Joint replacement
Knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) surgery can help reduce discomfort and restore function in severely damaged knee joints. Cutting damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) consisting of metal alloys, high-grade resins, and polymers is the operation.
An orthopaedic surgeon evaluates your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength to see if a knee replacement is correct for you. X-rays aid in the assessment of damage.
Depending on your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health, your doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical approaches.
Why it's done
Knee replacement surgery is most commonly performed to address severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. Walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs are all common challenges for those who need knee replacement surgery. Some people experience knee pain even while they are at rest.
Risks
Knee replacement surgery, like any surgery, carries risks. They include:
- Infection
- Blood clots in the leg vein or lungs
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Nerve damage
Signs of infection
Notify your doctor immediately if you notice:
- Fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C)
- Shaking chills
- Drainage from the surgical site
- Increasing redness, tenderness, swelling and pain in the knee
An infected knee replacement usually requires surgery to remove the artificial parts and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. After the infection is cleared, another surgery is performed to install a new knee.
Artificial knees can wear out
The failure of the prosthetic joint is another risk of knee replacement surgery. Even the toughest metal and plastic parts corrode with time. If you put too much stress on a joint by doing high-impact activities or carrying too much weight, it is more likely to fail.
Make an Appoinment