Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves rehabbing an ill knee joint using an artificial prosthetic joint. Also, people undergoing this type of procedure are those who have advanced knee arthritis or other knee joint problems which have not been ameliorated through nonsurgical means. The procedure is done most often to reduce pain and reduce disability among people with osteoarthritis of the knee that hinders movement.
Benefits of Knee Replacement.
Pain Relief:-Major benefit: The knee Surgery replacement is highly effective to reduce or eliminate chronic pain of the knee, especially among the osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any degenerative condition.
Improved Quality of Life: Following surgery, most patients can feel relieved from debilitating pain that used to restrain their daily activities and therefore begin to do things that they may have had to shun in the past.
Enhanced Mobility and Function:-Restoration of a near-normal range of motion: The replacement of the defective knee joint with an artificial one restores a more natural range of motion, making most daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and bending the knee, easier to perform.
Better mobility: Patients can move freely with less pain and improved function, which may promote greater independence.
Improved Alignment and Stability:-Deformity Correction: If the knee joint is severely out of place, for example in a bow-legged or knock-knee condition, the joint alignment can be corrected through replacement, thus enhancing stability.
Fewer Falls: The patient feels confident walking with a well-functioning knee replacement because the instability caused by the disease process has been reduced
Greater Activity:-Many patients are able to walk, swim, and do light exercise after surgery that they could not do before.High-impact activities such as running may be limited, but cycling, walking, and other low-impact activities are encouraged to maintain overall health and fitness.
Risk and Complications
Infection:-There is an infection risk at the wound site or in the deeper tissues of 1–2%. This risk is more common to those with diabetes or any form of a weakened immunity. Antibiotics are usually administered before and after the surgery to avoid infection.
Blood clots:-Blood clots may form in the leg following surgery, and occasionally they can move to the lungs and prove fatal. Doctors may prescribe blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots. Nerve damage Nerves in the region of the knee joint may be damaged during surgery, leading to numbness, weakness, and pain. Anesthesia-related risks:-General anesthesia can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, drowsiness, sore throat, vomiting, dizziness, shivering, or breathing difficulties. Regional anesthesia causes fewer severe side effects than general anesthesia.
Dislocation:-Dislocation of the new joint is rare, but it can occur if you return to activities before you are ready
Loosening of the joint:-The new joint can loosen over time, causing pain.
Wear and tear:-The moving parts of the new joint can wear out over time, necessitating yet another operation.
Fractures:-Fractures around the replacement can occur after a fall or other injury.
Allergic reaction:-Others might be allergic to some metal parts in the artificial joint.
Recovery of Knee Replacement
Recovery from knee replacement surgery usually takes about a year, but most people can resume normal activities within 3 to 6 weeks. Factors that affect recovery time include: Activity level before surgery, Age, Other health conditions, and Whether you did knee-strengthening exercises before surgery.
Crutches:-You will probably need crutches for several weeks.
Pain:-Some pain is normal for several weeks after surgery, especially at night and when you are active.
Exercise:-You will be encouraged to have a walking program, and particular exercises for the strengthening of the knee. You may receive the initial assistance from a physical therapist.
Household activities:-You may return to ordinary activities, such as sitting, standing, and walking upstairs. You should avoid heavy housework, for example, changing bed linen, and activities that include kneeling or squatting.
Sports:-Avoid sports that have a significant twisting, pulling, jerking, or running. Examples of lower-impact activities can include swimming, hiking, gardening, golfing, and playing tennis.
Surgery incision:-You should remove the surgical bandage after five days. Your incision should remain dry and clean until your stitches or staples are removed – usually 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective treatments for patients who experience severe knee pain and dysfunction caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury. Most of the patients are relieved from pain, with improvement in mobility and overall quality of life.It is a common treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and loss of function in the knee joint.
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