Is It Risky To Delay A Knee Replacement Surgery?

Is It Risky To Delay A Knee Replacement Surgery?

Patients delay knee replacement surgery out of fear – fear of surgery, fear of complications, fear of post operation surgery pain, fear of losing a body part, fear of an unsuccessful surgery. A very common scenario is that patients want to find relief from pain, but are not ready for undergoing a surgery. This is why they choose to delay surgery and continue simpler treatments like oral medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and use of walking aids. While delaying a surgery for a few weeks and months may not have significant consequences, but delaying it for years may lead to complications. To keep yourself away from complications and difficulties in the future, opt for a total knee replacement in Bangalore right away, if that is what your medical condition is implying.

Results of delaying knee replacement surgery

The general risks involved with prolonged delay of knee replacement surgery include increased pain, lack of mobility, and joint deterioration. Other dangers may include –

• Risk of deformities inside and outside the joint
• Weakening of muscles, ligaments and other structures
• Difficulty with usual daily activities due to chronic pain and loss of functionality
• Reduced quality of life and negative impact on emotional well-being

There are also some risks involved with regards to the surgical procedure if a knee replacement surgery is delayed for too long. Delaying will result in deformities, which will further make the surgery a more complicated procedure. The surgery may then take longer, along with longer care after surgery and longer time to heal. The surgery may also require longer amount of time under anesthesia, which can be harmful. Additionally, postponement can also limit knee replacement options, from which the patient will have to choose only the most complicated surgery, as there will be no other way out.

Are there other options that can be checked for before surgery?

Depending upon the severity of the patient’s condition, a surgeon may attempt several less invasive and non-surgical methods like anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and glucosamine. However, if none of these methods appear to work, or if the leg or knee has become inactive, the surgeon may then recommend surgery. You must remember that knee injuries rarely improve on their own. No amount of glucosamine and chondroitin can substantially improve a patient’s condition if the knees have deteriorated to the point of needing replacement. With other non-surgical methods, the pain may subside for a while, but the underlying painful and anatomical conditions will rarely improve permanently. So, trust your surgeon and let him treat you in the best possible way. Although it is easier said than done, but it is true that patients have been thankful after getting operated with a knee replacement surgery.

Timing makes a big difference in joint replacement surgery. It is even more important than previously realized, and performing surgery earlier in the course of functional decline of joints results in better outcomes. So, if you have been advised to go in for a total knee replacement in Bangalore, don’t waste your time waiting for it to heal with other methods, because it likely isn’t going to improve that way!