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Journey to Better Health
 
Overview of a Total Knee Replacement Abroad:
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts.
A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the diseased knee joint is replaced with a metal and plastic prosthesis. More than 90 percent of individuals who undergo a total knee replacement experience a dramatic reduction of knee pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform common activities of daily living. The first knee replacement was performed in 1968, although subsequent improvements in surgical materials and techniques greatly increased its effectiveness. It is one of the most common surgeries, with about 300,000 knee replacements performed each year in the United States alone.
 
Candidates for a Total Knee Replacement Abroad:
You may want to consider a hip replacement if you suffer from one or a few of the following symptoms:
Other treatments, including exercise, medicines, physical therapy, and modification of daily activities, have failed to significantly relieve your symptoms
Your symptoms of pain and stiffness have become so severe that you are unable to complete your normal daily activities.
You want to be able to do low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, golf and housework.
 
Symptoms that can lead to a Total Hip Replacement:
Osteoarthritis is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage in joints. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones begin to rub against each other, which results in damage to the tissue and the underlying bone. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness after inactivity, and limited motion.
 
About Total Knee Replacements Abroad
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts.
In a total knee replacement, the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the end of the lower leg bone (tibia) are removed and replaced with artificial surfaces lined with metal and plastic. Your surgeon may also implant a plastic device under your kneecap depending on its condition. The entire surgery lasts about 1-2 hours.

Most knee replacements last between 10-20 years, with about 90 percent of hip replacements lasting at least 15 years.  The length that the implant will last is impacted by factors like your weight and your activity level.
 
Preparing for Total Knee Replacement surgery abroad
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts.
Before departing for your medical travel surgery, your x-rays and complete medical history will be reviewed by your orthopedic surgeon.  MedTrava will set up a conference call between you and your surgeon so you can discuss your specific issues and questions. After you arrive in the country where you will receive surgery, a new set of x-rays will be taken and your doctor will conduct a thorough in-person physical examination. The doctor will also go through you medical and surgical issues with you and answer any questions you might have. You may also be asked to consult with a physical therapist to discuss recovery, knee rehabilitation and important precautions you must take after your surgery. The physical therapist may give you exercises you can begin prior to your surgery in order to aid with recovery.
 
Preparation for the hospital
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pack and prepare for your medical tourism journey.
Clothing:
  Getting dressed in the morning will help you feel better, so be sure to bring some comfortable, loose clothing to the hospital. You may also want to bring a short robe to wear.
   
Shoes:
  You may want to invest in a new pair of shoes to wear after your surgery. You will want to pick shoes that have a heel lower than one inch, and the shoe should be large enough to accommodate a swollen foot, as your foot may swell after surgery.
 
After Total Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts.
You can expect to remain in the hospital for 10 days.  You leg will most likely be positioned in a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine for several hours a day during your hospital stay.  The CPM machine will bend and straighten your leg to prevent your joint from becoming stiff and to speed recovery.

You will begin intense physical therapy the day after your surgery, and you will probably start to walk with a walker or crutches the day after surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you ride a stationary bicycle to strengthen your leg muscles and improve your ability to bend your knee. Rehabilitation will take several weeks, but you should be able to resume daily activities like walking and climbing stairs within a few days.

Your physical therapist will design an exercise program to increase the motion and strength of your knee. Range of motion exercises will let your knee move easily from the fully straight position to a 90° bent position.  You will most likely practice walking between parallel bars prior to using a walker or crutches so you can support more of your body weight on your arms.  As you become more comfortable walking, you will practice walking around the hospital with assistance.  Before you go home, you will be guided in safe ways to climb stairs and to transfer from a bed, chair, and car.

Progress varies from patient to patient so discharge instructions may vary. You will probably be required to walk with crutches for six weeks after surgery.You will be given written instructions for the exercises you will be continuing at home.
 
Useful Links:
www.webmd.com
www.kneereplacement.com
 
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