Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, can help relieve pain and restore function in severely worn knee joints. It is the cutting of worn cartilage and bones in the femur (thigh bone), Tibia (tibia bone) and Patella (kneecap bone) and replacing them with materials made of alloy metal, high-quality plastics and polymers.
When determining the suitability of a knee replacement for you, the range of motion, stability and strength of your knee are evaluated. The extent of the damage is determined by direct graphs. A selection is made from existing prosthetic and surgical techniques taking into account your age, weight, activity level, the degree of Decrepitude of your knee and your general health.
Risks
Knee replacement surgery, like any surgery, carries risks. The incidence rate of all risks is below 5%.
- Infection
- Blood clots in the leg vein or lungs
- Heart attack
- Stroke (Stroke)
- Nerve damage
Decongestant infection is the most common and preventable among them. Since the following are noticed, it should definitely be reported to your doctor.
- Fever higher than 37.8 C
- Shaking
- Discharge from the surgical wound
- Increased redness, tenderness, swelling and pain in the knee
Wear of the prosthesis
There may be wear on your prosthesis, which is placed according to your age, activity and body mass index. Even the strongest metal and plastic parts wear out in daily use.
Anesthesia preparation
Anesthesia preparation is a process in itself, so follow exactly what is recommended to you. As a result of the evaluations, it will be decided whether to use general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, which keeps you awake but prevents you from feeling pain from your lower back. Antibiotics will be given intravenously before, during or after the procedure to prevent infection. In addition to the anesthesia, a nerve block may also be placed around your knee. Oct. Drowsiness gradually passes after the procedure.
Early postoperative period
You may need to use crutches or a walker within a few weeks after surgery. When you are discharged, you will need someone to help you with everyday tasks such as cooking, bathing or doing laundry.
- Fit your living space into one floor as it can be difficult to climb stairs
- Create supports that will hold you in the area where you will wash and have a chair that you can sit on.
- If there are stairs, make sure that their railing is secure.
- Let’s have a seat where you can sit comfortably and a stool opposite where you can raise your leg.
- If your toilet is low, set up a toilet seat riser.
- Remove everything that your foot can get stuck in from your walking area.
During the operation
While your knee is bent at 90 degrees, the prosthesis will be inserted after removing the damaged joint surfaces by opening it with an incision about 15 – 25 centimeters long. The operation takes about two hours.
After the operation
How long you will stay after the operation depends on your personal needs. The duration of hospitalization can be considered as 3 days.
The prescribed medications will allow you to control the pain.
In order to prevent vascular clots and embolism, you will take medications to help prevent a clot and perform the ankle movements shown.
You will be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level. You will be shown how to use your knee, and after you leave the hospital, you will continue physical therapy at home or at a center.
