Although knee pain is experienced for different reasons, one of the most common causes of knee pain is wear and tear on the cartilage structure which carry almost the entire weight of the body. One of the most effective solutions for this condition, also called calcification, is knee replacement surgery.
What is Knee Replacement?
“What is a knee replacement?” It is one of the topics of interest. This prosthesis system is a technique of covering the knee joint, which is worn out for various reasons, with a material consisting of metals and implants. The aim of this surgery is to cut the contact between the damaged joint surfaces and thus to obtain a joint that allows easy walking without pain.
What are the Types of Knee Prosthesis?
Knee prosthesis types are divided into two different groups as partial knee prosthesis and total knee prosthesis. In partial knee prosthesis, the damaged part of the knee is replaced. In total knee replacement, two or three parts of the knee are replaced at the same time.
In Which Situations Is Knee Prosthesis Applied?
“Why is knee replacement performed and in which cases it is applied?” are other topics of interest. Prosthesis application to the knees is applied in patients with joint wear. This wear may occur as a result of aging, infection, rheumatic disease and traumas experienced by the person. Prosthesis application is also preferred for problems such as limitation of movement, difficulty in walking, pain and friction caused by the wear of the cartilage.
How is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
“How is knee replacement surgery performed?” The answer to the question can be answered as an open surgical method is used for this procedure. With this surgery, firstly, the joint surfaces that are damaged and worn are cleaned. During this procedure, the kneecap is not removed and the areas at the ends of the bones are removed and the prosthesis is placed on the bone. It is placed on the thigh bone and shinbone in order to maintain the normal function of the knee. With this placement, bone contact is eleminated and the pain experienced by the person is eliminated. In addition, robotic knee replacement surgery is also performed by open surgery.
What causes knee pain and loss of function in the knee?
Although there are many different causes, if knee pain is experienced for many years, it is arthritis. This condition can be seen in different forms such as traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis: The cartilage tissue, which acts as a cushion at the ends of the knee bones, softens over time and as a result wear and tear damage develops. This lost cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other while in motion and causes pain. In addition, joint damage begins with the friction of the bones. This condition, called osteoarthritis, usually occurs in people over the age of 50 who have a family history of knee wear.
Joint inflammation (inflammatory arthritis): Swelling and inflammation of the cartilage tissue covering the joint. As this situation progresses, wear occurs in the cartilage tissue and the joint structure hardens.
Injury – traumatic arthritis: This condition usually develops as a result of a serious injury to the knee. A joint injury is seen when the person falls or receives a strong blow to the knee. If this injury does not heal properly, too much weight can be placed on the joint. In this case, cartilage wears out over time.
For whom is knee replacement surgery suitable?
It is extremely important that the complaints and symptoms are well observed in the patient who needs knee replacement surgery. In addition, radiological results should be evaluated well at this stage. Because one of the biggest purposes of prosthesis application is to create comfort in the person. The most important factor that necessitates the application of knee prosthesis is that the patient has a walking problem. Especially if the patient has knee pain while walking the distance he could walk before, surgery is necessary. In addition, if the patient has difficulty in going up and down stairs, if there is noise in his knee during movement, if he cannot get up when sitting on a chair, if the deformity of the knee can be seen in the x-ray film and if there is pain at night, a prosthesis is applied to the person.
What is done before Knee Replacement surgery?
Before the operation, the patient undergoes a general examination. With this examination, the general health status of the patient is checked and the complaints experienced are observed. If there are additional conditions experienced by the person, these symptoms are also checked. In addition to these findings, a physical examination is performed to evaluate the patient's knee movement, muscle strength and leg condition. At this stage, radiological imaging should be performed to determine the degree of deformity caused by the destruction of the patient's knee. In the last stage, the patient is carefully examined for infection. In this direction, the patient is checked in the internal medicine, dermatology and dental departments and his suitability for surgery is assessed. A special soap/shampoo is given to the patient who is found suitable for surgery and whose surgery date has been finalized, and is asked to wash 1 day before the surgery. Thus, germs in the body that may pose a risk of infection after surgery are removed from the body.
What are the prices of knee replacements?
Knee replacement prices are one of the most frequently asked questions. Knee replacement surgery prices vary according to the material of the prosthesis to be applied to the person, the technique to be used in the surgery and the general condition of the patient. How long the patient will stay in the hospital after the procedure is also decisive in terms of knee replacement prices.
