When you have arthritis or an injury in the knee area, the pain and inflammation caused by this issue does not allow your knee to have the flexibility it used to have. As time passes and the side tissues of the knee joint are affected, you will no longer be able to do simple things like lying down and sitting. It is in this situation that the use of knee joint replacement surgery is one of the best treatment methods. This type of surgery, which was presented in 1968, is considered one of the safe methods of orthopedic surgery, which improves the patient’s condition in 90% of cases.
During knee replacement surgery, the surgeon must remove some of the bone between your hip and leg and replace it with a plastic or metal material so that you can regain your former abilities.
What is bilateral knee joint replacement?
If both of your knees have problems, you can use this method of knee joint replacement surgery because both knees will be operated together and you will go through the recovery period after the surgery only once. However, you will have to spend a longer recovery period.
Read more: Hip and hip joint replacement surgery
What is the difference between total knee replacement and partial replacement?
Depending on the extent of your knee injury, either total or partial knee replacement should be performed. If the injury is related to the inner side of the knee, the surgeon can repair it by removing the damaged parts and using metal and plastic materials. Partial joint replacement is only suitable for bones that have not been severely damaged by arthritis. Also, the other side of the knee must be healthy. These two major limitations make this surgical method not very suitable for middle-aged people. Therefore, in the case that both sides of the knee are injured, the same method of total joint replacement should be used, and the partial method can only be used for a certain number of people.
How much does knee replacement surgery cost?
This cost varies depending on when and where you operate. On the other hand, if you have other special conditions that affect your surgery, it may increase your costs. Of course, apart from the costs of knee joint replacement surgery, you should also consider side costs such as hospital and physiotherapy.
What points should be observed before joint replacement surgery?
Plan! Because the changes that are made will change the general conditions of your life. At least for 12 weeks! So be ready. Both mentally and physically.
Reduce your weight as much as possible because otherwise it will put too much pressure on your knee.
If you smoke, you should quit for a while, because otherwise, in addition to prolonging the recovery period, the result will not be very desirable.
How is the recovery period after knee surgery?
After surgery, you will stay in the hospital for an average of 3 to 5 days. After leaving the operating room, your knee will be placed in a device that prevents the knee from moving. Some physiotherapy and occupational therapy courses start from the same hospital. After that, you can leave the hospital with the help of a walker or crutches.
After that, you should stay at home for a period that depends on your doctor’s diagnosis. These exercises make your knee stronger and speed up your recovery process. So, in order to quickly return to your previous state, take this treatment step seriously. You will likely need to do physical therapy sessions at home to prevent knee injury. It takes 12 weeks for your condition to be relatively stable and 6 months to 1 year to find your full strength.
Read more: artificial leg prosthesis
How painful is joint replacement surgery?
After the surgery, you will have pain for some time, which is normal and there is nothing to worry about. You can use the most useful painkillers during this period by sharing your condition with the doctor.
How long does hip replacement surgery last?
According to the latest research, you can do your daily activities for 15 to 20 years with your new conditions.
What are the side effects of knee replacement surgery?
Causing nausea and vomiting:
This problem is caused by anesthesia and disappears after 1-2 days.
Build up of fluid or water in your lungs:
This problem can also be avoided by using the breathing techniques that the doctor teaches you.
blood clotting :
By using slow and low movements in the ankle joint, you can create blood flow and prevent blood clots. Dear friends, today this surgical method is very suitable for those whose knee pain makes it difficult to do daily tasks and in many cases it does not have any side effects. However, in order to get the best results from knee replacement surgery, it is better to be aware of everything in your consultation sessions with the doctor and also to fully inform your doctor of other conditions you have.