Knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery
A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. The knee is a hinge joint which provides motion at the point where the thigh meets the lower leg. The thigh bone (or femur) abuts the large bone of the lower leg (tibia) at the knee joint. During a total knee replacement, the end of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg bone (tibia) is also removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece with a metal stem. Depending on the condition of the kneecap portion of the knee joint, a plastic "button" may also be added under the kneecap surface.
Source: MedicineNet.com - expert article about Total Knee Replacement surgery with illustrations ...
How Does Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Differ From Total Knee Replacement?
Arthritic knee joints may be repaired either partially or totally - known as partial knee replacement and total knee replacement. A partial knee replacement is also called unicompartmental or "UNI". If the bone disease is restricted to the inner side of the knee (the 'medial' side), the surgeon will simply reshape those damaged surfaces. The repaired surfaces on that one side of the knee are then partially covered with a combination of metal and plastic bearings. For this reason, a UNI knee replacement is considered less invasive and can provide much shorter recovery times from the operation.
Source: MedicalNewsToday.com - medical news and important information about knee replacement ...
Knee Replacement Surgery
When a knee is so severely damaged by disease or injury, an artificial knee replacement may be considered. Approximately 500,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the US. The most common age for knee replacement is between ages 60 to 80 years old.
Who might be a candidate for knee replacement?
The most common condition that results in the need for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that results from a knee injury can also lead to degeneration of the knee joint. In addition, fractures, torn cartilage, and/or torn ligaments also can lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint over the years.
The decision to replace the painful knee with an artificial one is a joint decision between you and your physician. Other alternative treatments may first be used, including assistive walking devices and anti-inflammatory medications.
Source: University of Virginia - introduction to knee replacement surgery ...
Total Knee Arthroplasty
Total knee replacement in some form has been practiced for over 50 years. The complexities of the knee joint only began to be understood 30 years ago. Because of this, total knee replacement initially was not as successful as Sir John Charnley's artificial hip. However, dramatic advancements in the knowledge of knee mechanics have led to design modifications that appear to be durable.
Total knee arthroplasty. Radiograph of an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated total knee replacement. No gaps present in the bone-prosthesis junction, indicating incorporation of the bone onto the prosthesis.
Significant advances have occurred in the type and quality of the metals, polyethylene, and, more recently, ceramics used in the prosthesis manufacturing process, leading to improved longevity. As with most techniques in modern medicine, more and more patients are receiving the benefits of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Source: A comprehensive view of total knee arthroplasty by Dr. Simon H Palmer, NHS ...
Should I have knee replacement surgery?
This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor's recommendation.
Key points in making your decision:
How you and your doctor decide upon treatment for your osteoarthritis of the knee depends on variables such as your age and activity level, and the degree of pain and disability you are experiencing. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Knee replacement surgery may be a consideration if other treatments, including exercise, medicines, physical therapy, and modification of daily activities, have failed to significantly relieve your symptoms.
- Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery requires daily exercises for several weeks.
- Osteoarthritis may continue to erode the bones of the knee, and some people may need to have their knee replaced again. However, over 90% of knee replacement surgeries last for at least 15 years.
Source: Yahoo answers - address the question of having knee replacement surgery ...
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