Joint pain and arthritis affect many older people in Pakistan. These problems make it hard to move and do daily tasks. In Lahore, doctors perform joint replacement surgery to reduce pain and help people move better. This includes surgery on the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. The doctor removes the worn joint parts and puts in metal and plastic implants. A study from Pakistan shows that many patients feel less pain and move better after hip and knee replacement surgery.
This shows that joint replacement surgery in Pakistan is helping many people who have serious joint problems.
When Joint Replacement is Recommended?
Doctors suggest joint replacement when other treatments do not reduce pain or improve movement. The main reason is osteoarthritis. It causes joint pain and damage that does not go away. Other causes include injury or arthritis that causes swelling. Doctors first try medicine, injections, or physiotherapy. If pain and movement do not get better, then surgery may be the next step. The doctor removes the damaged bone and puts in an implant that moves smoothly.
Joint Replacement in Pakistan and Lahore
Many people now choose joint replacement surgery in Pakistan. A National Institute of Health (NIH) report showed that from 2014 to 2021, there have been a total of 9,572 knee replacements and 2,265 hip replacements. This means that knee replacement surgery is very common to treat joint pain.
In Pakistan, you can easily get this treatment in qualified hospitals. Surgeons in Lahore are highly skilled and professional in treating patients suffering from joint pain.
Knee Replacement Surgery
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is for people who have severe arthritis in the knee. After a thorough examination and proper diagnosis, the surgeon proceeds with the treatment.The surgery can take about one & half to two hours. The surgery is performed while the patient is under spinal or general anesthesia. with an epidural catheter placed for pain management.
The Total Knee Replacement is a simple procedure that starts with a straight cut into the knee. The surgeon moves the kneecap and removes the damaged bone. The implant is fixed in place. This new implant can last for fifteen to twenty years. Most people start walking on the next morning following the surgery, with the help of some assistance. However, consistent therapy helps them get stronger and move better.
Types of Knee Replacements
- Total Knee Replacement: The full knee joint is replaced. This is used when the whole joint is damaged.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Only one part of the knee is replaced. This is used if damage is not in the full joint.
- Bilateral Knee Replacement: Both knees are replaced at the same time. This is for people with damage in both knees.
- Revision Knee Replacement: The old implant is removed and a new one is put in. This is done if the first implant wears out or has problems.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip Replacement Surgery is a procedure that involves the removal of the head of the femur (ball) located at the top of the thigh bone and replaces it with a new femur head. The socket joint of the hip is also replaced during this procedure.
People who have severe arthritis are recommended for this surgery. Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Patients can start walking within one or two days. Complete recovery and healing may take a few months.
Types of Hip Replacements
- Total Hip Replacement: Complete hip joint is replaced. This is used for most people with hip arthritis.
- Partial Hip Replacement: Only the head (ball) of the joint is replaced. This is used when there is a fracture in the hip bone.
- Revision Hip Replacement: A new implant is inserted while the old one is removed by the surgeon.
Other Joint Replacements
It is important to consult your doctor and surgeon before proceeding with any body implants. Patients with severe joint pain can also replace other joints when they are severely damaged.
- Shoulder Replacement: The ball and socket joint in the shoulder are replaced.
- Elbow Replacement: The elbow joint is replaced with metal or plastic implants. This assists patients with more movement in their elbows and lowers pain.
- Ankle Replacement: The ankle joint is replaced to treat arthritis.This procedure assists ankle movement and prevents fusion of bones.
These surgeries assist the patient’s movement and lower pain. Doctors and surgeons decide if joint replacement surgery is required based on the patient’s condition.
Recovery, Risks, and Outcomes
After surgery, doctors give medicine to control pain. They may also use cold packs or nerve blocks. Patients are asked to move soon after surgery. They walk with help from a walker or crutches. Therapy is very important. It helps build strength and improve movement. Healing takes a few weeks or months. Most people feel much better after surgery. Implants often last more than ten years.
Problems like infection or blood clots can happen. These are rare, and doctors know how to treat them. Most people return to normal life after joint replacement surgery and enjoy better movement.
Costs of Joint Replacement in Lahore
The cost of joint replacement surgery in Lahore depends on the type of joint, hospital fees, the surgeon, and the implants being used during the procedure.
Some hospitals offer packages. Before making any decision, patients should ask about the cost, the brand of the implant, and care after surgery.
Dr. Imran Salim Malik: Lahore’s Top Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Imran Salim Malik is a well-known orthopedic surgeon in Lahore. He has over 20 years of experience. He has an MBBS and an MS Orthopaedics degree. He is a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (USA) and the American College of Surgeons (USA). He works at two places 1. Omar Hospital in Lahore and 2. Prime Health Hub, phase 6 DHA Lahore. His services include knee replacement surgery, hip surgery, spine surgery, ACL repair, and pain treatment. He is known as one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Lahore. Book a consultation now!