Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a medical procedure that helps fix a damaged or worn-out knee joint. The main aim is to reduce pain and make it easier to move around for people with long-lasting knee problems. Let’s take a closer look at the key points about knee replacement surgery:
Why It’s Done
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is arthritis, which can cause a lot of pain, stiffness, and trouble moving. People who find it hard to walk, go upstairs, or stand up from chairs often benefit from this surgery. Depending on how bad the damage is, surgeons might replace only the part of the knee joint that’s affected or do a total joint replacement.
Assessment and Decision-Making
Before deciding on knee replacement, surgeons look at a few things:
- Checking how well the knee moves, its stability, and strength helps decide if surgery is needed.
- X-rays show how much damage there is in the joint.
- Other things like age, weight, how active someone is, and overall health affect which artificial joints and surgical methods are used.
The Surgical Process
During knee replacement surgery:
- Damaged bone and cartilage are taken out.
- Metal and plastic parts replace the ones that were removed.
- Special implants may be used to keep the joint in place if the ligaments aren’t strong enough.
- Surgeons shape the thigh bone and shin bone to fit the new joint.
- The goal is to make movement easier and pain-free.
Potential Complications
Even though knee replacement has many benefits, there are risks to be aware of:
- Blood clots: Doctors give medicines to prevent blood clots, which can be dangerous if they move to the lungs.
- Nerve damage: Sometimes, there can be numbness, weakness, or pain from nerve injuries.
- Infections: Infections at the cut on the skin or deeper inside need to be treated.
- Implant problems: Over time, the artificial joints may become loose or worn out, needing another surgery.
Preparation and Recovery
Before surgery:
- Some medicines and supplements need to be stopped.
- Fasting from midnight before the surgery is needed.
- Getting crutches or a walker ready for after the surgery is important.
- Making the home safe by adding safety bars and avoiding stairs helps.
Post-Surgery Care
After knee replacement:
- Physical therapy is needed to get back strength and flexibility.
- Managing pain is important.
- Slowly getting back to daily activities is key.
- Watching for signs of infection or other problems is essential.
Conclusion: Getting Back to Living
Knee replacement surgery gives hope to people with severe knee pain. With better surgical methods and materials for implants, more people can get back to moving around and enjoying life. Just remember, everyone’s experience is different, so talking with a skilled orthopedic surgeon is crucial to figure out the best plan for you.