KNEE PROSTHESIS

This is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged surfaces in the knee joint with plastic and metal components. There are two types: total knee replacement (TKR) and partial knee replacement (PUC). Knee arthroplasty is generally performed on patients who suffer from advanced knee osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or who have suffered severe knee trauma.
After knee prosthesis surgery, functional recovery requires physical rehabilitation sessions.

KNEE PROSTHESIS: BEFORE SURGERY

Knee arthroplasty is a major procedure, and the patient must be properly prepared for such surgery.

The doctor will carry out a series of biological and radiological explorations and it will generally be recommended to the patient to avoid certain medications that increase the bleeding, such as aspirin.

THE SURGICAL TECHNIQUE OF A KNEE PROSTHESIS

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and an incision of around 12-18 cm is made in the front of the knee.
The patella is subsequently dislocated, exposing the end closest to the femur to the tibia.
The ends of these bones are resected in the desired shape and the cartilage as well as the anterior cruciate ligament and the menisci are removed. Metal or plastic parts are positioned on the bone or fixed with cement or other material.
With recent advancements in technology, the operation can be performed as a minimally invasive surgery.
This involves making a smaller incision which reduces soft tissue decay and can improve recovery time after surgery.

KNEE PROSTHESIS: AFTER THE TREATMENT

Patients can start walking with the assistance of a physical therapist 24 hours after the operation.

Patients often need 6 to 12 weeks to recover.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KNEE PROSTHESIS

Possible complications: Bleeding, sepsis, nerve damage, bone fracture during or after surgery, dislocation of the patella, allergic reaction to the materials used, exceptional.