Wockhardt Hospital Guide to Knee Replacement

What are tye causes of knee pain.

There are many different causes of knee pain , including injury,arthritis,and infection
It depends on the problem .Some knee pain can be treated through rehabilitation other cases may require surgery.

What is Knee Replacement:

In total Knee Replacement surgery tha parts of the bones that rub together are re surfaced with metal and plastic implants. Using special, precision instruments, thedamaged surfaces of the bones are removed and replacements surfaces fixed into the place. The surface of the femur is replaced with a rounded metal component that comes very close to matching the curve of your natural bone . The surface of the tibia/leg bone is replaced with a smoot plastic component.

This flat metal component holds a smoth plastic piece made of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene plastic that serves as the cartilage . The undersurface of the knee cap may also be replaced with an implant made of the same polyethylene plastic.

How do I know If I need a Knee Replacement.

If you have difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, its time to consider knee replacement surgery. Doctors generally try to delay knee replacement for as long as possible in favor of less invasive treatements. However for patients with advanced joint diseases,knee replacement offers a chance for relief from pain and a return to normal activities.

How do I prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery:

If your surgeon decided that total knee replacement is rigght for you, a date will be scheduled for your surrgery.Several things might be necessary to prepare for the surgery.Your surgeon might ask you to have a physical examination as blood transfusions are likely to be needed during your surgery.

What happens during Knee Replacements Surgery.

On the day of the surgery a samll tube ( Intravenous Line ) will be inserted into your arm. This tube will be used to administer antibiotics and other medication during your surgery.You will be then taken to the operating room and be given general anesthesia . After the anesthesia takes effect,your knee will be scrubbed and sterlized with a special solution.

The surgery will begin with an incision over the knee that will expose the joint. When the bones are fully visible to the surgeon ,special precision guides and instruments are used to remove the damaged surfaces and shape the ends of the bones to accept the implants.The implants are then secured to the bones.When the surgeon is satisfied with the fit and the function of the implants,the incision will be closed.

A special drain may be inserted into the wound to drain the fluids that naturally develop at the surgical site . A sterile bandage will then be applied and you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely. Your operation might take between one to three hours depending upon your case.

As the anesthesia wears off,you will slowly regain consciousness. A nurse will be there with you and may encourage you to cough or breath deeply to help you clear your lungs .You will be given pain medication.When you are fully awake, you will be taken to your hospital room.Your knee will remain swollen and tender for a few days.

How is the Implant affixed in the Body

Generally implants systems are affixed in the body by using bone cement.
Bone cement is a special type of acrylic bone cement may be used to secure some or all of the implant components to the bone.Bone cement takes about 15 minutes to set.

What can I expect after the Knee Surgery.

When you are back in the hospital , you will begin a rehabilitation program that will help you regain strength balance and range of movement in your knee .Wockhardt Rehabilitation will be designed specially for each individuals.Your Physiotherapist will help you perform appropriate exercises. Within 24 hours after your surgery,you will probably be asked to stand.Within the next 24 hours you will probably begin to walk a few steps with the help of w walker . You will be discharged soon as your surgeon feels that you have recovered sufficiently.You may or may not be transferred to a rehabilitation facilty for a few more days, as suggested by your surgeon.Youtr bandages and sutures will be removed before you leave the hosspital.At home you need to continue your exercises. Your Physiotherapist will instruct you about proper home care and may continue to work with you.

How soon can I return to normal activity.

Within six weeks after the surgery,most patients are able to walk with the hep of a cane.You will probably feel well enough to drive within seven to eight weeks after your surgery. In most cases successful joint replacements surgery will relieve your pain and stiffness and allow you to resume your normal daily activities..But even after you have fully recovered from your surgery,you will still have some restrictions.Normal daily activities that do not include contact sports or activities that out excessive strain on your joints. Although yout artificial joints can be replaced, a second implant is seldom as effective as the first.

Can I lead a Normal Sex Life after my Knee Replacements.

Doctors genetrally allow patients to resume sexual activities as soon as they feel able.In the following months of surgery patients are generally advised to take it easy and modify the positioning to keep pressure off the joint while its healing.As always its best to consult with your doctor first about whats safe w for your particular condition.

How Long will the Knee Joint replacement Last

Longetvity of the prosthetic knee varies from patient to patient. It depends on patients conditions, activity levels,weight as well as the accuracy of the implant placement during surgery.It is useful to keep in mind that prosthetic joint are not strong or durable as natural healthy joint, and there is no guarantee that a prosthetic joint will last the rest of your life.

Today,total knee replacement has become a common and predictable procedure.Many patients enjoy relief from pain and improved function compared to their status before surgery.yet with mechanical joint, the knee components move against each other. Natural fluid in the joint space called synovial fluid,helps to lubricate the implants just as it lubricates the bones and cartilage in a natural joint.The prosthetic component do wear as they roll and slide against each other during movement.As with car tires or brake pads the rate of wear depends partly on how the knee joint is used.Activities that place a lot of stress on the joiny implants, as may be the case with heavier abd more active patients,may reduce the service life of the prosthesis.

Implants loosening and wear on the plastic portions of the implant can lead to necessity for revision surgery to replace the worn components. Your doctor will be the best person to discuss these issues with you,taking into account your clinical circumstances, the type of implants used and your post surgical lifestyle.

Disclaimer:This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advise but is to be used as a general aid in understanding of an ailment.This is a part of our Wockhardt Guide to Medical specialty series and provides a brief introduction to Knee Replacements. Please check with your doctor before you decide to get any medications and take any treatement