Knee Replacement

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Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty is a medical procedure performed to repair the damaged bone and cartilage from the affected area. To fill the vacant area, the doctors use metal alloys or high-grade plastics and polymers in operation. A rather uncommon fact about a knee replacement is that there are alternative procedures one can try before surgery. These include physical therapy, medications, assistive device. In addition, a patient can also opt for partial knee replacement designed to limit the effects of osteoarthritis to a specific part of the joint. However, with such a procedure, patients require additional precautions to make sure that arthritis does not spread.

Indications Every disorder has its own symptoms. You might need an operation for the below-listed symptoms. Have a look.

• Stiffness in climbing the stairs.
• You have a bowed knee.
• Severe pain in walking.
• Swelling in knees.
• Nagging pain bothers you while sleeping or resting.

Before proceeding for a knee surgery your doctor will check your medical history and perform a physical check exam. These exams include blood tests and possibly an X-ray to figure out the actual damaged area in your knee. Tests are done to check the strength in muscles around the knee and the ability to rotate and move it properly. In addition to this, your history of infections is also checked.

The operating process has become more efficient due to the technical advancements. If you are healthy enough, the surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure and if performed in a hospital, a stay of 2 to 5 days is expected. The specialist shaves your skin on the area of the incision. Also, general anesthesia is given to make you unconscious during the operation. A 7 to 9 inch of cut is made in front of the knee to take out the damaged part of joint and implant the artificial knee. This procedure takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Also, this type of operation is known as minimally invasive surgery.

Again, if you are healthy enough, you can expect to be at your feet within two days. It might be difficult initially but it gets easy using supporters like a cane or a walker. Also, you might need a therapist to strengthen the muscles near your repaired knee.

As is the case with any complex medical procedure, there are certain complications and risks involved with a total knee replacement surgery. As a result of which, many doctors recommend seeking a second opinion or even a third before getting surgery. If it is such a condition which is treatable with medicine, then getting a replacement surgery should be the last resort. Here are some of the complications and risks involved with the procedure

• Blood clots in the legs.
• Urinary Tract Infection: A urinary tract infection or UTI is such an infection which can affect kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
• After the procedure, there may be a slight complication with the legs involving a difference in length.
• There is also a possibility of an allergic reaction to the material used for the knee replacement procedure.