 times.

 

  • Resisted wrist extension

    Sit down and hold a weight with your resisted arm. Place your forearm on the table or arm of the chair with your palm facing down and your hand hanging. Start slowly lowering your hand and returning it to the initial position. Do 15 reps of this exercise of 1-3 sets.

 

  • Resisted wrist flexion

    Sit down and hold a weight with your resisted arm. Place your forearm on the table or arm of the chair with your palm facing down and your hand hanging. Start slowly lowering your hand and returning it to the initial position. Do 15 reps of this exercise of 1-3 sets.

 

  • Golfer’s elbow stretch

    Extend your arm in front of you and keep your fingers and palms facing up. Then gently use your opposite hand to pull your fingers and wrist down towards your body. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Repeat it 2 to 5 times. While performing this exercise, you will feel a stretch in the underside of your forearm.

 

Preventing golfer’s elbow

There are various things to prevent and act as golfers elbow treatment, including:

  • Strengthen the forearm muscles with light weightlifting. You can also squeeze the ball for five minutes at a time. 
  • Change your technique and slowly lower your golf swing to allow your arm to absorb less shock. 
  • Keep the form proper to overload your muscles. 
  • Use lighter graphite clubs instead of heavier golfing irons.
  • Keep yourself hydrated during, before and after the golf game. 

 

In case you are already experiencing pain, wearing a counterforce brace and splint can greatly help. They distribute the tension throughout the tendons and muscles rather than impacting only the injured site. 

 

Home remedies for golfers elbow

Some of the simple home remedies for golfers elbow that can ease the symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse are: 

 

  • Take rest

    Resting for a few days is one of the treatment of golfers elbow. Do not indulge in activities that cause pain. If it is for your job, try to modify them and adjust your movements as much as possible. To avoid swelling, raise your elbow above your heart. 

 

  • Heat and ice treatment of golfers elbow

    Use heat and ice packs on the affected area. It is best to wrap it in a towel to avoid touching your skin directly. Doing it for 10 to 15 minutes a day helps to relieve the pain.

 

  • Pain relief

    Taking pain relief drugs can help ease the pain. It should be taken before the condition becomes too intense or severe. Take the limited dosages and do not use it for more than ten days as golfers elbow treatments. The natural pain relievers are turmeric, willow bark and cloves. 

 

These are some of the best home remedies for golfers elbow. Visit Germanten Hospital to learn about the best exercise for golfers elbow