Steps to a Stronger Stride: The Journey of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of chronic joint diseases ,
and patients who undergo this procedure can return to their normal lives after a short period of rehabilitation,
And in this article we will explain the most important points related to knee joint replacement surgery, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, benefits and harms, and how to care for patients after knee replacement surgery.
What is the knee joint replacement surgery
Knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Causes of knee joint replacement
The knee joint may need to be changed or undergo surgery for several reasons, including:
- Osteoarthritis: this is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears out, causing pain, stiffness and limited mobility.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the joints , including the knee joint.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: this type of arthritis can occur after a traumatic knee injury, such as a ligament fracture or rupture.
- Knee injuries: a knee injury can damage structures inside the knee joint , such as cartilage, ligaments or meniscus, and may require surgery to repair or replace them.
- Congenital malformations: some people may be born with deformities in the knee joint that can cause pain and limited mobility , and may require surgery to correct them.
- Avascular necrosis: this is a condition in which the blood supply to the bones in the knee joint is interrupted , which causes bone tissue to die and leads to joint damage.
- Tumors: in rare cases , a tumor may develop in or around the knee joint , requiring surgery to remove it.
- Previous knee replacement failure: in some cases , a knee replacement may fail due to infection , loosening , or wear and tear, and may require revision surgery to replace the implant.
Symptoms that indicate the need for a knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery is usually considered a last resort when other non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes fail to relieve knee pain or improve mobility. The following are some common symptoms that may indicate the need for knee replacement surgery:
- Severe knee pain limits your daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a sitting position.
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medication.
- Stiffness and limited range of motion in the knee joint , which makes it difficult to bend or straighten your leg.
- Chronic knee instability, leading to knee sprain or giving.
- Deformation of the knee joint , such as bending or sticking out of the leg.
- Not responding to other treatments such as physiotherapy or medication.
- Knee pain that interferes with your ability to sleep or perform daily activities
How is the patient’s need for knee replacement diagnosed
The diagnosis of the patient’s need for knee replacement surgery is made after assessing the patient’s general health condition and identifying the symptoms and signs that the patient suffers from by:
- Medical history of the patient
- Clinical examination
- Radiographic images
- Other examinations
If severe joint damage has been diagnosed and other treatments are ineffective, a joint replacement operation may be the best solution to relieve pain and improve the patient’s mobility.
Details of the knee replacement surgery
Knee arthroplasty the main details of the operation include:
- Patient anesthesia: anesthesia: it can be either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
- Skin incision: the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the knee to access the joint.
- Removal of damaged tissue: the surgeon removes damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint , including cartilage and bone , and prepares the remaining bone for the reception of artificial components.
- Implantation of artificial components: the surgeon attaches the artificial components to the prepared bone.
- Wound closure: after placing the plug in place , the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples.
- Recovery period: the patient is closely monitored after surgery for any complications, such as infection or blood clots. Physiotherapy is often recommended to help the patient regain strength and range of motion in the knee.
In general, knee replacement surgery requires about two hours of time.
Common complications of knee replacement and how to avoid them
Common complications of Knee replacement include:
Arthritis: inflammation may occur in the new joint ,and this may be acute or chronic inflammation.
Blood clots: blood clots may form in the deep veins after surgery, which increases the risk of developing blood clots in the lung or leg.
Nerve damage: the nerves around the knee can be damaged after surgery, resulting in loss of sensation or movement in the area around the knee.
Joint instability: instability of the new joint can occur and this means that it can move or deviate away from its correct position.
Artificial joint damage: the artificial joint can be damaged or worn over time, which requires additional repairs or replacement.
To avoid these complications, a person should strictly adhere to the instructions of the attending physician, including proper postoperative surgical care.
Pain after knee replacement surgery
After knee replacement surgery, the patient may feel temporary pain in the treated area and surrounding areas. This is normal and can last for several weeks.
Basic steps of patient care after surgery
Patient care after surgery is an important part of the recovery process , and it can help prevent complications and ensure that the patient returns to optimal health as soon as possible.
