Knee Replacement

Overview -

Knee replacement surgery, commonly known as ACL reconstruction, is a procedure that replaces the kneecap arthroplasty, can help severely damaged knee joints relieve pain and restore function. During the treatment, damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap are removed and replaced with a prosthesis consisting of metal alloys, high-grade resins, and polymers.

An orthopaedic surgeon evaluates your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength to see if a knee replacement is correct for you. X-rays can help you figure out how much damage you have.

Depending on your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health, your doctor can pick from a number of knee replacement prostheses and surgical approaches.

Why it's done -

Arthritis is the most prevalent reason for knee replacement surgery. It relieves severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. For patients who require knee replacement surgery, walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs are all frequent issues. Even while they are at rest, some persons have knee discomfort.

For more information related to Knee Replacement Surgery, Please visit Medipulse hospital website or Orthopaedics and Trauma departments of Our hospital to get an expert opinion on your problem

Surgery Procedure -

Step 1: Making the knee incision

To obtain access to the patella, also known as the kneecap, the surgeon creates an incision across the front of your knee. The incision in a standard knee replacement is typically 8 to 10 inches long. The incision in minimally invasive knee surgery is usually 4 to 6 inches long. The verdict is yet out on whether the benefits of a smaller scar outweigh the disadvantages of a smaller surgical region. Consult your doctor to determine which procedure is best for you.

Step 2: Rotating the patella (kneecap)

The patella, often termed as the kneecap, is the first part of the knee to be visible. After your knee is opened, the surgeon transfers the patella outside the knee region. The surgeon will be able to observe the region where the operation will be conducted as a result of this.

Step 3: Preparing the femur (thighbone)

The femur, often known as the thighbone, is the first bone to be resurfaced by your surgeon. The surgeon will carefully measure your bones and make precise incisions with sophisticated devices after your knee joint has been opened and exposed. At the femur's end, the diseased bone and cartilage are removed. The end of your femur is resurfaced and sliced to suit the first section of the prosthetic knee, the femoral component.

Step 4: Implanting the femoral component

The surgeon will connect the metal femoral component to the end of your femur and cement it in place.

Step 5: Preparing the tibia (shinbone)

Your tibia, or shinbone, is the next bone your surgeon will resurface. Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the top of the tibia, and the bone is then shaped to match the metal and plastic tibial components.

Step 6: Implanting the tibial component

The tibial tray, the bottom half of the implant, is placed to the tibia and fixed in place using bone cement. The surgeon will snap in a polyethylene (medical-grade plastic) insert between the tibial tray and the femoral component to act as a buffer after the tray is in place. As you bend and flex your knee, this insert will give support for your body.

Step 7: Re-adjusting the patella

In order to guarantee a proper fit with the remainder of your implant, the surgeon may need to flatten the patella and equip it with an additional plastic component before returning it to its natural position. If necessary, the plastic component is bonded to the underlying bone.

Step 8: Finalizing the procedure

Your surgeon will flex and bend the knee to confirm that the implant is functioning well and that the alignment, size, and location are appropriate. To finish the treatment, the surgeon will stitch or staple the incision closed, wrap it, and prepare you for recuperation. You may be able to leave the operating room with your leg in a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, which will gently bend and flex your new knee while you are lying down.

Risk and complications -

Knee replacement surgery, like any surgery, carries risks. They include

• Stroke

• Nerve damage

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Blood clots in the legs or lungs

• Loosening or wearing out of the prosthesis

• Fracture

• Continued pain or stiffness

Signs of infection -

Notify your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C)

• Shaking chills

• Drainage from the surgical site

• Increasing redness, tenderness, swelling and pain in the knee

An infected knee replacement usually requires surgery to remove the artificial parts and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. After the infection is cleared, another surgery is performed to install a new knee.

Artificial knees can break down with time, the failure of the prosthetic joint is another risk of knee replacement surgery. Even the toughest metal and plastic parts corrode with time. If you put too much stress on a joint by doing high-impact activities or carrying too much weight, it is more likely to fail.

DO’s

• You should walk and exercise every day to keep your knee in a comfortable condition while you go about your regular activities.

• Apply an ice pack to any swelling or soreness that continues.

• If you have swelling in your leg, elevate it for one hour twice a day.

• Your physiotherapist must train you on how to properly utilise a walker and cane when walking.

• Always use toilets in Western countries.

DON’TS

• Avoid twisting your knee.

• Avoid putting undue strain or load on your knee.

• Never place a cushion or a roll on top of your knee. When resting in bed, always keep your knees straight.

• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

• Do not drive for 6 to 8 weeks. Start driving only when you are pain-free and totally recovered.

Insurance Covered – Following insurances are covered for Knee Replacement Surgery -

The average length of stay - entails 6 days in hospital & 4-16 weeks to fully recover.

Doctors who perform Knee Replacement Surgery procedure :