|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
.jpg) .jpg) Normal Knee Joint
What is total knee joint replacement?
Knee joint replacement is a surgery to replace damaged or diseased knee joint with prosthesis-artificial joint.
.jpg) When total knee joint replacement is recommended?
Knee joint pained which has not responded to medication.
Limitation of activity due to knee pain.
Arthritis of knee joint.
Tumor.
Knee infections.
Morbid obesity.
.jpg) How total knee replacement is done?
You are evaluated to decide if the procedure is indicated for you. Several medical investigations are done to evaluate if you are fit for surgery and anesthesia which may be general or spinal.
Pre-surgical preparations including six hour fasting are ordered.
Surgical cut over the affected knee by the orthopedic surgeon is taken. The kneecap (patella) is moved out of the way, and the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) are cut to fit the prosthesis. The undersurface of the knee cap is cut to allow the surgeon to place an artificial piece.
Using special bone cement the two parts of the prosthesis are placed onto the ends of the femur, tibia, and undersurface of the patella. Usually, metal is used on the end of the femur, and plastic is used on the tibia and patella for the new knee surface. However, surgeons are now using newer surfaces, including metal on metal, ceramic on ceramic, or ceramic on plastic.
Post operative period
Excess fluid from the surgical area is drained post operatively by a damaged tube.
You will also have an IV in place to provide fluids until you are able to drink. Special stockings are placed on your legs to reduce your risk of getting blood clots, which are more common after leg surgery.
Your doctor will prescribe pain medicines and, possibly, antibiotics to prevent infection.
You will stay in the hospital for 3-5 days, but the total recovery period varies from 2-3 months to a year.
You will be encouraged to start moving and walking as early as the first day after surgery. You will be helped out of bed to a chair on the first day after surgery. When in bed, bend and straighten your ankles often to prevent blood clots.
Some surgeons recommend using a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine that will bend the knee for you while you're in bed. Over time, the rate and amount of bending will increase. Always keep your leg in the CPM device when in bed. This device helps speed recovery, and reduces pain, bleeding, and infection.
Some patients need a short stay in a rehabilitation hospital to become safely independent in their daily activities. You might need to use crutches or a walker for a few weeks or even months after surgery.
The physical therapy started in the hospital will continue after you've gone home until your strength and motion return. Avoid contact sports, but you should be able to do low impact activities, such as swimming and golf, after you fully recover from surgery
.jpg) Possible risks
Apart from routine surgical complication the procedure may involve-
Displacement of artificial joint
Loosening of artificial joint
Infections
Prognosis
Most prosthesis last for 10-15 without any problem and relieve pain
Video
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
