Double Knee Replacement

Knee joint problem is a common problem amongst aging people. With age, the knee joint wears which hampers the functioning of the knee. In some cases the pain is unbearable which necessitates a knee replacement surgery. Patients who have bilateral osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are advised to go for a double knee replacement surgery. Since knee surgery is very costly in western developed countries, a number of patients from all over the world consider a double knee replacement surgery in India.

Surgical treatments which involve the replacement of the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial implants are known as knee replacement surgeries. The major cause behind a damaged knee joint is arthritis in the knee joint which could be treated with the help of a number of new knee replacement techniques. Cases where both the knees are involved are called double knee replacement surgeries. In double knee replacement surgeries, orthopedic surgeons try to operate upon both the damaged knees at the same time which reduces the period spent in recovery centers otherwise as seen in single knee replacement.

If patient complains of pain in both the knee joints and x-rays also show advanced arthritis in both the knee joints, surgeons may advise a double knee replacement or bilateral knee replacement surgery for the patient. A double knee replacement surgery is not similar to that of a total knee replacement surgery or a partial knee replacement surgery. A patient opting for a double knee replacement surgery has to be in good health and should be free from lung and heart diseases.

Patients have been deciding to go for a double knee replacement surgery in India because the charges of a double knee replacement in India are much less as compared to the cost in UK, Europe or USA. The surgical treatment of a double knee replacement in India could be done at the same surgery or after a period of few days. The interval between the two surgeries depends upon the merit of the case.

New techniques in double knee replacement surgeries

Traditional methods of a double knee replacement surgery involve bigger scars and lengthy incisions into the knee joint. Newer techniques of surgery such as minimally invasive techniques used in a double knee replacement surgery have made it possible for orthopedic surgeons to work through smaller incisions. The use of the camera during double knee replacement surgery makes it possible for the patient to recover efficiently in a shorter period of time because of the smaller and lesser incisions involved.

Advantages of double knee replacements

One of the most crucial advantages of a double knee replacement is the comparatively shorter period of rehabilitation period. A single knee replacement surgery would involve a three to four month long recovery period after the surgery. This recovery period is a critical period so as to heal the joint in an efficient manner. Any complications during this period would not give lasting results. Hence if both knee joints are operated upon at the same time the resultant recovery period will be three to four months as compared to eight month long recovery period. The psychological pressure and the high cost of surgery are other factors which could be avoided by the patient.

Disadvantages of double knee replacement

Patients who have undergone double knee replacement surgeries have shown various types of complications after a double knee replacement surgery. These complications include the need for immediate blood transfusion, disorientation of the knee after surgery and other cardiac complications. Double knee replacement surgery could also prove to be difficult for heart patients. The resultant hospital stay in a double knee replacement surgery is also relatively longer than a single knee replacement surgery. Since the recovery exercises and healing of the knee joint require more strength, the rehabilitation program could be extended. A double knee replacement surgery is never advised for an old aged patient.

Options of a double knee replacement surgery in India

A number of excellent orthopedic surgeons from India have studied in some of the best medical institutes in the UK. After a rigorous training in UK and USA, these surgeons come back to India for their practice. Chennai has become a hotspot in the field of orthopedic surgery and Chennai hospitals have become very famous because of the facilities and services offered by them. Indian nursing care is also appreciated all over the world. Hence the patient does not have to worry about the quality of services being offered during a double knee replacement surgery in India.

Cost of a double knee replacement surgery in India

The cost of a double knee replacement surgery in India is much less than the cost of double knee replacement in UK or USA. A knee replacement surgery in UK can cost upto 9000 pounds. The same treatment is done in India for only 2000-2500 pounds. A unicondylar knee replacement surgery in UK can cost upto 6000 pounds whereas the same surgical treatment is available for only 2000 pounds.

Double knee replacement implant in India

Orthopedic surgeons in India make use of a knee prosthesis which allows a flexion of 130 to 140 degrees. This knee prosthesis is Nexgen legacy flex knee. This degree of flexion allows the patient to undergo any number of recreational activities without any complications. Orthopedic surgeons in India also make use of the oxford uni-compartmental mobile knee. The techniques used by orthopedic surgeons for a double knee replacement surgery in India result into smaller size of incisions and a quicker recovery period. Patients return to their normal life relatively early because of less loss of blood and less pain. This is the reason why patients have appreciated a double knee replacement in India. Indian hospitals and rooms are pocket friendly and the airfare is included in the cost of the treatments.