Overview
Knee replacement surgery is the most common joint replacement procedure. Many people have knee arthritis, but it can be difficult to know when the right time to have a knee replacement surgery is. Furthermore, there is confusion about what to expect from knee replacement surgery. Do you have questions? Look no further. You can find all you need to know about knee replacement surgery right here.
What Is Knee Arthritis?
The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joint.' Most people think of arthritis as the wearing away of cartilage in a joint - this is the end result of inflammation within the joint. Over time, the inflammation can lead to cartilage loss and exposed bone, instead of a normal, smooth joint surface.
The most common type of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis. This is often referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, and it results in the wearing away of the normal smooth cartilage until bare bone is exposed. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and lupus arthritis.
Am I Ready for Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that is performed when the knee joint has reached a point when painful symptoms can no longer be controlled with non-operative treatments. In a knee replacement procedure, your surgeon removes the damaged joint surface and replaces it with a metal and plastic implant.
A total knee replacement is a major surgery, and deciding to have the surgery done is a big decision. Here are some signs to look for to help you decide if the time is right, or not right, for knee replacement surgery.
Knee replacement is generally reserved for patients who have tried all of the other treatments and are still left with significant pain during normal activities. Patients who have occasional pain, are able to participate in athletic activities, or have not tried non-operative treatments are probably not ready for a knee replacement.
Non-operative treatment options include:
- Weight Loss
- Activity Modifications
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
- Joint Supplements
- Cortisone Injections
- Hyaluronic Acid (e.g. Synvisc) Injections
Knee Replacement Implants
Knee replacement surgery removes the damaged joint lining and replaces the joint surfaces with a metal and plastic implant that functions similar to a normal knee. These implants will wear out over time, and knee replacements are done infrequently in younger patients because of the concern of the implant wearing out too quickly.
Knee replacement implants have been modified in order to provide the best possible functioning with long-lasting results. This effort to perfect knee replacement implants is constantly taking place. Some newer implants have promise, others may not turn out to be better.
- Partial Knee Replacements
- Rotating Knee Replacements
- Gender Specific Knee Replacements
- Custom Knee Replacements
Risks of a Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery has become quite common, but there are still risks. Fortunately, well over 90% of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery have good results.
You should have a thoughtful discussion with your doctor prior to total knee replacement surgery and make sure to have your questions answered.
- Blood Clots
- Blood Loss
- Infection of a Joint Replacement Stiffness of the Knee Replacement
Knee Replacment Rehabilitation
Knee replacement surgery is very successful, but the success of the procedure is partly due to the rehabilitation period that follows the surgery. For patients to expect a good result from knee replacement surgery, they must be an active rehab participant.
Rehabilitation after knee replacement begins immediately. Patients will work with a physical therapist as soon as the surgical procedure has been performed. The emphasis in the early stages of rehab is to maintain motion of the knee replacement and to ensure that the patient can walk safely. The body reacts to surgery by making scar tissue, and patients may never recover normal motion if they do not focus on bending and straightening their knee replacement.
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