Knee replacement is worth considering when several factors align. Those dealing with arthritis, especially enduring persistent pain while doing everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs, could benefit from this option. For those experiencing more intense discomfort that even affects their moments of rest and sleep, knee replacement offers relief. The presence of knee swelling or deformity further emphasizes the potential need for this intervention. When other paths have been extensively explored, including methods like weight loss, assistive aids, physiotherapy, and medications, knee replacement emerges as a viable solution.
Choosing knee replacement surgery offers substantial benefits. Foremost, it successfully alleviates the enduring pain connected to troublesome knees. Going beyond pain relief, this procedure fosters improved mobility, enabling individuals to reclaim their regular routines and way of life. As it tackles chronic knee inflammation through surgical means, patients often witness reduced reliance on continuous medication and physical therapy. With a remarkable history of successful outcomes, knee replacement surgery possesses the capacity to significantly amplify the overall quality of life for those advised to undergo it. It presents an opportunity to embrace a more enriching and dynamic existence, aligning harmoniously with personal aspirations.
After surgery preparations, you'll head to the operating room for proper marking by your surgeon. Post-surgery, recovery begins in the care unit until anesthesia wears off, followed by room transfer. As spinal anesthesia effects fade and leg mobility improves, physical therapy guides walking. Typically, discharge occurs within about a day after total knee replacement surgery, but timing varies based on individual factors like comfort with walking, eating, and pain management.
Before Implantation:
The process of total knee replacement surgery begins with thorough preparation. To ensure your comfort and a pain-free procedure, anesthesia will be administered. You'll have a choice between general anesthesia, which will induce a deep sleep throughout the surgery, or spinal/epidural anesthesia, which will numb you from the waist down. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgical team will proceed with making an incision over your knee joint. While the size and location of the incision may vary, it typically measures around 6 to 12 inches in length. This incision provides the access needed to perform the intricate steps of the surgery.
Implantation
With the incision made and access to the knee joint established, the surgeon delicately moves aside the surrounding muscles and tissues. This allows them to reach the damaged or arthritic surfaces of the knee joint. Utilizing specialized surgical tools, the surgeon methodically removes these damaged areas, including the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Once the affected tissues are removed, the next crucial step involves the placement of the artificial knee joint components. These components consist of both metal and plastic parts. The metal component is affixed to replace the end of the thigh bone, while the plastic component serves as a cushion positioned between the metal and the shin bone. This careful and precise implantation process is crucial for the future function and stability of the new knee joint.
After Implantation
After placing the artificial knee joint components, alignment and stability are checked before closing the incision. As you awaken in the post-anesthesia care unit, you'll recover from anesthesia effects. Physical therapy will aid your leg mobility and strength recovery, marking the start of your path to an improved and more active life with your renewed knee joint.
Before Surgery
After Surgery