What is total knee replacement?
The knee replacement surgery (arthroscopy in Delhi) or total knee prosthesis is an operation consisting of the replacement of a damaged, worn or diseased knee with an artificial joint (prosthesis).
Adults of any age can be considered for a knee replacement in Delhi, although most are performed on people between the ages of 60 and 80.
A knee replacement usually lasts more than 20 years, especially if the new knee is used correctly and is not subjected to too much stress.
Causes of total knee replacement
The most common cause of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis.
Although there are many types of arthritis, most knee pain is caused by only three types:
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis
Osteoarthritis
It usually occurs in people 50 years of age and older, but it can occur in younger people.
The cartilage that cushions the bones of the knee softens and wears out.
The bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness of the knee.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a disease in which the synovial membrane that surrounds the joint becomes inflamed and swollen.
This chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage and eventually cause the loss of cartilage, causing pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of a group of disorders called "inflammatory arthritis."
Post-traumatic arthritis
This type of knee arthritis can result from a serious knee injury.
Fractures of the bones that surround the knee or ruptures of the knee ligaments can damage the articular cartilage over time, causing pain in the knee and limiting the functioning of the knee.
Complications of total knee replacement
As with any surgery, joint replacement surgery in Delhi carries risks and complications may occur
For knee replacement surgery, these risks are low. Possible complications include:
Infection
The infection may occur at the site of the wound or around the prosthesis. It can happen while you are in the hospital or after you go home. They can even occur several years after the surgery.
Minor infections in the wound area are usually treated with antibiotics.
Major or deep infections may require another surgery to remove the prosthesis.
Any infection in your body can spread to the area of the joint that has been replaced.
Blood clots
Blood clots in the veins of the legs are one of the most common complications of knee replacement in Dwarka. These clots can be life-threatening if they break down and travel to the lungs.
Preventive measures may include:
Periodic elevation of the legs
Exercises to increase circulation in the leg
Support stockings
Medications to thin the blood.
Problems with the implant
Although implant designs and materials, as well as surgical techniques, continue to advance, the surfaces of the implant may wear out and the components may loosen.
Movement of the knee may be more limited, particularly in patients with limited mobility before surgery.
The risk of failure of the prosthesis is greater if the joint is endeavored with activities of high impact or excessive weight.
Continuous pain
A small number of patients continue to have pain after a knee replacement in West Delhi. This complication is uncommon, since the vast majority of patients experience pain relief after knee replacement.
Injury of the nerves and blood vessels
Although uncommon, injuries to nerves or blood vessels around the knee can occur during surgery.
Other complications:
Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Temporary or permanent numbness around the wound site
The amputation of the leg due to a serious wound infection of the surgery.
Paralysis of the foot due to nerve damage
Lack of blood supply to the leg due to damage to the blood vessels (which can lead to amputation).
Signs of infection
Although the risk of infection is low, notify your orthopaedic in Delhi immediately if you notice:
Fever higher than 37.8 C
Shaking chills
Secretions in the area of surgery
Increased redness, swelling and pain in the knee
An infected knee replacement usually requires surgery to remove artificial parts and antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
After the infection is controlled, another surgery must be done to install a new knee.
The chances of a good or excellent result that reduces pain and improves knee function tend to decrease with each additional surgery
How is a total knee prosthesis placed?
With the patient under anesthesia, the orthopaedic surgeon in Delhi replaces the damaged joint with an artificial prosthesis.
In the knee, the bony ends of the femur and the tibia are replaced by prosthetic components that articulate with each other and with the kneecap, which in most cases is also replaced.
A prosthesis can be implanted in other joints although the most common surgeries are those of the knee and hip.
The materials used in total prostheses are designed to allow mobility similar to that of the normal joint.
The components of the prosthesis are usually composed of a metal element that fits exactly in a plastic.
Various metals are used: stainless steel, cobalt alloys, chromium and titanium.
The plastic is an extremely durable and wear-resistant polyethylene.
A type of cement is usually used to fix the components to the bone, although there are also uncemented prostheses, which are anchored directly to the bone.
Types of knee replacement surgery
There are two main types of surgery, depending on the condition of the knee:
Total knee replacement - both sides of the knee joint are replaced
Partial knee replacement - only one side of the joint is replaced in a smaller operation with a shorter hospital stay and recovery period.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Improvements in surgical techniques, technology and materials have made knee replacement surgery one of the most successful procedures done by orthopaedic in Dwarka.
Most people experience less pain, increased movement and a better quality of life.
However, implants do not last forever. It is expected that implants should work for a minimum of 15 to 20 years in 85-90% of patients.
Over time, the wear loosens the implants and these can cause pain, have loose particles, cause infection and instability.
Once this happens, orthopaedic in West Delhi recommend undergoing revision knee surgery.
Recovery from knee replacement surgery
Usually, you will be in the hospital for three to five days, but the recovery time may vary depending on the person and the type of surgery that is performed.
Once you are able to be discharged, your hospital will give you advice about taking care of your knee at home.
You will have to use a walking frame or crutches at first and a physiotherapist in Dwarka will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee.
Most people can stop using help to walk around six weeks after surgery and start driving after approximately eight to 12 weeks.
Full recovery can take up to two years.
A very small amount of people will continue to experience some pain after two years.