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Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery involves replacing parts of the knee joint that are damaged or worn out. This surgery can help alleviate pain and improve the knee's functionality. During the procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with components made of metal and plastic.

To determine if a knee replacement is suitable for you, our orthopedic surgeon will assess your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength. X-rays are also used to evaluate the extent of the damage.

The choice of artificial joints and surgical techniques depends on several factors including your age, weight, activity level, the size and shape of your knee, and your overall health.

The Reason Why

The most common reason for undergoing knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain caused by arthritis. Typically, individuals considering this surgery experience difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and rising from chairs.

If the damage in the knee is localized to one part, surgeons may opt to replace just that specific section. However, if the entire joint is affected, the procedure involves reshaping the ends of the thighbone and shinbone and resurfacing the entire joint. Both the thighbone and shinbone are hard tubes with softer centers where the ends of the artificial components are inserted.

Ligaments, which are bands of tissue that stabilize joints, play a crucial role in knee function. If the knee's natural ligaments are insufficient to support the joint, the surgeon might select implants that are designed to interlock, ensuring they remain securely connected.

Who should consider this surgery

This package is intended for individuals experiencing:

Abrasive symptoms and stiffness around the knee.
Severe knee pain impairing walking and climbing stairs.
Knee pain during rest or sleep.
Audible noises from the knee, accompanied by swelling and warmth.
Visibly deformed knee structure.

Pre-surgical Assessment and Preparation

Before the knee replacement surgery, patients undergo a detailed preoperative evaluation, which includes:

Consultation: Meeting with an experienced orthopedic doctor to confirm the need for knee replacement surgery.
Health Assessment: A comprehensive examination to assess the patient's overall health and specific knee condition.

Patients must also prepare for the surgery by:

Fasting: Abstaining from both food and water for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
Pre-Surgical Instructions: Adhering to all pre-surgical instructions provided by the orthopedic team.

Day of Surgery

When you arrive at the hospital for your surgery, you will:

Check-In: Complete hospital formalities and change into a hospital gown.
Anesthesia: Receive anesthesia, which could be either a spinal block that numbs the lower half of your body or a general anesthetic that induces a sleep-like state.
Pain Management Preparation: Your surgeon may inject numbing medicine around nerves or in and around the joint to help manage pain after your surgery.

During the Procedure

Knee replacement surgery typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. The procedure involves:

Incision: Making an incision over the knee to access the joint.
Removal of Damaged Sections: Removing the diseased and damaged bone and cartilage while preserving healthy bone.
Implantation: Inserting replacement parts into the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap, completing the procedure.

After the Surgery

After your knee replacement surgery at Ratchaphruek Hospital, you are required to stay in the hospital. During this stay, you will have access to a range of specialized facilities and services that ensure your comfort and safety. Please note that these are not included in the surgery package. Here are the key services including the hospital stay:

Nurse on Call: 24-hour medical assistance.
Safety Bathroom: Equipped with necessary aids to ensure safety.
Adjustable Bed: Helps in adjusting your position comfortably.
Bed for Family Member: Provides a space for a family member to stays close.
Customized Food and Menu: Nutritious meals tailored to your health needs.
Rehabilitation Program: On-site physical therapy sessions to aid recovery.
In-Room Follow-Up Care: Frequent monitoring by medical staff.

Our hospital offers these services at considerate rates, often more favorable than what would be found in a hotel, providing both medical care and accommodation. This approach allows us to focus on your recovery in a supportive and comprehensive manner.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

You will also be encouraged to perform regular breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level. A physical therapist will teach you exercises specifically designed for your new knee. After leaving the hospital, you will likely continue physical therapy either at home or at a rehabilitation center.

Transition to Home After Discharge

Once you are discharged from Ratchaphruek Hospital, your recovery will continue at home. It's important to prepare your living space ahead of time to ensure a safe and conducive environment for healing. Here are essential considerations for your home recovery setup:

To make your home safer and easier to navigate during recovery, consider implementing the following changes:

Mobility Aids: Be sure to have crutches or a walker ready, as you will likely need these to aid in your mobility.
Transportation and Assistance: Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital and assist with daily tasks during your recovery.
Create a Single-Level Living Space: If possible, arrange your essential living areas on one floor to avoid the need to climb stairs.
Install Safety Features: Equip showers or baths with safety bars or secure handrails, and ensure stairways also have sturdy handrails.
Optimize Seating: Use a chair that has a firm seat cushion, good back support, and a footstool to help keep your leg elevated.
Modify Bathroom Facilities: If your toilet seat is too low, install a toilet seat riser with arms for easier use, and consider a stable bench or chair in your shower.
Eliminate Tripping Hazards: Remove any loose rugs, cords, or clutter that could pose a risk of falling.nt falls.

Results

For most people, knee replacement surgery provides significant pain relief, enhanced mobility, and an improved quality of life. Most knee replacements are expected to last between 15 to 20 years..

Activity after Recovery

After you have recovered, you can participate in various low-impact activities that are easier on your new knee. These include walking, swimming, golfing, and biking. However, it is advisable to avoid high-impact activities such as jogging, as well as sports that involve contact or jumping, to prevent strain on your knee. Discuss with your health care team the best ways to stay active post-surgery.

See the program

Knee Replacement Program

Service Description

Ratchaphruek Hospital offers a comprehensive Knee Replacement Program designed for individuals suffering from severe knee conditions, aimed at improving mobility and reducing pain. This program is ideal for patients who have been medically advised to undergo knee replacement due to severe symptoms that impair knee function.

Program Fee

Single Knee Replacement: THB 190,000

Double Knee Replacement: THB 320,000

Pre-Surgical Assessment

Patients are required to undergo a detailed preoperative evaluation, which includes:

Consultation with an experienced orthopedic doctor to confirm the need for knee replacement surgery.
Comprehensive examination to assess the overall health and specific knee condition of the patient.

Preparing for Surgery

Patients must prepare for the surgery by:

Abstaining from both food and water for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
Adhering to all pre-surgical instructions provided by the orthopedic team.

Program Features

Initial consultation and thorough diagnostic assessment by an orthopedic specialist.
Surgical procedure performed using modern techniques and high-quality prosthetic components.
Post-operative care including pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up consultations.

Conditions and Terms

Exclusions: The program price does not include pre-surgical diagnostic tests.

Applicability: This program is applicable only for single and double knee replacement surgeries.

Payment: The listed fees are for self-paying patients only and cannot be combined with any insurance benefits.

Patients choosing the Knee Replacement Program at Ratchaphruek Hospital will benefit from the dedicated and comprehensive care provided by our team of expert orthopedic specialists and supportive staff. This seamless treatment pathway is designed to restore mobility and significantly improve quality of your life.

Effective Dates: 1 April 2024 – 31 December 2024

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