Knee replacement usually involves replacing a knee joint with artificial material. It is usually needed when the joint is damaged or worn out to a point it causes pain even when not in motion. Knee replacement surgeries are more common with aged people in the bracket of 60-80.
How does a knee replacement work?
In this procedure, a part of the thighbone (also known as femur) is replaced with a metal prosthesis. Also, a part of the lower leg (also known as the tibia) is also replaced with a plastic piece that has a metal stem. The new artificial components work in conjunction to perform the function of the joint and give the patient renewed mobility without any pain.
Total knee replacement usually involves more bone being removed and deeper incisions being made. During this procedure, the patient is usually under general anesthesia. In some cases, even epidural anesthetic is used where the patient is not unconscious but does not feel pain.
An alternative to this is a partial knee replacement. In this case, only one of the bones is worked on. This procedure is usually recommended for younger individuals since they have more time to heal.
The most common cause of knee replacement is osteoarthritis. Other causes of knee replacement are Rheumatoid Arthritis, hemophilia, knee deformity or any injury to the knees.
It is important to note that this is only performed when all other options like physiotherapy and medication have been tried and tested and to no avail. It is also done when the wear and tear to the joint are beyond repair. In such cases, knee replacement surgery is performed. Whether it is partial or total will depend on the extent of damage and the age of the patient to a great extent.
It is also important to ensure adequate post-operative care for the patient to achieve the benefit of the surgery and the superpath hip replacement surgeons.
