Total knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure involving replacing articular surfaces with metal or polyethene plastic. Total knee arthroplasty improves a person’s quality of life, treating tail end osteoarthritis by minimising pain and increasing mobility.
A polyethene component rests between the femur and tibia, acting as a shock absorber. A prosthetic implant is usually secured with cement. Then I resurface the patella if indicated and reconstruct it to facilitate the extensor mechanism. There are various ways to surgically replace the knee using different designs and means of fixating the area.
Patients are treated on an individual basis, and the use of partial knee replacements are frequently used.
In certain instances, a tourniquet is also used during surgery.
A total knee replacement surgery involves the removal and replacement of damaged bone and cartilage. The damaged tissue is replaced with artificial components made from metal and plastic. The procedure is often recommended when one suffers from an arthritic condition, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which causes the cartilage around the bones to wear away or become inflamed.
A unicompartmental knee replacement, or partial knee replacement, refers to a procedure in which a part of the knee is replaced with prosthetic components. I may recommend this procedure in cases where damage or disease affects one area of the knee. The surgery is generally very successful and provides motion closer to your native knee. However, there are specific prerequisites that need to be met before this procedure is considered.
Yes, knee replacement surgery is significant, but it is an acceptable alternative when conservative therapies such as physical therapy, cortisone and anti-inflammatories cannot treat knee pain.
Usually, you can expect to recover from knee replacement surgery between six months to a year. Until then, you will undergo strength training exercises to maximise your recovery time. However, this depends on your condition, including any prior health conditions.
Knee arthroscopy is a less invasive surgery that restores the knee after injury. When damage to the knee is severe and extends beyond the knee area, a complete replacement of the joint is required.
Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, 219 Beyers Naude Drive,
Northcliff
Randburg
2195
