Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure performed to restore the functions of the knee joint and improve the quality of life of patients. This surgery involves replacing damaged and worn cartilage tissues in the knee joint with an artificial joint. Knee replacement surgery is especially applied in patients with wear and damage to the knee joint due to advanced age, overweight, trauma, genetic factors and rheumatoid arthritis. In this article we have prepared for you, we will try to answer the frequently asked questions about knee replacement surgery.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which worn or damaged knee joint surfaces are replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. This surgery significantly improves the quality of life of patients who experience pain and limited range of motion in the knee joint. In addition, knee replacement surgery allows patients to move more freely and be more active in their daily lives.

What are the Types of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgeries vary according to the method applied and the type of prosthesis. Types of knee replacement surgery can be explained as follows;

Total Knee Prosthesis; This surgery is the most common knee replacement surgery in which all surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with an artificial joint. Total knee replacement is especially preferred in cases of severe wear caused by diseases such as advanced osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Half Knee Prosthesis (Unicondylar Knee Prosthesis); This surgery is performed in cases where only one side of the knee joint is worn. Half-knee replacement is known for being a less invasive method, with patients recovering faster and having less risk of complications.

Revision Knee Prosthesis; This surgery, which is performed in cases where a previous knee replacement surgery has failed or the life of the prosthesis has expired, includes removing the old prosthesis and placing a new prosthesis.

How is Knee Replacement Surgery Applied?

Knee replacement surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon begins to examine the joint by making an incision above the knee. Then, the damaged cartilage and bone tissues are removed and the joint surfaces are smoothed. The artificial joint, which consists of metal and plastic components, is properly placed and fixed to the bones. After surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for a few days and begin to regain their mobility with physical therapy. The full recovery process varies depending on the patient’s condition and the type of surgery.

Healing Process After Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure performed to remove damage to the knee joint and reduce pain. After this surgery, the quality of life of the patients is significantly improved and they are able to move more comfortably. However, the recovery period after surgery may vary depending on the patient’s age, general health, and the extent of the surgery. The recovery process after knee replacement surgery proceeds as follows;

• For the first few days, it is normal for patients to experience pain and swelling. During this period, relief can be achieved with pain relievers and cold compresses.

• It is important that patients begin the physical therapy and rehabilitation process immediately after the surgery. This process helps the patient regain the mobility and strength of the knee.

• During the recovery process, it is important for patients to exercise regularly and practice the movements recommended by the doctor. In this way, the flexibility and strength of the knee increases, and at the same time, complications that may occur after surgery are prevented.

• During the first few weeks, patients may need to use crutches or walking aids. During this time, it is important for patients to be careful not to overload them.

• The recovery period after knee replacement surgery is usually completed in 3 to 6 months. During this period, it is important to follow the patients regularly under the control of a doctor and to apply additional treatments when necessary.

Things to Do After Knee Replacement Surgery

After knee replacement surgery, it is important for patients to pay attention to the following points;

• In the postoperative period, regularly use the painkillers recommended by the doctor.

• Begin the physical therapy and rehabilitation process on time and exercise regularly.

• Be careful not to overload the knee and use crutches or walking aids as needed.

• Pay attention to the hygiene of the surgical site and be alert for signs of infection.

• Do not delay the controls recommended by your doctor and be careful against possible complications.

Noise from Knee After Knee Replacement Surgery?

After knee replacement surgery, some patients may complain of a sound from their knees. This condition usually occurs within the first few weeks after surgery and is mostly harmless. The reason for the sound is the placement of the prosthesis and the process of the knee getting used to the new structure.

However, if the sound is accompanied by severe pain or if there is no progress in the healing process, it is important to consult a doctor. This may be a sign of incompatibility of the prosthesis or complications that may occur after surgery. Therefore, in case of doubt, inform your doctor immediately.

How Should Nutrition Be After Knee Replacement Surgery?

In the post-knee replacement surgery period, patients need to pay attention to nutrition in order to experience a faster recovery process and a successful outcome of the surgery. Nutritional recommendations after knee replacement surgery are as follows;

• In the post-operative period, it is important to take enough protein for the body to repair itself. Protein-rich foods such as meat, chicken, fish, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, legumes and nuts should be consumed.

• Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and the wound healing process. Therefore, foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, peppers and parsley should be consumed.

• Calcium and vitamin D intake are important for bone health. Milk, yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified products are calcium-rich foods. For vitamin D, exposure to sunlight and consuming fish are important.

• Constipation may occur in the postoperative period. Therefore, the consumption of fibrous foods such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, vegetables, fruits and legumes should be increased.

• Consuming enough water helps to remove toxins from the body and regulate blood circulation. Care should be taken to consume at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day.

• Alcohol and cigarette consumption negatively affect the post-operative recovery process. Therefore, alcohol and cigarette use should be avoided in the pre- and postoperative period.

Symptoms of Infection After Knee Replacement Surgery

There is a risk of infection after knee replacement surgery, and this may adversely affect the success of the surgery and the patient’s quality of life. It is important to pay attention to the signs of infection and to detect it early. Symptoms of infection after knee replacement surgery are as follows;

• Redness and swelling,
• Pain,
• Fever,
• Discharge,
• Fatigue and Anorexia,

When symptoms of infection are noticed after the surgery, a doctor should be consulted immediately and the necessary treatment process should be started. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent the infection from causing more serious problems.

Knee Replacement Surgery Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on the prices of knee replacement surgery in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.