Knee joint replacement is a treatment that replaces a worn-out knee joint with a prosthesis, which is an artificial, human-made knee replacement. The diseased cartilage and bone in the knee are removed, and new synthetic components are implanted into the knee. The human-made prosthesis is primarily constructed of metal alloys, polymers, and plastics, and it works similarly to a knee. The newly rebuilt knees can fit according to one's demands and specifications, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Knee replacement surgery takes roughly two hours on average, but recovery and rehabilitation can take many months thereafter. Knee arthroplasty is another name for knee replacement surgery. Knee joint replacements are a popular procedure these days, with over 600,000 knee replacements performed in the United States each year.
What is the purpose of a joint replacement in the knee?
Damage caused by arthritis — either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis – is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. Only after alternative treatments and less intrusive healing approaches have failed is a knee joint replacement indicated. Weight loss, painkillers or other drugs, physical therapy, and assistive devices like a cane or knee brace are all frequent first-line treatment options. The following are important considerations when considering whether or not to get a knee joint replacement:
- What is the severity of your knee pain, and how well can you do daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs?
- Are your knees distorted like bows, or do they constantly "blow out"?
- What is your age, exactly?
- What is your current state of health?
Knee replacement surgery is only for persons over 55 years old. If one has their knees replaced at a young age, they may outlast their new knees and require revision surgery.
How do you get ready for a knee joint replacement?
Your doctor will assess your general health and capacity to tolerate the anesthetic risks as a first step. They evaluate:
- Complete medical history
- physical examination
- blood tests
- X-rays
- and any other imaging studies are all required.
Your doctor will also check to see whether you have had any previous procedures or if you have any continuing health issues. He'll also inquire about any medications or supplements you're taking, and he may ask you to stop taking some or all of them before having knee replacement surgery.
He might also ask if you're allergic to any medications or anesthetics. Depending on your overall condition, the doctor will decide whether you need general anesthesia or local anesthesia in your spine.
After the treatment, you will most likely be able to walk with the assistance of a walker at first, and then crutches for a few weeks. However, before having knee joint replacement surgery, you should make the following preparations in your home to make your recuperation time go as smoothly as possible:
- Install rails or handrails in showers and around the toilet
- elevate your leg with a chair and footrest.
- To avoid stairs, keep your living area on the ground floor.
What happens following a joint replacement in the knee?
You'll need to change into a hospital gown before entering the surgery, and an IV will be provided to you to provide you with the necessary fluids and nutrition. Then, immediately before starting the procedure, an anesthetic is given. The surgeon will make a surgical cut right above your knee during the knee joint replacement surgery, which takes about one to two hours. Then doctors remove the diseased cartilage and bone and replace it with an artificial knee joint that attaches to the femur, or thighbone, and the tibia, or lower leg's main bone. Surgeons attach the new joint with specialized pins, screws, and cement. Finally, they stitch the surgical wound together and provide a bandage. The patient recovers in a special recovery chamber where doctors keep track of his or her vital signs.
What are the risks and side effects of knee replacement surgery?
Excessive bleeding and other problems, such as the formation of blood clots or infection, are risks associated with every operation or procedure. If there are any dangers, your surgeon will explain what may be done to reduce them. According to statistics, only about 2% of total knee replacement patients experience significant problems.
The following are some of the risks associated with knee joint replacement surgery:
- Excessive bleeding
- Thrombosis in the legs or lungs
- Anesthesia-related breathing issues
- Sudden heart attack
- Knee stiffness
- Any nerve damage in the knees
- Stroke
- Artificial knee wear and tear
If you suffer any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away:
- Severe pain, swelling, redness, and
- Soreness in the knee Drainage from the surgical scar Chills Fever over 100°F (37.8°C)
- Severe pain, swelling, redness, and discomfort in the knee
Infection is also a major issue for people who have prosthetic joint surgery. Bacteria and other pollutants are feared to infiltrate your new artificial knee. If you get an infection in your knee that becomes serious, your surgeon may have to remove the entire artificial knee or a portion of it to cure the infection. They implant once more after they are certain it has been addressed.
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Also Read: Knee Replacement surgery: Everything you need to Know
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