If your knee is severely damaged due to osteoarthritis or an old injury, basic activities like walking or climbing stairs might become challenging. There are moments when pain could even be experienced while resting on a bed or chair.
When treatments like pain relief medications, injections, physical therapy, or crutch use no longer provide relief, doctors may consider total knee replacement surgery. This surgical intervention is effective in alleviating pain, correcting leg alignment issues, and enabling a return to daily activities without discomfort.
Understanding the Necessity for Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery is a proven and safe procedure for addressing persistent knee pain. It restores proper leg alignment and facilitates a return to daily activities without pain. The primary cause of enduring knee discomfort and limited functionality is often osteoarthritis, particularly age-related osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-injury osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis: This condition commonly affects individuals over the age of 50, leading to the wearing away of cushioning cartilage in the knee, resulting in bone friction and discomfort.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammation of the joint membrane causes cartilage damage, leading to pain and stiffness.
Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis: Cartilage may be affected after traumas like knee fractures or ligament tears, resulting in long-term knee pain and impaired function.
The Surgical Process
The total knee replacement procedure involves four fundamental steps:
- Bone Preparation: Damaged cartilage and a portion of the underlying bone are removed from the ends of the thigh and shin bones.
- Metal Implant Placement: Metal components replace the removed cartilage and bone to recreate the joint's surface, often cemented with specialized cement.
- Patella Replacement: The underside of the kneecap is replaced with a plastic button, a decision based on the surgeon's expertise.
- Spacer Insertion: A robust plastic piece is inserted between metal parts to create a smooth and functional outer layer.
Is Total Knee Replacement Right for You?
- The decision to undergo total knee replacement surgery should be a collaborative decision involving you, your family, your general practitioner, and your orthopedic surgeon. Your doctor may recommend consulting an orthopedic surgeon to assess whether this surgery could be beneficial for you.
When Surgery is Recommended
Several factors may warrant knee replacement surgery, including:
- Flexed knee due to severe osteoarthritis.
- Limiting knee pain or stiffness during daily activities.
- Persistent knee pain and swelling unresponsive to conservative treatments.
- Ineffectiveness of previous treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs or physiotherapy.
Knee deformity requiring prosthetic surgery to realign limbs.
- While age or weight is not strict criteria for knee replacement surgery, excess weight can impact implant longevity. Although most candidates are aged 50-80, the decision is based on pain and disability, not age.
Setting Realistic Expectations
A crucial aspect of deciding on total knee replacement surgery is understanding what the procedure can and cannot achieve. While over 90% of those who undergo knee replacement report a significant reduction in knee pain and improved daily activities, the prosthetic knee may wear down over time with repeated use.
Potential Post-Surgery Issues
While complications after total knee replacement are generally low, there are potential issues:
- Infections: Infections can occur in the wound or around the prosthesis, requiring antibiotic treatment or, in severe cases, additional surgery.
- Blood Clots: Formation of blood clots in leg veins is a common issue, with preventive measures such as leg elevation, early exercises, support stockings, and blood-thinning medications.
- Problems with the Implant: Despite advancements, implants may wear down or become loose, requiring future interventions.
- Persistent Pain: A small percentage of patients may experience ongoing pain after surgery, with causes sometimes challenging to determine.
- Neurovascular Injuries: Rare but possible injuries to nerves or blood vessels around the knee during surgery.
Conclusion
In the journey towards total knee replacement, understanding the benefits and potential complications is vital. This guide has illuminated the intricacies of the procedure, from addressing chronic pain to restoring mobility. Individual experiences may vary, so approaching this decision with caution and consultation with medical professionals is essential. Seeking guidance from orthopedic experts ensures personalized insights, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your unique needs. By relying on skilled professionals, you can embark on a path towards an improved quality of life with reduced discomfort.
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