Here are some basic steps for patient care after surgery:
- Patient monitoring: the first step is to monitor the patient for any signs of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or pain. This may include checking vital signs , such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature, and monitoring for any changes in the patient’s condition.
- Pain medication management: pain management is an important part of postoperative care. The patient may be given painkillers to control his discomfort, either by intravenous injection (IV) or oral medications.
- Providing wound care: if the patient has undergone surgical incisions, wound care is necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Encourage movement and activity: depending on the type of surgery , the patient may need to stay in bed for a while or gradually resume their normal activities.
- Monitor fluid intake and nutrition: after surgery , it is important to ensure that the patient is getting enough water and receiving adequate nutrition.
- Provide emotional support: surgery can be a stressful and emotionally difficult experience. Providing emotional support and reassurance can help the patient cope with his recovery and improve his overall well-being.
These are some of the basic steps of patient care after surgery , but the specific care plan will depend on the individual needs of the patient and the type of surgery he underwent, it is important to follow the instructions of the healthcare team and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Tips after knee replacement surgery
Follow your doctor’s instructions: after knee replacement surgery, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions. This includes taking any medication prescribed by your doctor , attending follow-up appointments , and doing any prescribed exercises.
- Using ice and compression: using ice and compression can help reduce swelling and pain after surgery. Apply ice to your knee for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day , and wear compression stockings as directed by your doctor.
- Rest and lift your knee: resting and lifting your knee can help reduce swelling and improve healing. Keep your knee elevated above heart level whenever possible and avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
- Start physical therapy: physical therapy is an essential part of the knee replacement recovery process. Your physical therapist will create a customized exercise program to help you regain mobility and strength in your knee.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help speed up recovery after knee replacement surgery. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Be patient: recovery after knee replacement surgery may take several weeks or months. Be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure a full recovery. Don’t push yourself too hard , and take breaks when needed.
Results of knee joint replacement surgery
The results of knee replacement surgery can vary depending on several factors:
- Age of the individual
- Public health
- Extent of knee damage
- Surgical success
In general , the majority of patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery experience significant pain relief , improved knee function, and improved quality of life.
Factors affecting the success of knee replacement
The success of knee replacement surgery is influenced by a variety of factors, namely:
Preoperative condition: the success of knee replacement surgery depends on the patient’s preoperative condition , including the severity of knee damage, Age, general health status and concomitant diseases.
Patients with severe knee damage , advanced age, and comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease may have a higher risk of complications and a lower chance of successful outcomes.
Surgeon experience: the success of knee replacement surgery is also influenced by the surgeon’s experience and skill.
Surgeons who performed a greater number of knee replacement surgeries were more likely to achieve better results compared to those who performed fewer procedures.
Implant quality: the quality and type of implant used in knee replacement surgery can also affect the success of the procedure.
High-quality implants made of durable materials such as ceramics or titanium are less likely to fail or cause complications.
Rehabilitation: after knee replacement surgery , proper rehabilitation and physiotherapy are necessary for successful results.
Patients who actively participate in rehabilitation programs and follow postoperative instructions are more likely to restore knee function and experience less pain.
Successful rates of knee replacement surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) , approximately 90% of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery experience a significant improvement in knee function and pain reduction. In addition, about 95% of patients are satisfied with the results of surgery.
Long-term studies have shown that knee replacement surgery can last up to 20 years or more , as many patients experience improved mobility and a better quality of life during that period. However , some factors can influence the longevity of knee replacements, such as age, weight, activity level and the quality of the implant used.
The success rate of knee replacement surgery
The success rate of knee replacement surgery is generally higher in younger patients who have good bone quality and fewer health problems, and the success rate of this operation is 95%.
Failure of the knee joint replacement operation
If you experience pain, instability, or other symptoms after knee replacement surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately.
The treatment of knee replacement failure depends on the cause and severity of the problem.
In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to remove and replace the implant. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve range of motion and strength in the knee.
We can say that the knee joint replacement operation includes many sequential steps, starting from the identification of the disease, its correct diagnosis and all the information related to this operation, up to the success and failure rates and factors affecting it.
