What is total knee replacement?
Knee arthroplasty, or knee replacement surgery, can help reduce discomfort and restore function in severely damaged knee joints. The treatment entails removing diseased bone and cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing them with an artificial joint (prosthesis) composed of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.
An orthopedic surgeon evaluates your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength to determine if a knee replacement is appropriate. X-rays help determine the degree of the damage. When recommending a knee replacement prosthesis and surgical procedure, your doctor will evaluate your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.
When should you see a doctor for a Total knee replacement
Knee replacement surgery is frequently required when the knee joint has become worn or injured, limiting your movement and causing discomfort even while you are resting.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee replacement surgery. The following medical conditions can also cause knee damage:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a kind of arthritis that disturbs the joints.
Hemophilia
Gout
Abnormalities in the growth of bones
Knee deformity accompanied with discomfort and cartilage loss
Advantages of Total Knee Replacement
It reduces pain and improves knee function
Improved range of motion
Earlier return to activities
Immediate physical therapy
What to expect after knee replacement?
Knee replacement for most patients gives pain relief, increased mobility, and a higher quality of life. Most knee replacements can last up to 25 years.
Most daily tasks, such as grocery shopping and minor cleaning, can be resumed three to six weeks after surgery. If you can bend your knee far enough to sit in a car, have adequate muscular control to use the brakes and accelerator, and aren’t still on narcotic pain drugs, you can drive about three weeks after your surgery.
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and golfing can be resumed after recuperation. However, it would help if you stayed away from activities with a higher impact, such as running, skiing, tennis, and other sports requiring contact or leaping. Consult your physician about any limits you may have.