How many hours does knee replacement surgery take?
This surgery takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. However, it should be noted that this period will vary according to the general condition of the patient.
What should be considered after knee replacement surgery?
The person should pay attention to some points after knee replacement surgery. So, what should be considered after knee replacement surgery? Things to pay attention to can be listed as follows:
- After the surgery, the patient should avoid movements that will force the knee prosthesis too much and positions such as long squatting. However, the person can walk, run, swim and cycle after the surgery.
- For the long-lasting use of the prosthesis, it is also important for the person to control weight and exercise regularly.
- It is also important for patients who have undergone surgery to report that they have received knee replacement treatment before dental or similar surgeries.
Will there be pain after knee replacement surgery?
“Is there any severe pain after knee replacement surgery?” The answer to the question is among the questions that are wondered. Pain may be experienced after knee replacement surgery. However, pain can be minimized with drugs given to the patient in appropriate doses before and after the surgery. Pain after surgery is experienced within the first 24 hours and gradually decreases over time. 2-3 weeks after the operation, the person may experience pain after the stitches are removed.
What should be considered regarding post-operative nutrition?
“How should nutrition be after knee replacement surgery?” It is another issue that patients and their relatives wonder about. During this period, patients do not need to follow a special diet, but it is important that the person maintains an optimal weight control. Therefore, the patient should pay attention to a balanced diet.
When should you walk after knee replacement surgery?
Climbing stairs after knee replacement surgery and when to walk after surgery are among the topics that are wondered. Patients who come out of the surgery stood up on the same day or 1 day later and are allowed to walk with the help of a cane. The distance that the patient will walk in this process is closely related to his general condition. After 1-2 days following this process, the patient is allowed to climb stairs. The patient should stop using the walking stick after 2 weeks.
What kind of exercises are done after knee replacement surgery?
Exercises after knee replacement surgery include walking and climbing stairs to strengthen the front and back of the thigh. In addition, straight leg lifting, knee bending and pressing movements with a pillow are among the knee prosthesis exercises. So, what are the exercise movements after knee replacement surgery?
Quadriceps exercises: To perform this exercise, the back should be against the head of the bed and the legs should be extended. Then the back of the leg should be strongly pressed to the bed. Thus, the muscles that pull the kneecap towards the hip are tightened. Another exercise to be done is when you are lying on your back, while the knee is in a fully extended position, the foot is lifted up and waited for 5 seconds, and then the starting position is taken.
What are the signs of loosening knee replacement?
Prosthetic loosening is possible. This loosening may be caused by infection. The symptoms called prosthesis loosening are as follows:
- The first symptom is pain. Especially in the early period, pain may be experienced when the patient steps on his foot. In the following periods, the person may experience this pain while sleeping.
- Hearing sounds that the person has not heard before during movement may be a symptom.
- Changes in the shape of the legs are also a sign of loosening of the prosthesis.
- Difficulty in performing movements such as curling, which can be done easily before, must be taken into account.
What are the symptoms of infection in knee replacement?
Infection is one of the most common complications after knee replacement surgery. In this context, “What are the signs of infection after knee replacement surgery?” The question can be answered as follows:
- Experiencing pain that the patient did not experience before
- Redness and swelling in the area
- Fever / cold
Can those who have knee replacement surgery have CT and MRI?
Whether CT and MRI can be performed after knee replacement surgery is among the questions that are wondered. As a result of developments in the field of medicine in recent years, all knee prostheses are compatible with radiological imaging such as CT and MR.
Should varicose stockings be used after knee replacement surgery?
It is necessary for the person to use varicose stockings for 3 weeks in order not to have a clot problem after the surgery. However, blood thinners are also given to the patient to use for only 3 weeks.
How long does the knee prosthesis last?
“How long will a knee replacement last?” It is one of the frequently asked questions. The material in the prosthesis has a lifespan rather than the knee prosthesis itself, and the life of this material is 25 years on average. However, this period is directly related to the way the patient takes care of the prosthesis.
Is edema experienced after knee replacement?
After the operation, there may be some swelling and edema in the treated area. These swellings and edemas subside on their own over time.
How long does complete recovery take after knee replacement surgery?
“When will it heal after knee replacement surgery?” The answer to the question is that the patient stands up immediately after the operation. However, it takes 2 weeks for the person to be able to walk without a cane.
