by Knee replacement, commonly known as knee arthroplasty or a total knee replacement, is a surgery to repair an arthritis-damaged knee. The kneecap and the ends of the bones that make up the knee joint are capped with metal and plastic components. For someone with severe arthritis or a serious knee injury, this surgery may be an option. The purpose of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the damaged areas of the knee joint and to cure persistent knee pain that is resistant to other forms of treatment.
7 Surprising Facts About Knee Replacement Surgery
- KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY PROVIDES LONG-LASTING RELIEF
The objectives and potential advantages are the same for both minimally invasive partial knee replacements and traditional total knee replacements: pain reduction and function restoration. After recovering from a total knee replacement, the vast majority (more than 90%) of patients report feeling significantly or completely pain-free. Most people don’t need a cane, even if they did before surgery, and most walk without a limp. The surgery also reduces arthritis-related stiffness. As pain and stiffness subside, one’s ability to walk farther will frequently increase as well.
- MINIMALLY INVASIVE KNEE REPLACEMENTS
A smaller incision is used for minimally invasive knee replacement, which causes less tissue disruption. According to reports, the advantages of minimally invasive knee replacement include reduced harm to soft tissues, resulting in a speedier, less painful recovery and a quicker return to normal activities. The best available research indicates that standard knee replacement surgery and minimally invasive surgery both have similar long-term outcomes.
- KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY IS COMMON AND SAFE
The majority of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery report improvements in their quality of life, mobility, and discomfort. After surgery, pain and mobility greatly improve in over 90% of patients. Many people are able to resume the things they enjoyed before developing knee issues.
- RECOVERY TIME FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Despite the fact that a knee replacement is a major procedure, less intrusive surgical methods have made the recovery process easier. After a successful knee replacement procedure carried out by a skilled orthopedic surgeon, the patient can recover totally in 4 to 6 weeks. It is not particularly painful or difficult to recover from a knee replacement. In a few months, the majority of people fully recover and resume their normal lives and activities. Following surgery, some swelling or discomfort is typical; the doctor will prescribe medication to treat this.
- KNEE REPLACEMENT HAS NO AGE RESTRICTION
Age typically does not pose a problem for knee replacement surgery. No matter their age, patients who are clinically fit are appropriate candidates for knee replacement surgery. There are people who have had knee replacement surgery in their 80s and are now able to live pain-free.
- KNEE REPLACEMENT REQUIRES WEIGHT REDUCTION
Because obesity puts more strain on the knee joint, it raises the chance of developing osteoarthritis in the knee. In addition, obese individuals typically engage in less physical activity, which results in a decrease of the muscle that surrounds and shields the knee joint. Prior to surgery, those who are overweight should aim to lose a few excess pounds. Lessening the strain placed on the new knee will help it heal more quickly.
- KNEE REPLACEMENT RECOVERY INVOLVES WALKING
After a knee replacement, walking might seem like the last thing to do, but it is actually one of the best things to do to aid in the knee’s recovery and ability to move. In fact, a patient cannot leave the hospital until he/she can walk unassisted with a walker or crutches. Along with knee exercises, daily rehabilitation will include walking. The patient can start walking outside farther and farther as the strength increases. Walking will assist in keeping the knee’s strength and stability after recovery.
New Technologies in Knee Replacement
New methods and procedures for treating joint diseases are constantly being developed by inventors. In knee replacement, promising new technologies have been discovered that may enhance functional outcomes. The most recent developments in knee replacement lead to better implant positioning accuracy, limb alignment, implant sizing accuracy, and less soft tissue damage. Robotic technology is now frequently used for minimally invasive knee replacements. This procedure typically has less side effects, little scarring, less problems, and little to no recovery time.
