KNEE REPLACEMENT

Knee Replacement surgery — known as Knee Arthroplasty — may be needed if other treatments for knee conditions or injury have been unsuccessful. Knee arthroplasty is a successful treatment for arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and conditions that cause knee pain and injury. The surgery involves replacing the damaged bone and cartilage with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components.

It is usually recommended for people who have severe knee pain or stiffness that does not go away with other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.

There are three common kinds of Knee Replacements:

Total Knee Replacement:  The entire joint of one knee is replaced with artificial parts

Partial Knee Replacement:  Either the inside (medial), outside (lateral), or kneecap (patellofemoral) is replaced

Bilateral knee replacementBoth knees are replaced during a single procedure

In addition to pain relief, the benefits of Knee replacement surgery are improved range of motion, mobility, and quality of life.

When does a person requires Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee joint replacement surgery is an option when non-surgical treatments — such as braces, physical therapy, medicines, and rehabilitation — don’t relieve pain. People of any age or activity level who experience severe pain that limits everyday activities and disturbs sleep are good candidates for knee replacement.

An orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacements performs the Knee Replacement Surgery. The procedure lasts about two hours, and requires spinal or general anesthesia and/or a regional nerve block (an injection that blocks pain signals to the brain).

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision on the front of the knee, removes the damaged pieces inside the knee joint, and implants a prosthetic device. After testing the prosthetic joint for proper placement and fit, the surgical site is closed.

Recovery time for knee replacement surgery varies depending on the procedure and your condition. Most people spend a day or two in the hospital and begin outpatient (clinic) rehabilitation and physical therapy. Most people can resume regular activities within six weeks following surgery, but full recovery can take three to six months.

Overall, knee replacement surgery can be very effective in relieving pain and improving mobility in people with severe knee damage. However, like any surgery, it does carry some risks, such as infection, blood clots, and nerve or blood vessel damage. It’s important to talk to the Specialist doctor about the potential risks and benefits of the surgery before making a decision.

Archana Hospitals is equipped with the latest technology to serve the needs of patients who require Knee Replacement by expert Surgeons. Please contact the help desk to know more.

knee-replacement

Conditions That Lead to Dialysis

Dialysis is a medical treatment that is used to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively.

There are several conditions that can lead to the need for dialysis, including:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD): This is a condition that occurs when the kidneys are damaged and unable to function properly over a long period of time. The most common cause of CKD is diabetes, but it can also be caused by high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, and certain medications.
  • Acute kidney injury (AKI): This is a sudden and severe loss of kidney function that can occur due to a variety of factors, including dehydration, sepsis (a serious infection in the bloodstream), and certain medications.
  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): This is a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts (fluid-filled sacs) to develop in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and eventually kidney failure.
  • Glomerulonephritis: This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the glomeruli, which are tiny filters in the kidneys that help to remove waste and excess fluids from the blood. Glomerulonephritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications.
  • Renal artery stenosis: This is a condition in which the blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys become narrowed or blocked, leading to reduced blood flow and impaired kidney function.

If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest you may have one of these conditions, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent or delay the need for dialysis.

There are several ways to prevent the need for dialysis:

  • Maintain good kidney health: The best way to prevent the need for dialysis is to take care of your kidneys before kidney damage occurs. This includes controlling high blood pressure, managing diabetes, and avoiding drugs and other substances that can damage the kidneys.
  • Eat a kidney-friendly diet: A kidney-friendly diet can help preserve kidney function and slow the progression of kidney disease. This may include limiting your intake of protein, salt, and potassium, and eating more fruits and vegetables.
  • Stay active and exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve overall health, which can help prevent kidney damage.
  • Don’t smoke: Smoking can increase your risk of kidney disease and other health problems. Quitting smoking can help protect your kidneys and overall health.
  • Get regular check-ups: It is important to get regular check-ups and screenings to detect kidney disease early. This can help you get treatment before the disease progresses to a point where dialysis is necessary.

It is important to work with a medical professional to determine the best course of action for you. We at Archana Hospitals can help you develop a plan to prevent the need for dialysis and manage any existing kidney problems.

Symptoms that may lead to the need for dialysis include:

  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Seizures or coma (in severe cases)

It is important to note that these symptoms may be caused by other medical conditions as well, and a medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do get in touch with us at Archana Hospitals where our Expert Nephrologists are always at hand to recommend the correct course.

dialysis

Urinary Tract Infections and their causes

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, although they can also be caused by fungi or viruses. The most common cause of UTIs is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is normally found in the digestive system.

There are several ways in which bacteria can enter the urinary system and cause an infection, including:

  • Having a decreased ability to completely empty the bladder
  • Having a structural abnormality of the urinary tract
  • Using a catheter for a long period of time
  • Having a suppressed immune system
  • Using certain types of birth control, such as a diaphragm
  • Sexual activity: UTIs are more common in women who are sexually active, especially if they use a diaphragm or have multiple sexual partners.
  • Poor hygiene: Failing to properly clean the genital area can allow bacteria to enter the urinary system.
  • Bladder catheterization: A catheter is a tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. If the catheter is not properly inserted or maintained, bacteria can enter the bladder and cause an infection.
  • Structural abnormalities: Certain structural abnormalities in the urinary system, such as a blockage or abnormal narrowing of the urethra, can increase the risk of UTIs.

To prevent UTIs, you can take the following steps:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
  • Urinate when you feel the need and try to empty your bladder completely.
  • Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the urethra.
  • Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays or perfumed products in the genital area.
  • Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements, which may help to prevent UTIs.
  • Drink unsweetened probiotic beverages or take probiotic supplements, as they may help to prevent UTIs.
  • Practice good hygiene by regularly washing genital area
  • If you have a catheter, it is important to follow the Doctor’s instructions for proper care and maintenance to prevent infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause a variety of symptoms, which may vary depending on the location of the infection in the urinary tract. Common symptoms of a UTI include:

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
  • Frequent urges to urinate, even if only small amounts of urine are produced
  • Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain or pressure in women
  • Low fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a Doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. UTIs can be serious if left untreated, as the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause more serious complications.

If you think you have the above symptoms please get in touch with the Nephrologists at Archana Hospitals for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

urinary tract Infections