Knee prosthesis surgery

What exactly is it?

This surgical procedure, also called knee arthroplasty, was first performed in the 1960s. Developing technology and knowledge have made this operation one of the most effective surgeries in the world.

Why and when do we need it?

It is most commonly applied in the advanced stages of osteoarthritis that develops with advancing age, which is known as joint calcification, and these advanced stages can be expressed as the point where non-surgical (conservative) treatments do not work. 
In addition, it is applied to help restore function after widespread damage to the cartilage of the knee joint that may occur in all age groups or after a posttraumatic knee injury, provided that your orthopedic surgeon deems it appropriate.

Preparation phase…

While your doctor is planning the knee replacement surgery, he or she gets the consultation, or, in other words, their opinions about the anesthesiologist and other accompanying ailments. Your surgery plan is created by adding patient expectations to criteria such as age, height, weight, and living conditions. The planning made with the right data before the surgery is of great importance in the postoperative recovery process. The most important criterion here is that you must strictly follow the program.

What is done during the surgery?

In knee replacement surgery, which is an open surgical procedure, you will be given anesthesia according to your medical condition. After creating a sterile area in the operation area, the knee joint is opened with an incision of 15-20 cm in front of the knee and an appropriate surgical technique. The kneecap (patella) is retracted, and the lower end of the thigh bone and the upper end of the shinbone are reached. The damaged cartilage is removed along with the minimal bone underneath using the prosthesis’s incision guides. Prosthetic parts are placed on the new bone surfaces created by the orthopedic surgeon, mostly with the help of bone cement. After controlling the joint movement, a drain is placed in the joint space. The incisions in all layers are closed with a reverse procedure.

Post-operative period…

In general, hospitals require 2–5 days of observation. The drain placed in accordance with your medical condition is removed one day after the operation, and you will be assisted out with assistance.This movement is usually in the form of walking with a full load in the room and in the corridor. During the surveillance period, combined pain relief treatments are applied to ensure a comfortable post-operative period.

The recovery of wounds may take around 2–3 weeks, depending on the patient. You will be recommended to have walking support for about 4–6 weeks after being discharged. Most of the patients are able to walk on their own after 6 weeks. Doing the exercises recommended by your doctor or physiotherapist during this time will affect your recovery time.

Complications…

As with all surgeries, this one also carries risks as well as benefits.
Although rare, the most common complication, as in all major joint surgeries, is deep vein thrombosis, commonly known as venous coagulation. You will need to use blood thinners for a while to avoid this negativity.

Although uncommon, the most serious complication is prosthetic joint infection.Infection may develop due to both patient and surgical factors. In case of signs of infection (fever above 38 oC, chills, swelling at the wound site, pain, abnormal discharge, and increased redness) in the postoperative period, consult your doctor immediately. An infected hip replacement may require a second surgery to clear the infection.

In addition to periprosthetic fractures and prostheses being loose, joint stiffness, artificial joint relaxion, leg height inequality, and nerve damage are among the complications that can be seen.

Result !

Things are going well! You fulfill your duties and implement your exercise program as required!

Full recovery usually takes 3–4 months, and few patients still have pain a year later.