What to Know About Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is performed to restore function in individuals experiencing severe knee damage or arthritis. This surgery can help improve quality of life and mobility in patients that have debilitating knee pain.
If you are interested in learning more about this procedure,
You can visit the official page of Dr. Matt Barnes, a leading orthopaedic surgeon. This surgery involves the replacement of damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint with artificial implants. This is a surgery that individuals with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis etc. can undergo. There are also patients that are experiencing conditions that lead to stiffness, pain and limited mobility in the knee joint. The surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint during this procedure and it will be replaced by components made from metal and plastic that minim the function and natural function of the knee. There are also different types of knee replacement surgeries. These types will depend on where the damage is located and the extent of the damage. The entire knee joint will be replaced in a total knee replacement. The prosthetic components include the thigh bone, kneecap and shinbone surfaces. This procedure is recommended for patients with widespread arthritis that has affected all components of the knee joint.
In partial knee replacement,
One or two compartments of the knee joint will be replaced. This will generally be the lateral or medial compartment. If the damage is only confined to a specific area of the knee joint, partial knee replacement will be done so that healthy bone and ligaments can be preserved. The damaged surface of the knee can and the corresponding area of the thigh bone or femur will be replaced when it comes to a kneecap replacement. This procedure is not that common compared to a total or partial knee replacement. If an individual has persistent knee stiffness, pain, swelling and if it is difficult for them to perform daily activities even after trying conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication and modifications to the lifestyle, knee replacement surgery can be recommended to them. It is generally individuals with severe knee damage or arthritis that are considered candidates for this. The orthopaedic surgeon will check whether they have failed non-surgical treatments and still experience significant pain.
The patient has to be in good
Overall health to be a candidate for knee replacement surgery. The orthopaedic surgeon will inform them of the risks and complications that are associated with this surgery. Some of the potential risks that they will inform about are infection at the site of surgery, implant failure, injury to nerves or blood vessels, persistent stiffness or pain, loosening of the implant and limited range movement. There can also be adverse reactions to medications of anaesthesia. There is a comprehensive rehabilitation programme when it comes to recovering from a knee replacement surgery and the patients will be encouraged to start physical therapy exercises after surgery so that they can improve muscle function.