What is Knee Replacement?
Knee prosthesis is a method used since the 60s and is an artificial joint made of specially shaped materials. It provides patients with problems in their knees and joints with the opportunity to move more comfortably and without pain. One of the biggest problems of elderly people is knee pain. Most of them complain that their knees and legs hurt. A comfortable life can be returned with knee prosthesis surgery.
When Should Knee Replacement Be Performed?
There are two important reasons for knee replacement surgery due to arthritis.
1- The patient's pain-free walking distance falls below 300 meters,
2- If the patient has to use painkillers every day, a prosthesis must be made. Patients who have to take painkillers every day may experience kidney and liver damage due to the drugs.
It is beneficial to perform knee replacement surgery to increase the patient's walking distance and prevent the need for painkillers.
In What Situations Is Knee Replacement Performed?
Knee replacement surgery can be applied to people who have intense pain in their knees, who cannot relieve their knee pain despite many methods, who have difficulty walking and doing their daily work, and patients with joint cartilage problems. Knee replacement surgery can be applied in cases of knee arthritis, fractures and injuries. You can get more comprehensive information about the surgery by searching for knee replacement surgery watch on the internet. The price of knee replacement surgery is also more affordable today due to the increase in methods and the increase in application.
Who Should Use Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is usually applied to patients with severe arthritis in the knee. Most patients with knee replacement are between the ages of 60-80; however, each patient is evaluated individually by the doctor; the decision for surgery is made not by age but by the degree of pain and disability of the patient. There are successful prosthesis applications for young patients as young as 16 and elderly patients as old as 90. The price of knee replacement surgery is also more affordable today due to the increase in methods and the increase in the number of applications.
What to Expect from an Artificial Knee?
Total diz protezine karar verirken önemli bir nokta bu cerrahinin neleri sağlayıp neleri sağlayamayacağının bilinmesidir. Yapay bir dizin tamamen normal diz gibi olması beklenmemelidir. Ancak iyi yapılan bir ameliyat ile ağrılarınız en az 20-25 yıl süre geçmiş olacaktır. Eğer eşlik eden başka sağlık sorunlarınız yok ise günlük normal aktivitelerin çoğunu rahatlıkla yapabilirsiniz. Doktorunuzun talimatları ile yapay diziniz ile spor aktivitelerin e katılabilir bazı ağır işleri bile yapabilirsiniz. Dizlerinde hareket kısıtlılığı olan hastaları %90′ ı total diz protezi sonrası daha iyi bir hareket açıklığına sahip olur. Ancak protez ile süper bir atlet performansına sahip olamayacağınızı ve kireçlenme gelişmeden önce de yapamadığınızdan daha fazlasını yapamayacağınızı bilmeniz gerekmektedir. Cerrahi sonrası hayatınızın geri kalan kısmında futbol, basketbol gibi kontak sporları yapamayacak, kendinizi çok zorlamamak şartı ile tenis oynayabilecek, kısa mesafeli koşular yapabileceksiniz.
Are There Alternatives to Knee Replacement?
In addition to knee replacement surgery, patients who have difficulty walking and severe pain due to a broken knee joint can undergo joint freezing surgery. Joint freezing surgery is preferred for people who do physically demanding work. However, if both knee joints are broken together, it is dangerous to perform freezing on both knees. Today, joint freezing surgery is decreasing because it causes severe movement restriction. People prefer a mobile knee joint instead of a frozen knee joint.
How Long Can a Prosthesis Be Used?
The lifespan of a prosthesis may vary depending on the technique used and the patient's usage. A prosthesis that is fitted with a good method can last approximately fifteen years. Of course, there are conditions that affect the lifespan of the prosthesis. The lifespan of the prosthesis may be shortened in people with osteoporosis.
Does Total Knee Replacement Have a Lifespan?
The metal and plastic parts that make up a total knee prosthesis wear out over time due to the friction that occurs during movement. The body's response to the metal and plastic pieces that are too small to be seen with the naked eye as a result of wear can cause the prosthesis to separate from the bone it is attached to and become loose. The lifespan of knee prostheses made using appropriate surgical techniques and modern prosthesis designs has been extended to 25-30 years today. Loose prostheses can be removed with a second surgery in most patients and a new prosthesis can be placed, but the lifespan of the second prosthesis is not as long as the first.
What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is the process of replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial joint, which reduces pain and improves joint function.
In which cases is knee replacement surgery recommended?
- Severe knee pain: Pain that does not go away despite medication and physical therapy.
- Limited movement: Difficulty performing daily activities.
- Calcification: Advanced joint calcification (osteoarthritis).
- Failure to respond to other treatments: Other treatment methods are ineffective.
Who can undergo knee replacement surgery?
It is usually performed on patients between the ages of 60 and 80. However, if pain and limited movement are severe, it can also be performed on younger or older patients.
What is the recovery process like after surgery?
- Length of hospital stay: Usually 3-5 days.
- Physiotherapy: It begins immediately after surgery and continues for several months.
- Full recovery: It may take up to 6 months.
How long does a knee prosthesis last?
Modern knee replacements usually last 15-20 years. The way they are used and the patient's general health can affect this period.
What are the risks of Knee Replacement Surgery?
- Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
- Blood clotting: Risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Prosthesis loosening: Loosening of the prosthesis over time.
- Nerve or vascular damage: In rare cases, nerve or vascular injuries.
What should I pay attention to after surgery?
- Comply with the physical therapy program.
- Not to neglect regular checks.
- Avoid gaining excess weight.
- Avoiding high-impact activities.
Are there alternatives to knee replacement surgery?
- Drug therapy: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Physiotherapy: Muscle strengthening and increasing joint mobility.
- Intra-articular injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections.
- Arthroscopic surgery: Less invasive surgical options.
When can I return to my normal activities after surgery?
Most patients can return to their daily activities within 6-12 weeks, although it may take up to 6 months for full recovery and more strenuous activities.
Can I do sports after knee replacement surgery?
Low-impact sports (swimming, walking) are generally recommended, but high-impact and contact sports should be avoided.
