Friday, May 10, 2024
Knee replacement is extremely common these days. However, taking a decision about it involves lots of brainstorming so that the outcome is 100 percent successful. 
When people suffer from restricted movement due to problems in their knee, the common response is to first adopt all kinds of remedies before finally giving in to the idea of knee replacement. Following insight would help in taking the final informed decision with of course the able guidance of the experts in the field – the orthopaedic surgeons.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries
Many surgical methods are available to cure your knee discomfort. Your orthopaedic Surgeon will guide you about the best replacement options after taking into account the condition of your knee. The four main types of surgeries are:
Total Knee Replacement - This knee surgery involves replacement of the joint surfaces at the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shin bone (tibia). It may also involve replacement of the kneecap (patella) with a smooth plastic dome. If the patella has already got removed in a previous surgery; then too the orthopaedics conduct knee replacement surgery after obviously deciding which part (prosthesis) to be made use of for the current surgery. The new parts are firmly attached or the surface of the component facing the bone is textured or coated to encourage bone to grow and form a natural bond.
Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee Replacement - The knee has three compartments – the kneecap (patellofemoral), the outer surface (lateral) and the inner surface (medial). Arthritis usually affects one side of the knee - the inner surface. In such cases unicompartmental or partial replacement is done by the orthopaedics.
Kneecap Replacement - It is also possible to replace just the undersurface of the kneecap and its groove (the trochlea); if that is the only affected area. Kneecap replacement surgery is also known as patellofemoral replacement or patellofemoral joint arthroplasty.
Complex or Revision Knee Replacement - As the name signifies, this surgery is done to correct the previously done unsuccessful knee surgery. It is a complex and a longer procedure as surgery is done on the knee which has already undergone a surgery once or twice before.
Symptoms
You should immediately meet an orthopaedic surgeon if you experience the following uncomfortable situations:
Severe knee pain which is limiting your day-to-day activity. Moderate or severe knee pain even while you are not walking or making any movement Persistent knee inflammation and swelling even after medication and rest. Knee stiffness.
Healing Options Before the Final Call
Initially you may be advised to go through the following healing options by your doctor:
Oral Medications Use of Ointments Medication injected in joints Intake of nutritional supplements Physical therapy and exercise Weight lossIf by taking these measures; there is not much relief, then the doctor would advise you the relevant surgery depending upon what your requirement is. The cost of knee replacement surgery is dependent on factors like, doctor’s fee, hospital charges, type of surgery etc.
Recovery
Your Orthopaedic Surgeon would ensure that you recover fully from the knee replacement treatment. The time required for recovery is directly related to the type of surgery you have been advised. Total knee replacement and revision knee replacement may require more time for recovery in comparison to unicompartmental or kneecap replacement as the nature of surgery is relatively less complex in the latter treatments. Once your surgery is done you can be assured of a pain-free life!
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