Those considering knee change surgery might be wondering if it’s worthwhile to travel to Mexico for qualified professional care at an affordable cost compared to the rates in their home country. It’s a significant surgery, so various factors need to be evaluated to make the best decision.
When it comes to surgical interventions or knee surgeries, various orthopedic procedures are performed on this type of joint in this area of the body. These methods are commonly considered for older individuals suffering from advanced osteoarthritis but are also considered for younger patients.
Through knee replacement surgery, relief from joint pain and improvement in the overall well-being of the patient can be achieved. For many years, Mexico has been one of the top destinations for successful orthopedic treatments and surgeries.
What is knee arthroplasty?
Knee arthroplasty, also known as knee replacement or total knee replacement, is a surgery performed to reconstruct a knee affected by arthritis. In this case, metal or plastic pieces are applied to cover the ends of the bones that are part of the knee joint, along with the kneecap.
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the knee. One of them is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that can particularly affect middle-aged and older adults. It leads to the degradation of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and leads to an excess of synovial fluid, which can cause stiffness and pain. This condition can damage the knee cartilage.
Knee replacement surgery is considered to rebuild the affected areas and provide relief in the knee that cannot be controlled with the use of other treatments.
What conditions are treated with knee replacement?
Patients who require a knee replacement often have difficulty walking, getting up from a chair, or climbing stairs.
It is also considered in more severe cases that do not improve after non-surgical treatments, where there are:
- Stiffness.
- Joint pain.
- Swelling.
- Limited mobility.
Arthritis is a common condition that leads to these types of medical procedures. Many patients who opt for this technique have osteoarthritis, but in some cases, they are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, which also requires this type of surgery.
If only one area of the knee is affected, then orthopedic surgeons may replace only that part. To replace the entire joint, it is necessary to reshape the ends of the femur and tibia and then completely cover the joint again.
Ligaments are bands of tissue that help maintain joint integrity. If they are not strong enough to support themselves, then the doctor may consider implants or prostheses that can be connected.
Candidates for surgery
There are no restrictions in terms of age or weight for knee change surgery. The doctor’s recommendations for considering this option are based on the presence of pain and disability in the patient. Most of them tend to be between 50 and 80 years old, but orthopedic surgeons assess patients individually to determine this action.
Total knee replacements have been successfully performed on patients of all ages, from young teenagers with juvenile arthritis to elderly adults with degenerative arthritis.
Orthopedic evaluation
Several elements are considered in an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon:
- Medical history. The specialist gathers relevant data and information about overall health and inquires about the intensity level of knee pain and the ability to perform daily activities.
- Physical evaluation. It is a test that allows analysis of movement, stability, and strength of the knee, as well as the overall alignment of the leg.
- X-rays. These images help determine the degree of the condition and the deformity of the knee.
- Other evaluations. In some instances, blood tests or advanced imaging evaluations, such as MRI scans, may be needed to determine the status of the bone and soft tissues of the knee.
The doctor will verify the evaluation results with the patient and analyze whether total knee replacement is one of the best options to relieve pain and improve the ability to perform daily activities.
Other treatment alternatives may also be considered and evaluated, such as injections, medications, physical therapy, or other types of surgery.
The orthopedic surgeon will also explain the possible risks and complications that may exist, including those related to the operation and those that may arise over time afterward.
How to prepare for knee change surgery?
Medications and food
The medical team will provide precise guidelines to stop taking medications and dietary supplements before the operation date.
What to expect from knee change surgery?
When the time for surgery arrives, it will be necessary to remove clothing and put on a hospital gown. Then, the specialist will administer a spinal block to numb the lower half of the body or a general anesthetic, which induces a sleep-like state.
Additionally, the surgeon will inject an anesthetic around the nerves or into the joint and its surroundings to block pain after the surgery.
Basically, what is achieved in a total knee replacement is:
- The specialist makes a cut in the front of the knee and moves the kneecap to the side to reach the joint behind the knee.
- The damaged ends of both the tibia and femur are cut.
- Subsequently, new pieces are placed on the ends of both bones to create the new joint. These pieces are made of metal or plastic. In certain patients, the posterior part of the kneecap may also be replaced with a new piece.
- The kneecap is then placed back in its place.
- To finish, the doctor closes the knee cut using stitches or staples and covers it with a dressing and bandage.
