Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement
In knee replacement surgery the worn out portion of the knee joint is removed. The denuded cartilage of the knee joint is removed and it is replaced with metallic cap. Both in the thigh bone as well as in the leg bone metal insert are inserted using a special acrylic cement. Between these two metal surfaces a plastic insert is kept in order to facilitate smooth gliding movement.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Total knee replacement is indicated when total knee joint is damaged. The damaged bone surface is removed completely and replaced with an artificial implant. It is the most safest and effective surgery.
Who Requires TKR :
Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear of the knee joint. In case of osteoarthritis in younger individual and in early stages, knee replacement surgery is not required. Early osteoarthritis can be managed using regular exercise, and avoiding sitting cross leg and squatting, regular walking, physiotherapy and with minimum painkiller and activities. But in case of advanced osteoarthritis when the patient is not able to perform their day to day activities like walking, cooking and when the patient is more than 55 to 60 years of age, knee replacement is the viable option to restore the function back to normal.
Recovery Time:
The patients are made to walk the next day after surgery using a Walker. The rehabitators is gradually advanced and in a period of four weeks they will be able to walk without Walker.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
In case only a minor portion or the median portion of knee joint are destroyed, only a part of the knee is replaced in order to preserve as much original healthy bone and soft tissue as possible. Candidates for this surgery have osteoarthritis in only one compartment of the knee. Usually done for people under 60 years of age.
Bilateral Knee Replacement
People who have severe arthritis in both knees many consider replacing both knees in one surgery.
Advantages
- Less time off from work.
- One recovery period.
- Less time spent in hospital.
- Less time in physical therapy.
- Decreased cost.
