Knee Replacement: Everything You Need to Know About the Whole Process in Plain Words
Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a diseased or damaged knee with an artificial version. This type of surgery may alleviate much discomfort for those who are suffering from chronic knee pain or debilitating mobility; it can also allow them to resume more active lifestyles once more. We will come to understand what knee replacement is; why it's required; types of procedures that are available; what you can expect before and after surgery; and some helpful tips for recovery. First, let's understand what Knee Replacement is:
The knee is one of the biggest and most complex joints in the human body, which is often very much involved with daily activities like walking, running, or going up and down the stairs. For this reason, the joint's deterioration through age, injury, or disease may cause pain and hinder movement.
In Knee replacement surgery, damaged cartilage and bone are taken out from the surface of the knee and replaced with metal and plastic components designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee. The different designs are referred to as prostheses, which vary in types of material depending on the needs of each patient. 2. Why Knee Replacement is Needed?
Generally, knee replacement is considered for patients who have significant disabilities or suffer from severe pains around the knee. The following are the most common causes of knee replacement surgical interventions:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause for knee replacement, which generally happens through a degenerative joint disease that leads to deterioration in cartilage and causes pain and inflammation alongside hindrance in the full mobility of the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis: The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining within the joints, causing pain and swelling.
Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis after a major knee injury, such as breaking a bone or tearing a ligament.
Other joint conditions: Conditions, such as bone dysplasia, may require knee replacement.
3. Types of Knee Replacement Procedures
Knee replacement comes under different types based on the level of the procedure:
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This is the most common type of replacement knee surgery. Both sides of the knee joint, the femur and tibia, are replaced with a metal and plastic implant. Total knee replacement would come in handy for patients who have severe damage to the joint.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): This procedure is also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, because it replaces the damage only in one area of the knee. Partial knee replacement is an option if a patient's damage is strictly in one area of the knee. Recovery tends to be relatively short compared to total knee replacement.
Bilateral Knee Replacement: This involves replacement of two knee prosthetics in the same sitting or one at a time. It is recommended only to patients with extreme forms of arthritis on both sides.
Revision Knee Replacement: This is a follow-up procedure, in which the surgeon replaces an implant from a previous knee replacement. In some instances, revision surgeries are required when the original prosthesis wears out or complications occur.
4. Surgery to Replace the Knee
First Consultation: You should begin by seeing an orthopedic surgeon who, upon physical examination and other diagnostic tests, including X-rays or MRI scans, diagnoses your knee condition. Based on your medical history, your symptoms, and degree of mobility, the surgeon will determine if you would be a good candidate for a replaced knee surgery.
Preparation for Surgery:
Medical Evaluation: The doctor may examine you for blood tests, physical assessment, and other forms of diagnostic explorations to ascertain whether you are a candidate for the surgical procedure.
Medications: The doctor will assess the various medications that you have been taking and will make recommendations on ceasing on specific types of medications before surgery, especially those involving anticoagulation drugs.
Lifestyle Changes: Patients should be taken through a healthy diet and low-impact exercises, such as muscle strengthening exercises, about 4-6 weeks prior to surgery, with the aim of easy recovery.
Home Preparation: Prepare a recovery area in the home with the minimum essentials, such as being close to the toilet facilities, access to drinking water and any other essential within easy reach. Make any necessary adjustments, for example, placing grab bars or clearing tripping hazards.
5. Procedure for Knee Replacement
This knee replacement surgery usually takes about one to two hours. Here is the simplified account of what will happen during the actual surgical operation:
Anesthesia: You will receive either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. The former keeps you asleep. The latter numbs your body from the waist down.
Incision and Access: A surgeon makes an incision on the knee to access the joint. The damaged cartilage and bone are removed, and the remaining bone is prepared to hold the implant.
Placement of the Prosthesis: The surgeon places the metal and plastic components of the prosthesis onto the ends of the femur and tibia, and often resurfaces the kneecap surface as well.
Testing and Closing: The newly formed joint is checked for normal motion and alignment before the incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples. A sterile dressing is applied, and the knee is readied for healing.
6. Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery Room and Hospital Stay: After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be monitored. Pain management is an important part of recovery; therefore, you may receive medicines that treat discomfort. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days after the surgery.
Physical Therapy: This can be initiated within 24 hours post surgery. A physiotherapist will guide you in performing some minimal exercises to regain movement and strengthen your knee. Early mobilization helps prevent stiffness and hastens recovery.
Weight Bearing and Mobility:
Total knee replacement typically requires the use of a walker or crutches early on, but most patients walk independently by some weeks following surgery.
Partial knee replacement generally allows one to return quickly to full activities.
7. Important Points for Successful Recovery
Be Consistent in Your Follow-Up Physiotherapy Programme: Always strictly follow your physiotherapy schedule as suggested by your physiotherapist. Regular exercises will help strengthen your knee and enhance the range of motion.
Manage Pain and Swelling: Use ice bags, elevate your leg, and take pain medication if prescribed to avoid swelling and discomfort.
Reduce High Impact: Avoid running and jumping as it can strain your new knee joint; otherwise, walk, cycle, and swim are low impact exercises .
Healthy Diet and Hydration: A healthy diet will encourage the healing process. Drink plenty of water, and add nutrients like calcium and protein for overall bone and muscle health.
To regularly check for the advancing recovery process and to ask the surgeon for any arising problems, always keep your follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
8. Possible Risks and Complications
Any surgical procedure, such as knee replacement, poses particular risks. While most surgeries are successful, potential complications may include:
Infection: This is a more serious but less likely complication. Redness, warmth, and increased pain in or around the surgical site indicate this situation.
Blood Clots: A blood clot could occur in your legs and, rarely, in your lungs after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners ahead of time as a precaution.
Problems of Implant: The prosthesis will wear out or loosen over time and may need to be revised.
Damage to Nerve or Blood Vessel: This is uncommon, but nerves or blood vessels that surround the knee may be damaged during the surgery.
Allergic Reaction: some patients have allergies to the materials used in the prosthesis.
9. Long-Term Prognosis and Results
Most knee replacements have lasted 15 to 20 years with excellent results in the return of mobility and a greatly reduced pain index. More than 90% of patients experience a marked return to their usual daily activities and ability to maintain activity after surgery.
Care of Your New Knee:
Participate in regular low-impact activities to maintain the strength and flexibility of your knee joint.
Maintain ideal body weight to minimize stress on the artificial joint.
Watch for new aches or loss of function in any part of your body and contact your physician if you have any concerns.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to fully recover from knee replacement? Most people recover within 6 to 12 months, though many see significant improvement in pain and mobility after just a few months.
Q2: Will I need to use a cane or walker forever? No, most patients can eventually walk unaided. The timeline varies based on individual recovery.
Q3: Can one kneel after a knee replacement? Yes, with an artificial knee. Most patients find the act uncomfortable. Consult your doctor first before attempting to kneel regularly.
Conclusion
For most patients, knee replacement surgery is quite effective for those with severe knee pain and limited mobility. Most of them regain their capacity to lead active, productive lives if proper preparation is followed, the surgery is successful, and post-operative care is undertaken. If you or your love ones are planning to undergo such procedure, seek talk to an orthopedic specialist to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
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