This article is intended to help you understand more about total knee replacement. It is only a general guide. It will vary from hospital to hospital. Therefore it is vital that you discuss this with your doctor.
Knee Anatomy
The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body. In addition to flexion and extension, it allows for other complex movements, such as rotation. The knee joint consists of three bones: the femur (thigh bone). The tibia (calf bone) and the patella (kneecap).
The lower end of the femur. The upper end of the tibia and the inner surface of the patella are covered by articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is tough. It is a very smooth substance. It ensures painless and smooth movement of the knee joint.
There are two other pieces of cartilage between the ends of the femur and tibia. This is called the meniscus. It acts as a cushion.
The knee joint is enclosed in a joint capsule. The joint capsule is lined with synovial membrane. It produces synovial fluid (a sticky substance. It provides frictionless gliding). Together, the synovial fluid and meniscus act as an absorber of oscillations. During the movement of the joint. Together, they absorb the forces acting on the joint.
The tough ligament connects the femur. The tibia and patella. Covering the joint. They stabilize it. The movement of the knee is triggered and controlled by the strong muscles of the thigh and lower leg.
A healthy knee joint allows the lower extremity to move freely within its range of motion. It absorbs the impact forces from walking and running activities.
Conditions that require knee replacement
There are many conditions that make knee surgery necessary for a patient. The most common condition may be osteoarthritis. This usually means that there is wear and tear. Arthritis that shows signs of rupture. Osteoarthritis can develop in a patient without prior knee damage. It develops from wear and tear of the knee joint. The main problem with osteoarthritis is wear and tear of the joint cartilage. This causes the bones to rub against each other during movement. This leads to stiffness, swelling and pain.
Trauma to the knee joint. Fractures. Torn meniscus and ligaments lead to abnormal knee function. Degeneration can occur over many years. Mechanical abnormalities cause excessive wear and tear. Just like a badly aligned tire. It will soon wear out.
Rheumatoid arthritis and congenital diseases can also cause bone or joint breakdown. Gradually, these changes lead to the destruction of joint cartilage. These changes cause excessive wear and tear on bone and bone. Pain results.
Treatment Options
There are many ways to bring relief to your knee pain. These include lifestyle changes or taking pain medication. Another option is surgical replacement of your knee.
Knee replacement surgery includes a surface replacement of the femur. The end of the tibia and the inner surface of the patella are replaced using a synthetic material called a prosthesis. The goal of knee prosthesis design is to mimic the human anatomy to the greatest extent possible.
Based on the damage to your knee joint. Your doctor may decide to give you a total knee replacement. Or a partial knee replacement.
There are many different knee prosthesis designs, and your doctor will choose the one that is best for you.
Knee prostheses
Each knee prosthesis consists of several parts.
1. Femoral prosthesis: The end of the surface replacement femur. The femoral prosthesis consists of a metal alloy.
2. Patellar prosthesis: replaces the inner surface of the patella that rubs against the femur. The patellar prosthesis consists of plastic with a metal alloy backing plate.
3. Tibial prosthesis: can be a single or two-piece design. The single design consists of plastic. The two-piece design consists of a metal buttress attached to the bone and a plastic spacer. The plastic spacer provides a smooth surface. The femur moves over it. The plastic spacer is usually attached to the tibial brace.
Knee replacement surgery is a very well established procedure. It is safe and effective. As with all surgeries, your surgeon will ask you to do some preparation. This is to ensure the success of the surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your doctor.
The next step. It is important for you to understand what to expect before you go into the hospital. The next step is to understand what you will be asked to do before, during and when you return home to recover.
Before you go to the hospital
If you are prepared before your surgery. It will make your recovery easier and safer.
Take responsibility for the success of your surgery. As a team. Your doctor, physical therapist and your family must adopt a positive attitude toward the surgery. Working together will give you a clear understanding of what will be accomplished and the outcome of the procedure.
Try to stay proactive. Staying proactive while waiting for surgery is an important key to your success. Studies show that the stronger and more flexible you are before surgery, the faster you will recover afterwards. The faster you recover after surgery. The more flexible you are. Light exercise. For example, walking. Appropriate range of motion. Swimming. can help you stay strong and flexible. Please seek your doctor’s advice before starting any exercise.
Stop smoking. If you haven’t already done so. Stop smoking at least four weeks before your surgery. This will help you reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery.
・Ensure that the surgery clears up all infections. This includes gum abscesses, bladder infections. Lower extremity ulcers or tinea pedis. Colds and
Inflammatory diseases such as influenza. This is because infections can spread through your body during surgery. It can infect your newly replaced joint. It is important that you notify your doctor immediately that you are suspected or diagnosed with an infection of some kind. This is because they may reschedule your surgery.
You can imagine how you will face the surgery. For example, you may need someone to help you get home. Groceries, etc. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
While you are in the hospital
You should stay in the hospital in good condition before your surgery. To settle yourself down. The surgeon and anesthesiologist will come to check you out: you will also receive a heart. Chest examination, etc. This is a good opportunity for you to ask questions before surgery.
You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything on the day of surgery. The area around your knee joint may be debrided to reduce the risk of infection.
About an hour before surgery you will take a pill or have an intramuscular injection to relax you. This is the pre-operative medication. You will then be taken to the operating room for anesthesia and surgery.
The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete.
After surgery. You will be moved to the recovery room for monitoring. There will be one or two infusion drips in your arm to feed fluids into your body. When coming out of the procedure. Your lower extremities may be swollen and superficially scarred. The muscles may be stiff and sore.
Your new joint will not cause any discomfort. However, you may experience pain from the surgery itself. During your recovery. You will be given pain medication on a regular basis.
When you are fully awake. Breathing. When your blood pressure and pulse are stable. You will be taken to a hospital room. When you are ready to eat or drink. Please follow the instructions of the anesthesiologist and the surgeon who performed the surgery.
The wound on the knee surface will gradually disappear into a thin, white-colored scar.
Over the next few days. The fluids will gradually be stopped. The day after surgery your surgeon or physical therapist will help you start rehabilitation. This will allow you to start walking again. You may feel unstable and have some pain at first. You will need a walker for the first few steps. Then crutches. This process takes four to six weeks. The recovery time will of course ultimately depend on your doctor’s instructions.
Once your doctor and physical therapy are satisfied with your condition and mobility. You can be discharged from the hospital, which is usually 14-18 days for a knee replacement.
Once you return home, you will need to continue your medication on a regular basis. Continue to exercise. Follow the instructions of your physical therapist and doctor. Continuing to be proactive in your exercises is the fastest way to a full recovery.
Recovery is expected to take time to achieve full function of the lower extremity. Within a few months after surgery. After consulting with your physician, you may resume normal activities. This includes driving. Tending to your garden. Light exercise. There will be continued improvement in quality of life for the first twelve months. When you are fully recovered. Many people don’t see it. You have had an artificial knee joint fitted.
Special instructions
To minimize any risks and complications. A great deal of effort is required. But as with all other surgeries. Risks and complications are possible. The following is a list of common signs and symptoms. It can indicate the presence of complications in your new joint.
Please contact your doctor if you feel you may have a problem or experience any of the following signs or symptoms.
・A persistent body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher
Unusual redness of the wound site. Fever, oozing
・Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
・Increased pain. Not relieved by medication
・Increased pain or swelling in the lower leg
Increased swelling of lower extremities. Cannot be relieved by lower limb elevation