Knee replacement surgery, is a surgical method to reconstruct the knee in diseases such as arthritis and severe injuries to the knee. In this method, metal and plastic parts are used to cover the ends of the bones that form the knee joint.
Who is a good candidate for knee replacement surgery?
Patients with arthritis: Different types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Arthritis is a joint-destroying disease that often affects middle-aged and elderly people, and it may cause the disintegration of joint cartilage and adjacent bones in the knees. In cases where arthritis is advanced and other treatment methods do not help to improve knee pain and function; knee replacement surgery is considered appropriate.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis: This disease also causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and leads to the accumulation of excessive fluid in the joint. It can lead to knee pain and stiffness and force the doctor to perform knee joint replacement surgery.
Is knee replacement surgery performed due to traumatic arthritis?
Traumatic arthritis may be caused by a severe injury to the knee. A bad fall or a heavy blow to the knee can damage the knee joint. If this injury is not treated properly, over time, double pressure will be applied to the knee joint; this condition leads to cartilage erosion (traumatic arthritis). A knee fracture or serious ligament tear may eventually destroy the articular cartilage. As a result of this injury, knee pain is caused and the function of the knee may decrease. In these cases, the knee surgeon may suggest joint replacement.
What measures are necessary before knee replacement surgery?
Before knee replacement surgery, the knee surgeon will explain the procedure to you and allow you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. You will be asked to sign a consent form giving the surgeon permission to perform the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if it is not clear. In addition to the complete medical history, the surgeon performs a complete physical examination to ensure your health before knee replacement surgery. Blood tests or other diagnostic tests may also be requested. Tell your knee surgeon if you are allergic to any drugs or anesthetics (local or general).
Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements you take. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood disorders or are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as aspirin or other drugs that affect blood clotting. These medications may need to be discontinued before surgery. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor. You will be asked not to eat anything for eight hours before the procedure, usually after midnight. You may receive a sedative to help you relax before the procedure.
What is the main reason for knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is usually necessary to reuse the damaged surface in the knee joint and relieve knee pain that cannot be controlled by other treatment methods.
What happens in a knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement requires hospitalization. Knee replacement surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Generally, arthroscopy or knee replacement surgery follows this process:
-If there is a lot of hair in the knee surgery area, it will be shaved.
-Usually, a vein is taken from you.
-A catheter may be inserted for you.
-The skin of the surgical incision and its surroundings is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
-The doctor makes an incision in the knee area.
-The anesthesiologist continuously monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen levels during surgery.
-During the knee prosthesis surgery, the damaged joint will be replaced.
-After the surgery, the incision will be closed with sutures or surgical staples.
-A drainage tube may be placed at the incision area to drain fluids from the surgical site. And finally, a sterile bandage or dressing will be applied.
Blood clots after knee replacement surgery
There is a risk of blood clots after surgery. If the blood clot moves through the bloodstream and causes obstruction in the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a threat to the patient's life. Blood clots can occur after any type of surgery, but these problems are more common after orthopedic surgeries. Symptoms of this problem usually appear about two weeks after surgery, but the formation of blood clots can occur several hours after surgery or even during it.
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