Total knee replacement surgery is more common than it seems. Walking is one of the essentials as eating is for the body; none of the tasks can be performed without walking. Even to get a glass of water, we have to walk and get it. People suffering from knee injury become very helpless as they need help and support to perform every task. Though there are various medicines, exercises, therapies and support systems, still people require a total knee replacement as none of the other methods provides pain relief.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
A knee replacement surgery is also known as knee arthroplasty which is a surgical procedure that involves cutting of damaged bone and then replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis). The prosthesis is made up of metal alloys, high grade plastics and polymers.
Procedure:
- Preparation of the bone: The damaged cartilage is removed from the ends of femur and tibia. A small segment of the bone is also removed.
- Position of metal implants: The removed cartilage and bone is replaced with metal to create the surface of the joint.
- Resurface the patella (Knee cap): The surface below the kneecap is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button. But some doctors skip this procedure.
- Insert a spacer: A plastic spacer which is specially designed is inserted between the metal components in order to provide smooth movement.
Cause
Knee problems can be caused by various reasons. People suffering from arthritis are the majorly affected by it. Old age people are also affected by it greatly which is a natural phenomenon; as bone tensile strength decreases at this age. But there are many other reasons for knee replacement surgery such as accidents, sports injury, and knee injury by lifting heavy weights during exercise etc.
Treatment or type of surgery
- Physical therapy: Initially, doctors recommend physical therapy to avoid surgery. It works better when the inflation is low and there is no immobilization. The therapist tries to work to restore motion and muscle strength back to normal. A lot of different techniques are used in order to make the injured leg support the weight of the body.
- Immobilization: In case of knee injury, immobilization cast is recommended. It helps the knee to rest and allow the bones, tendons and ligaments to heal at a faster rate. The doctor recommends not putting weight on the injured leg and asks the patient to use crutches for some duration.
- Surgery: In worse cases, where no other method is left to relieve the patient from the pain, surgery becomes the last option. A fractured knee cap needs to be fixed which requires plates, wires, screws and pins to restructure the bone. The entire process is complicated and must be executed with absolute precision.
- Medication: In case of minor injury or muscle stretch usually medication is prescribed. Some of the patients respond well to the medication and the healing begins without any major setbacks. But if there is no progress in the condition, then the doctor recommends other options as per the patients’ requirement.
Risks
There are many risks factors involved in a total knee replacement surgery:
- Infection
- Blood clots in the veins
- The body rejects the artificial knee cap
- Nerve damage during or after the surgery
- Heart attack in people with blood pressure issues
- Paralysis (rarely)
- Stroke
Why Eternal Hospital?
At Eternal Hospital, we have a highly qualified and dedicated team of doctors who are always committed to providing the latest and most advanced medical care to all our patients. Being a trusted name in healthcare, we act compassionately while ensuring confidentiality to those who need it. We have set high standards in patient-centric premium care and outstanding patient safety, and exceptional maintenance in a timely manner. In addition, we adhere to the use of up-to-the-minute innovations to offer state-of-the-art treatments to our patients with unparalleled results.
