Knee Replacement Information
It's been said that with age comes wisdom. Unfortunately, age also brings along ailments such as arthritis, and over time old injuries can become aggravated. All these problems can lead to joint pain and limited mobility. Knee replacement surgery can help people with limited knee function and knee pain by replacing parts of the knee joint. By undergoing surgery and following post-surgery care instructions, knee surgery patients can regain motion and lead a more active lifestyle.
Function
The knee is made up of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (knee cap). The ends of the thigh bone and the shin bone sit against each other, and are covered with cartilage and membranes that help cushion knee movement. However, trauma and arthritis can wear away this cartilage, causing pain and stiffness. A knee joint replacement replaces worn cartilage and bone with plastic or metal caps. This reduces pain and increases mobility.
Types
Total knee replacement involves replacing the kneecap and both the ends of the thigh bone and shin bone. However, not everyone needs total knee replacement surgery. People with limited arthritis or trauma can have unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement, which caps only the thigh bone or shin bone. Some knee surgery patients have bilateral knee replacement---both knees are operated on at once. Minimally invasive surgery techniques make for shorter incisions and less damage to the surrounding tissue, but this procedure isn't appropriate for all patients. In addition, not all surgeons are qualified to perform minimally invasive surgery.
Operation
During the operation, you'll undergo anesthesia. A surgeon will remove damaged cartilage and bone from your knee and put the knee implants in place. After surgery, you will undergo physical therapy exercises to keep your knee replacement working well. Knee replacement is an inpatient procedure --- you'll probably stay in the hospital for a few days after the operation. If you've had both knees operated on, you may spend some time in a rehabilitation center before going home.
Side Effects
Serious complications rarely occur after knee replacement surgery; the most common side effect is blood clotting in the leg. To prevent this potentially serious complication, you will need to exercise and possibly wear compression stockings or take blood-thinning medication. Over time, implants may loosen or wear out. Some patients may develop an allergic reaction to the metal used in the knee implant (there are ceramic knee implants available for people with metal sensitivities).
Aftercare
After the knee replacement is finished and you've returned home from the hospital or rehabilitation center, there's still work to be done. You'll have to follow your physical therapy regimen and take care of the incision from the surgery so it doesn't get infected. Since it will be difficult to get around the house when you return, it's best to arrange the house so that it's easier to navigate. Before surgery, you may want to install handrails along stairs, get rid of loose rugs and cords that can trip you, install a toilet seat with arms, or even set up a bedroom on the ground floor.
Tags: knee replacement, shin bone, thigh bone, bone shin, bone shin bone
