Total knee replacement surgery is a common procedure that helps people regain movement and reduce pain in their knees. However, some patients may experience stiffness or limited motion after the surgery. To help improve knee movement, doctors may suggest a procedure called Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA).
What is Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)?
Manipulation Under Anesthesia, or MUA, is a procedure where a doctor moves your knee while you are under anaesthesia. This means you are asleep and do not feel any pain during the procedure. The goal of MUA is to break up any scar tissue that may be preventing your knee from moving properly. By doing this, the doctor can help improve your knee’s range of motion.
Why is MUA Important after a Total Knee Replacement?
After a total knee replacement, it’s important to regain as much movement as possible. Sometimes, scar tissue forms around the new knee joint, making bending or straightening your knee hard. When this happens, MUA can be an important step in your recovery. Without it, the stiffness might not go away on its own, and you could continue to have trouble with daily activities like walking or climbing stairs.
How is the MUA Procedure Done?
1. Preparing for MUA
Before the MUA procedure, your doctor will explain what will happen and answer any questions you might have. You will be given instructions on preparing, which might include not eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure.
2. The Procedure Itself
During the MUA procedure, you will be put under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel anything. The doctor will then gently move your knee in different directions to break up the scar tissue. This usually takes only a few minutes.
3. What Happens After MUA?
After the procedure, you will wake up and be monitored by medical staff to make sure you are doing well. You might experience some soreness in your knee, but this is normal. Physical therapy will likely be recommended to help you maintain improved movement in your knee.
Benefits of MUA
The main benefit of MUA is that it can help you regain more movement in your knee. This can make it easier to do daily activities and improve your quality of life. Many patients who have MUA report that their knee feels less stiff and they can move more freely afterwards.
The Role of a Pain Management Fellowship in India in MUA
Doctors who have completed a pain management fellowship in India are specially trained to help manage pain during and after procedures like MUA. Their expertise is important because it ensures that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. They can also provide advice on managing any pain you might have after the procedure, helping you recover more quickly and effectively.
Conclusion
Manipulation Under Anesthesia is an important procedure for some patients who have had a total
knee replacement. It can help improve knee movement and reduce stiffness, making daily activities easier. If you’ve had a knee replacement and are experiencing stiffness, talk to your doctor about whether MUA might be right for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences—please leave a comment below and share your story!
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