- After the operation, it is necessary to remain in a recovery room until fully awake, where the use of pain relievers may be recommended.
Now, in the case of partial knee replacement, the following aspects are considered:
- Partial knee replacement is used when arthritis is in half of the knee. In this case, only the bones of the affected side are replaced, incorporating metal or plastic pieces.
- It is a surgery similar to total arthroplasty, but the knee cut is smaller, and recovery is faster than in other cases.
The first 24 hours after knee replacement surgery
After surgery, the patient will wake up from anesthesia and regain sensation in their legs. Doctors will treat pain preventively using a combination of complementary pain relief methods that minimize side effects, an approach known as multimodal analgesia.
Within 24 hours, if the pain is under control, the patient may be asked to stand up and take a few steps with the help of a physical therapist and a walker. Patients who stand up and bear some weight (with assistance) on their new knees shortly after surgery tend to recover more quickly than those who do not.
Preparing for the recovery process
For several weeks after undergoing surgery, a walker or crutches may be necessary, so it is necessary to prepare them before knee change surgery. Additionally, it is necessary to have support at home from the hospital and help with daily tasks such as bathing, cooking, and doing laundry.
To have all the necessary measures at home to facilitate the recovery process:
- Ensure handrails on stairs.
- Create a living environment on one floor, as climbing stairs can be difficult.
- Remove carpets and loose cables.
- Have a stable chair with a firm seat and backrest, as well as a footrest to allow leg elevation.
- Have a stable bench or chair to use when it is time to shower.
How is the new knee different?
It is an excellent option to improve knee movement, and it is one of the main objectives of total knee replacement. However, full movement recovery is rare. In this case, the movement of the replaced area after surgery can be predicted based on the knee’s range of motion before the surgical intervention.
In this regard, it is expected that most patients will be able to extend the replaced knee fully and flex it enough to get in and out of the car or climb stairs; in some cases, kneeling may be uncomfortable, but no damage is caused.
Many feel numbness in the skin around the incision. Additionally, stiffness may occur, especially with excessive bending activities. Likewise, others may feel or hear a slight crunch of metal and plastic when bending the knee or walking.
The new knee may trigger metal detectors required for security within airports and certain establishments. Therefore, it is essential to notify the security agent that a knee replacement is in place for alarm control.
Protection of the replaced knee
After knee change surgery, it is advisable to consider some measures such as:
- Participate in activities involving regular light exercises to maintain the strength and correct mobility of the new knee.
- Take certain special precautions to help prevent injuries and falls. In case of a fracture in a leg bone, another surgical intervention may be required.
- Notify the dentist that a knee replacement is in place. In this regard, it is advisable to consult with the orthopedic surgeon about the need for antibiotics before dental procedures.
- Regular consultations with the specialist for routine analysis and X-rays are recommended.
Why choose knee change surgery in Mexico?
One of the reasons why Mexico is chosen for knee replacement is cost. You can opt for approximately 75-80% savings, taking advantage of the benefits of an excellent medical provider like Blue Ribbon.
Another factor highlighted in this case is the quality of care. It is ideal to be treated at a Mexican hospital accredited for medical procedures in various areas and have qualified and experienced personnel.
Likewise, postoperative care is another reason to consider traveling to Mexico for orthopedic surgery. By obtaining the support and advice of a competent medical provider, it is possible to access a comprehensive program where various benefits are available, including care by certified surgeons, accommodation, professional medical services, and access to hospital facilities.
In conclusion, orthopedic surgery has become a critical point in the medical tourism sector, attracting patients worldwide due to the ideal combination of quality and affordability. Mexico is one of the top destinations, as it offers various alternatives, such as Blue Ribbon, where medical experience, suitable infrastructure, and affordability in medical procedures from different areas are available.
What steps should I follow if I choose Blue Ribbon as a medical provider?
At Blue Ribbon, we are a Medical Network with more than 40 certified doctors in Mexico. We select our specialists precisely to ensure professional-level care for all our patients. We have an alliance with Hospital Velmar, where you will find facilities equipped and furnished with all the conditions to receive the preferred medical treatment.
We are trained to assist you from start to finish so that you can achieve satisfactory recovery.
We invite you to contact us for more details if you are interested in knee change surgery; you can contact us by phone or by filling out the form available on our website.
Call from the USA at: 213 995 3029. We are located at Arenas 151, Fraccionamiento Playa Ensenada, CP 22880, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.