Knee Joint Replacement
The knees are one of the most crucial joints in the human body. It carries the majority of the weight of the body on itself. Also, it has a vital role in allowing mobility by allowing you to take steps, climb stairs and run.
People with knee issues have problems in day-to-day activities. Many knee issues can result in the hindrance of mobility. Sometimes, procedures like knee joint replacement add support to the knee. Moreover, it is also known as arthroplasty.
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Everything You Need To Know About Knee Joint Replacement
When Is Knee Joint Replacement Required?
You may need arthroplasty if you have osteoarthritis or any degenerative joint disease. In addition, knee joint replacement is required when a person faces the following symptoms:
- Increase in pain overtime
You may experience a gradual rise in pain when you suffer from osteoarthritis, especially after you stay inactive for some time. Additionally, the pain increases when you walk on a flat surface, stand up or climb stairs. Also, weather changes and increased activity can increase pain.
- Swelling
People may also suffer from inflamed knees and notice swelling. Also, swelling occurs more after a period of inactivity.
- Problems in Mobility
Damage to the joint can lead to unstable knee structure. As the cartilage erodes and the bones rub together, bone spurs can form. That results in a rough surface that might cause the joint to stick or lock, making it difficult to bend or straighten.
- Deformed Knee
The muscles around the knee can weaken, giving the appearance of a deformed knee. As a result, the knees may begin to flex outward or point toward each other.
Conditions That Need Knee Joint Replacement
Most knee issues link to arthritis and degenerative diseases. Common types of arthritis-related to knee problems are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and injury-related arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis
When the knee joint cartilage deteriorates, it is mostly because of osteoarthritis. As a result, damage to cartilage and bones restricts movement and may result in pain. Because of the pain, people with severe degenerative joint disease may be unable to perform regular tasks. Moreover, especially the tasks that require bending at the knee, such as walking or climbing stairs. In addition, because the joint is unstable, the knee may give away while walking.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Problems of the knee joint can also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition in which the body’s immune system assaults the joints, producing pain and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, which affects only one knee, rheumatoid arthritis affects both sides of the body.
- Injury-led arthritis
Fractures, torn cartilage, or torn ligaments can also cause irreparable damage to the knee. Mostly, arthritis won’t appear straight away. Instead, damaged bones or ligaments might eventually lead to damaged cartilage, resulting in discomfort and stiffness.
Diagnosis before Knee Joint Replacement
To get the affected joint’s clear picture, doctors may suggest:
- Imaging Tests
Tests like X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) give clear pictures of the problem at the joint. While X-rays can show bone spurs, MRIs produce detailed photos of the bones and soft tissues.
- Blood Tests
Tests done on blood can detect rheumatoid arthritis, if not osteoarthritis.
- Joint Fluid Testing
The joint fluid is drawn and tested to rule out any infection in the joints, causing pain and swelling.
Procedure for Knee Joint Replacement
Replacing the knee joint involves opening up the affected area. Cutting damaged bone and cartilage from your thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap comes next. The cut-out parts are then replaced with an artificial joint. Besides, the doctor inserts metal implants into the thigh and calf bones. Moreover, a plastic spacer is placed between the metal components to aid in the smooth movement of the new joint.
A cemented prosthesis is mostly used for artificial knee prostheses. Surgical cement secures a cemented prosthesis to the bone. An uncemented prosthesis has a porous surface that allows the bone to grow around it and connect to the prosthesis. When replacing a knee, a combination of the two types is sometimes used.
After-care
After knee replacement surgery, you need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation. Following that, a physiotherapist helps you to move the new joint. At home, you should make some modifications to put minimum stress on the joint. Additionally, start moving soon to facilitate better movement.
Conclusion
Therefore, total knee replacement surgery is a great alternative when nonsurgical treatments such as medicines and walking aids are no longer effective. Moreover, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to ease pain, correct leg deformities, and get back to your daily routine.
If you are dealing with knee joint pain, get it checked today. You can book an appointment with our experts to know about your condition in depth