Artificial joint replacement refers to the use of metal, polymer polyethylene, ceramic and other materials to make artificial joint prosthesis according to the form, structure and function of human joints, which is implanted into the human body through surgical techniques to replace the function of the diseased joint and achieve the purpose of relieving joint pain and restoring joint function.
Knee replacement surgery allows patients with severe knee osteoarthritis to walk easily again.
Wear and tear, joint pathology such as infection, trauma and other factors may damage the cartilage on the surface of the knee bone, and once the cartilage is damaged, the knee joint may become painful when walking and other symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, such as not being able to walk 500 meters in a row or having pain at night when resting, then your doctor may recommend knee replacement.
What is a knee replacement?
In knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes worn or damaged cartilage and some bone tissue from the knee joint and replaces it with a set of artificially made joint surfaces. This procedure, also called knee arthroplasty or knee surface replacement, is one of the most common and well-established procedures in orthopedics.
What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?
The most common inflammatory conditions of the knee include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis. Regardless of the type of arthritis, the primary symptoms of knee arthritis are pain, swelling, and stiffness. As the disease progresses, the pain and stiffness increase to the point where walking becomes increasingly difficult or even impossible. Of course, the symptoms of arthritis vary from one type of arthritis to another.
Osteoarthritis of the knee
As the body ages, the smooth cartilage that covers the surface of the knee joint wears away until one day, the bones of the knee joint start to rub against each other. This results in increasingly painful movement of the knee joint. This wear and tear of the cartilage and the surrounding bone growth is called osteoarthritis and is quite common in people over the age of 50.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic form of joint damage caused by the autoimmune system mistakenly attacking its own joints, which is characterized by pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis sometimes occurs in only one knee joint, but rheumatoid arthritis usually affects both joints. The disease can also affect the hip, wrist, interphalangeal joints and foot. Rheumatoid may also have other systemic symptoms, such as fever and fatigue.
Traumatic arthritis
Another type of arthritis begins after an injury to a joint, such as a fracture or damage to the ligaments or meniscus of the knee. This type of arthritis does not necessarily appear immediately after the injury. The damaged bone causes the joint surface to become uneven and the articular cartilage to wear down faster, resulting in arthritis and pain in the joint for some time after the injury.
When is it time to consider surgery?
When other non-surgical treatments for your knee osteoarthritis, such as physical therapy and medications, have not been effective, along with one of the following conditions.
1. You are unable to walk more than 500 meters without difficulty.
2. It is very difficult to sit on the sofa or to get up.
3. Your knee joint is bent inward or outward.
You need knee replacement surgery!
Improve the setup in your home.
If you decide to have knee replacement surgery, it is a good idea to improve some of the facilities in your home before the surgery.
1. install grab bars by the bathtub.
2. check anything such as carpets that could make you fall.
3. Purchase a walker to use when walking and getting up.
Follow your doctor’s advice and exercise carefully for a few weeks after surgery.
What will the doctor do during the surgery?
Knee replacement surgery usually lasts 1-2 hours. The surgeon removes the damaged joint cartilage and part of the bone. A smooth, hard-wearing spacer is inserted between the surfaces so that the joint can be moved painlessly.
Hospitalization
You will be hospitalized for about 1 week after the surgery. The doctor will give you pain medication and anti-thrombotic medication. You should try to move your affected limb according to the doctor’s instructions. The muscle contraction will not only eliminate the swelling but also prevent the formation of blood clots in the limb.
How long is the recovery period after going home?
You will be able to walk with the assistance of a walker after you return home from the hospital. However, you may not be able to perform household tasks such as bathing and cooking on your own for 6 weeks after surgery. Couples may also have to wait until 6-8 weeks after surgery. Exercise after surgery should be gradual; too much will cause swelling and pain; too little will slow recovery. Follow the doctor’s instructions for review and respond to the attending surgeon in a timely manner if there are any conditions.
Each patient has a different age and body type, and the recovery period is not the same. I have the following general recommendations.
1. general housekeeping activities for 3-6 weeks.
2.Sex life: 4-6 weeks.
3.Swimming: 6-8 weeks.
4.Work: 8-12 weeks.
Rehabilitation treatment
If available, I recommend that post-knee replacement patients go to the rehabilitation department for a period of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation therapy focuses on strength exercises and mobility exercises for the affected limb. Once the correct exercises are known, you can exercise on your own at home. You will need to keep up with your systematic rehabilitation exercises every day for at least 8 weeks after surgery.
What are the risks of the surgery?
Knee replacement is a well-established procedure and is safe for most patients. However, all surgical procedures carry certain risks, including.
1. possible numbness or pain around the scar.
2. wound infection or severe bleeding.
3. blood clots in the lower extremities.
Problems with Artificial Knee Prosthesis
The knee prosthesis has evolved and progressed over the last 100 years of its invention and has become very sophisticated, but it is not yet perfect. Artificial joints can also wear out over time, or gradually loosen from the patient’s bones. Scar tissue can grow around the artificial joint, but a certain amount may limit the movement of the joint. Even if the joint moves normally, you may hear a clattering sound in the knee joint when you move it.
There are several things you can do to prolong the life of your artificial joint: Use a walker or crutches until you are well balanced and walking on your own. Avoid falls and keep activities that impact the joint, such as jumping and impact sports, to a minimum.
Life after joint replacement
Although some activities are no longer appropriate after a joint replacement, there are still many activities you can participate in. Examples include walking, swimming, golf, hiking, biking, dancing, etc. By following my series of recommendations, 85% of patients will be able to use their artificial joints for more than 20 years.