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Knee replacement is now one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. Over 500,000 people have the surgery each year according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. With baby boomers reaching retirement age, the procedure is expected to become even more common in the coming years.
What is knee replacement?Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the joint surface of the knee in order to provide relief from the pain and disability resulting from osteoarthritis. The procedure is also performed in cases such as psoriatic Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The surgery can be a partial or complete knee replacement. Typically, the surgery involves replacement of the diseased or damaged weight-bearing surfaces of the knee with plastic and metal parts contoured to permit motion of the knee. The operation does tend to create significant pain in the patient and physical rehabilitation is required.
How is the surgery performed?The surgeon will first make a 4-6 inch incision to get access to the knee. The cut is made above the femur or thigh bone, ending below the tibia head or leg bone.
After the surgeon has access to the area, he will examine it to conduct an assessment of the extent of the damage to the bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. He may employ MRI imagine to assist him prior to the surgery, but having the ability to directly examine the knee gives him a better idea of what repairs will be needed.
Next he will determine how much bone will need to be removed in order to make room for the knee implant. He then will drill tiny holes in the bones and put in a cutting guide. These metal guides have holes to allow for the passage of the saw blade and prevent any unwanted areas of bone from being accidentally cut.
Afterwards, the surgeon will install and test the implant and close the incision. Recovery from knee replacement surgery typically takes around 6 weeks and may necessitate the usage of mobility aids such as canes, walking frames, and crutches.
