Introduction and Causes
A knee replacement surgery takes place when one opts for a replacement of the joint with an artificial substitute. This is usually done when one suffers from a knee injury or arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. The damage and the pain can limit the ability of the person to flex and extend the knee. This becomes progressively worse as the deterioration of the joint along with the tissues surrounding it can make it difficult for people to carry out everyday activities, which sometimes even includes simple things like sitting and lying down. For these problems, a recommended solution is a knee replacement surgery.
The result of a knee surgery is excellent, with about 90 per cent of the people experiencing drastic pain relief after the surgery. This procedure of knee replacement started in 1968, after which it has gained many advancements. Today, total knee replacement surgery is considered one of the most effective and safest procedures when it comes to orthopedics. Hence, when you’re checking out the latest hearing aid battery price online, it is also a good idea to generally check the prices of knee replacement equipment.
The Procedure
The surgery involves the following steps:
- The surgeon removes a part of the bone and cartilage from the thighbone and shin bone area, at their meeting point, i.e., the knee joint.
- The next step is to replace the knee area of the thighbone with an implant made of metal. On the other hand, the knee area of the shinbone is replaced with a plastic implant.
- This allows both the bones of the knee joint to get smooth surfaces so that they can be flexed and bent freely and without effort and pain.
- In numerous cases, the surgeon replaces the undersurface of the kneecap with a plastic coating of sorts.
Types
The knee replacement surgery can be partial or total. To understand the two, it is important to note that the knee is divided into three compartments:
- Medical
- Lateral
- Anterior
A partial replacement is necessary only when one part of the knee’s cartilage is damaged. However, total knee replacements are done when diseases like impact the entire knee.
Research for Preparation
It is important to research everything you can as a patient. This includes research for a good surgeon to checking prices of knee caps online. Once you’ve chosen a doctor and done the necessary research in terms of equipment that will be used and the financial cost, it is time to follow the doctor’s orders for the best results. Another way to maximize the recovery post the operation is to get involved in a ‘pre-surgery’ protocol which involves exercises that help in strengthening the muscles around the knee.
Time Duration of the Surgery
The approximate time the surgery takes is 30 to 60 minutes, and combined with the prep time and anesthesia, it takes about two hours for the entire thing to get over.
Anesthesia Used
The surgical anesthesia that is used for a total knee replacement is a spinal anesthetic as well a local anesthetic. The spinal anesthetic is used to numb the legs during the surgery and for a few hours after that. A local anesthetic is used for the knee. A new advancement made in this area is the usage of a ‘nerve block’ which has the capacity to extend pain relief even in the days that follow the procedure.
Post-Surgery
The outcome and the pain after the surgery depends on the individual. However, the best way to manage it is to prevent it from starting in the first place. Medication like the opioid medication is used to relieve the immediate and severe post-operative sensation. Patients are, however, exhorted to use non-narcotic medication soonest, as it is better for the health in the long term. Most knee replacement surgeries require around one or two nights in the hospital, but it according to the surgeon involved.
Recovery time
The full time-period for knee replacement surgery is one year. This one year can be divided into three phases:
First phase: Involves the first six weeks in which the patient may experience a reduction in the swelling and better movement.
Second phase: Includes the next three to five months which will help the patient build endurance and muscle strength with the help of regular activities and prescribed exercises. One may be recommended to purchase knee support or knee cap online for further support.
Third phase: Refers to the final six months, when there is increased strength and better mobility.