What’s a Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery relieves pain and restores function to the affected knee joints. This involves removing damaged cartilage and bone tissue, including from the kneecap, shinbone, and thigh bones, and replacing them with prosthetic joints made of high-grade polymers, plastics, and metal alloys.
The most common recipients are 60-80-year-olds.
An orthopedic surgeon will assess the strength, stability, and motion of your knees to determine if you need a replacement. X-rays are used to determine the extent of damage.
When does a knee replacement need to be done?
Knee surgery is required if your knee joints are worn down or damaged. This can reduce how far you can move and cause pain when you rest.
The most common reason for knee replacement is osteoarthritis. You may also experience knee pain from:
- Gout
- Knee injury
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Unusual bone growth can occur in certain conditions
- Haemophilia
- Problems in the blood supply can cause death of bone in the knee joint.
- Deformity of the knees can be caused by loss of cartilage or pain.
Who can have knee replacement surgery
When steroid injections or physiotherapy have not increased mobility, or relieved pain, a knee replacement is recommended.
You may also need to have your knees replaced in the following situations:
- You experience severe pain in your knees that affects your quality of sleep and life quality.
- It is impossible to have a social or work life.
- Your knee joint is affected by severe pain, stiffness, swelling, and may restrict your mobility.
- Difficulty with daily tasks, such as shopping or getting out of the bath.
- Custom prosthetics solutions If the situation is getting worse.
Types Of Knee Replacement Surgery
Depending on the extent of your knee damage, there are many options for knee surgery. There are three main types of knee replacement surgery:
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Partial Knee replacement
When only a small portion of the knee has been damaged, an outpatient procedure under anesthesia can be performed. Your knee is removed of any cartilage or bone damage, and only the healthy tissue remains.
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Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is an outpatient procedure that involves the complete removal of damaged cartilage, bone and connective tissue. They are replaced by an artificial joint made from metal and plastic.
The most frequently injured area of the body is the knee joint. Because the knee is an integral part mobility, it’s important to address these injuries as soon as possible. They could affect your quality life. To learn more about knee replacement, visit our website or call our Chevy Chase office to set up a consultation.
