Knee Replacement
An artificial knee joint (prosthesis) is made of metal and high-grade plastic components, which replaces the worn surface within severe knee joint damage.
The prosthesis is made of a durable and inert metal such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloy and titanium, and hard plastic, which is abrasion resistant such as polyethylene.
Knee replacement surgery
A knee joint replacement is recommended for patients with severe knee joint damage, which can be caused by how it is used, increasing age or osteoarthritis of knee such as rheumatoid arthritis or an injury from the accidents. This causes knee joint to become pain or loose, leading to the feeling of instability in the knee. Typically, patients undergo this surgery after non-operative treatments have failed to provide relief of arthritic symptoms.
Types of knee replacement surgery
1. Total condylar knee replacement is a surgery that involves removal of all the knee joint surfaces. The surgical procedure may or may not include the part of patella or kneecap depending upon the damaged surfaces.
2. Uni-condylar knee replacement is a surgery that replaces only one side of the knee joint. The decision as to whether to use which types of knee replacement depends upon patients’ condition.
Preparation for knee replacement surgery
Before the surgical procedure, your heart disease, blood pressure, a physician, who will determine when you are ready to have an operation; will monitor diabetes and kidney function.
During knee replacement surgery
- The procedure usually takes about 2- 3 hours.
- Anesthesiologist will determine whether anesthesia or pain shots, which may be regional or general, will work best for each patient.
- After surgery, a drainage tube will be inserted to drain excess fluid or any blood from the new joint.
- A sterile bandage or splinting will then be applied on patients’ knees.
- The bandage or splinting will usually be removed after the second day of the surgery.
- Patients will begin a rehabilitation program.
- Patients are expected to stay in the hospital for approximately 5 – 6 days after the surgery.
- Patients will start to walk with the help of a walker. It may be needed for about 1 month
Advantages of knee replacement surgery
- The surgery will relieve your pain and stiffness when you bend or straighten your knee.
- Your leg will be straighter if you have a knee deformity, such as joint that bows in or out.
- You may feel more stability or comfortable in the knee when you bear weight on your knee.
Disadvantages of knee replacement surgery
- The knee prosthesis components may loosen or wear out. The average artificial knee joint replacement lasts 15 – 20 years. Durability of the prosthesis depends upon how the knee joint is taken good care of or used (a patient’s activity level).
- Avoid “impact loading” sports such as jogging. You can enjoy a variety of low-impact activities such as swimming, biking on level surface and playing golf.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
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