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Knee Replacement Surgery
Relevant information about Knee Replacement Surgery.
The knee replacement procedure is a common surgery in the orthopedic area. Through this technique, bone around the knee is removed by using special medical instruments. Then, the bone taken is given a new and better shape, in order to be suitable. On the other hand, the upper part of the tibia is shaped as well. Next, the damaged surface is softly removed and a special metal device is set on top of the bone left.
In other words, the surface of the knee is replaced to make the patient feel better.
- Reasons to choose the procedure
In general, patients that decide to undergo a knee replacement may suffer from advanced arthritis or even a very painful injury. The fact is that those medical conditions can limit completely the every day life of the patients, so currently knee replacement becomes a good option for patients.
The first knee replacement performed worldwide took place in 1968. Thanks to the great advances of science, medical technology and techniques, the current results of the knee replacement procedure are very effective. According to official statistics, almost 600.000 knee replacements surgeries are made every year in the United States of America.
- Description of the technique
It is important to have in mind that there are two main bones related to the knee joint: the femur and the tibia. At the same time, there is the kneecap, a bone also called patella that is positioned at the end thighbone or femur. Also, a lot of ligaments from the knee sustain the femur and the tibia, keeping all of them attached and with movement ability.
The knee joint is surrounded by three bones which are covered with a cartilage. This articular cartilage is made of a soft material that allows the knee to have gentle movements. On the other hand, the left surfaces of the knee are surrounded by a membrane called synovial. This tissue has the ability of releasing a singular liquid that lubricates the knee.
Actually, the knee function involves a complex system, and every part of it should work well to be able to have the normal movements without pain. Among the most common medical conditions that can affect the normal function of the knees are: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In relation to the disease called osteoarthritis, it generally affects people who are over 50 years, and mostly to those that have any previous cases of arthritis in the family history.
Regarding rheumatoid arthritis, it is a medical condition in which the synovial membrane gets bigger and swollen, and consequently, it occupies the whole joint space causing a lot of pain. Actually, the rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation that tends to worn the cartilage and in the end origin cartilage loss, rigidity and pain. There is also a common medical condition, which is the traumatic arthritis, as a result of a severe knee injury.
There is a specific type of knee replacement that involves a much more complex procedure. Actually, to make the decision of choosing a total knee replacement is not easy, since there are numerous aspects to have into account. First of all, patients should consider that it implies a long time for recovery. However, there are many positive reasons to have into account total knee replacement, especially if patients consider benefits that it may involve. Some of these positive aspects are: not more limited activities as a consequence of severe pain, not more serious joint knee pain when resting, not more permanent knee inflammation, correction of deformities in the knees, inability to put the knees in straight position, not need of taking pain killers every day.
Regarding this last advantage, it is a very relevant one. It is pretty common for people, who suffer from some medical condition in the knees, to have medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen, in order to relief their symptoms. However, as time pass by, the mentioned drugs may turn a lot less effective, and even start causing collateral effects in the patients’ organism.
Usually, people who go through a total knee replacement are over 60 years. However, patients should take into account that specialists would consider and base their suggestion to choose a total knee replacement on patient's pain and limited movements.
- Expectations on knee replacement
An important aspect to have into account, patients should consider the real expectations and possible results of the knee replacement. According to statistics, over 90% of the people who are performed a knee replacement experience an important decrease of knee ache, as well as a great development in the capacity to follow every day life routine.
After surgery, it may take some time for patients before retaking activities such as running and other sports that imply impact on the floor.
If the patient is overweight, he or she may also find it a lot more difficult to overcome the post surgery. However, if following the instructions of the surgeons, they would be able to recover in a positive way.
Also, patients may need to plan in a very organized way how they would go from one place to another, as well as trying to avoid any places full of people that may limit their space and possibilities of movements. The patient should take the decision of whether they feel more comfortable using a wheelchair during their recovery, or if they prefer any other device to be able to move around.
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