Knee arthritis (gonarthrosis) is a painful and movement-limiting disease that occurs as a result of the erosion of the cartilage tissue in the knee joint. It is initially treated with physical therapy, medication and exercises. However, if severe pain and movement restriction occur in the later period, knee arthritis surgery may become inevitable.
Who is Recommended for Knee Arthritis Surgery?
Osteoarthritis surgery occurs when the cartilage on the joint surface wears away excessively. This causes severe pain and limited movement. Not every knee osteoarthritis patient may require surgery. However, surgery is recommended in cases where conservative methods are inadequate.
The decision to undergo surgery comes into play when there is pain and difficulty moving that seriously reduces the patient's quality of life. If pain cannot be controlled despite medications and physical therapy, surgical intervention may be appropriate. If the cartilage in the knee joint is completely worn away, surgery may be the best treatment option. At the same time, surgery may be considered if the shape of the knee joint is seriously deformed.
Patients who are older and have severe knee arthritis are ideal candidates for surgery. In these people, the cartilage tissue in the knee joint is completely worn out. Those who have severe pain that prevents them from doing their daily activities may choose surgery. In addition, patients who have deformities in their knee joints may also benefit from surgery.
Surgery is also a good option for patients who are overweight and have difficulty with basic movements. However, general health status is required for knee replacement surgery. Those with severe heart, kidney or liver disease may not be suitable for surgery. Therefore, a detailed health assessment should be performed before surgery.
Knee arthritis surgery Post-operative physical therapy and rehabilitation practices are very important. Regular exercises increase the success of the surgery and the patient can quickly return to a healthy life.
Knee Arthritis Surgery Methods
Knee arthritis surgery, is preferred in cases where the cartilage tissue is worn to an advanced level and the pain restricts daily life. Surgical methods may vary depending on the patient's age, the condition of the knee joint and general health status. Three different surgical methods are generally applied. total knee replacement, partial knee replacement and arthroscopic surgery.
The most commonly used method is total knee replacement surgery. In this method, the damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint are completely removed. An artificial joint made of metal and plastic is placed in its place. Total knee replacement renews the entire joint and provides long-term results. It is generally preferred for knees that are severely worn and have limited movement.
Partial (unicondylar) knee replacement is applied in cases where only a part of the joint is damaged. This method allows the regeneration of the cartilage tissue of only the inner or outer side of the knee joint. The advantage of partial replacement is that the surgery is performed with smaller incisions and provides faster recovery. In addition, the patient's knee movements are more natural.
Arthroscopic surgery is a less invasive method. It is preferred in cases of mild and moderate arthritis. In this method, a small camera and special surgical instruments are used to enter the knee joint. Damaged tissues are cleaned, free cartilage pieces are removed, and structures inside the knee are corrected. This method is used to reduce pain and ease knee movements. However, it is not effective in advanced cases of arthritis.
When choosing a method, the patient's age, health status, movement expectations and degree of calcification are taken into consideration. knee arthritis surgery The patient's quality of life increases with the ability to move again.
Knee Arthritis Surgery Process
Knee arthritis surgery The process consists of certain stages to relieve the patient's pain and movement problems. This process usually includes pre-operative preparation, surgical intervention and post-operative rehabilitation stages.
The first stage is preoperative preparation. During this process, the doctor performs a detailed physical examination to evaluate the patient's general health. The condition of the knee joint is analyzed with tests such as X-ray, MRI or blood tests. In addition, the patient's medications and current health problems are evaluated. Before the surgery, the patient is informed about general or spinal anesthesia options.
During the surgical intervention, knee replacement surgery is usually performed. During this procedure, the worn cartilage and bone tissues in the knee joint are removed. An artificial prosthesis made of metal and plastic is placed in their place. The operation usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, and afterward, the knee area is dressed and the patient is taken to the room.
The average length of stay in the hospital after the surgery is 3-5 days. During this period, the patient uses medication for pain control and begins a physical therapy program. The knee joint is regained in motion with exercises. The patient walks with the help of crutches or a walker for a few weeks after the surgery, and eventually begins to walk independently.
Physical therapy and exercises continue after discharge. Regular exercise increases the success of knee replacement and speeds up the return to normal life. In general, the full recovery process takes 4-6 weeks. However, the patient's general health and compliance are among the factors that determine the speed of recovery.
Recovery Process After Knee Arthritis Surgery
Recovery process after knee arthritis surgery, directly affects the patient's quality of life and the success of the surgery. After the surgery, the patient usually stays in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. During this period, medication is administered for pain control and infection prevention. The day after the surgery, patients are made to stand up under the supervision of a specialist and early movement is ensured by light walking.
After being discharged from the hospital, the recovery process begins at home. During this process, it is important to support the knee with regular exercises. The exercises recommended by the doctor or physiotherapist should be done without fail. Physical therapy applications reduce swelling in the knee, increase joint movement and strengthen the muscles.
It is recommended to use a walker or cane in the first few weeks. These supportive devices reduce the load on the knee and speed up recovery. A physical therapy program should be followed for faster recovery. Daily exercises should be done regularly without interruption.
Nutrition and weight control are important during the healing process. A healthy diet helps provide the vitamins and minerals the body needs to heal. Reducing the load on the knee joints, especially if you are overweight, has a positive effect on healing.
Knee arthritis surgery Full recovery after surgery usually takes 3 to 6 months. However, the person's age, general health status and compliance with the applied physical therapy program directly affect the speed of recovery. People who exercise regularly and follow their doctor's recommendations have a more comfortable life. Their quality of life increases rapidly. It is extremely important to follow the doctor's recommendations and continue the physical therapy program for a successful recovery.
