What is Knee Replacement?
Knee prosthesis; It is a material made of metal that is biocompatible with the body that replaces the knee of the person attached to the knee of the person after the diseases we call calcification.
In which cases is knee replacement performed?
We classify the calcification of the knee joint clinically and radiologically. Grade 1-2-3-4 is usually 1-2. While non-surgical methods such as drug treatment and physical therapy are sufficient for those at level 1-2, 3-4. Non-surgical methods are not sufficient in advanced calcifications. We usually apply knee prosthesis to patients with advanced age and arthritis. Knee prosthesis can be performed in cases where the knee joint can no longer function, when it is understood that the patient cannot maintain his daily life with his current knee.
When Should Knee Replacement Be Performed?
Knee replacement should be performed when the patient's knee pain is no longer bearable. When the person is no longer able to bend and open-close his knees, if the physician determines these findings in his examination and physical therapy and drug treatment do not bring any benefit, there is no other solution other than surgical knee replacement.
How should the person continue his/her life after knee replacement?
Afterknee replacement surgery, the person has to continue his/her life with an artificial knee joint. For the knee prosthesis to be long-lasting;
- The patient should avoid risky movements such as jumping from a height and falling,
- He should avoid movements that shorten the life of his prosthesis,
- The patient should have regular check-ups after the surgery.
What to Expect from a Knee Replacement?
Knee prosthesis technology has been made long-lasting and most suitable for the body anatomy with the advancement of the industry. However, it should not be forgotten that knee prosthesis are platinum made of metal adapted to our body. And they can never replace the real joint. The expectation of the patient undergoing knee replacement should be to maintain his/her daily life painlessly.
Are There Alternatives to Knee Replacement?
There are many studies on cartilage production in the world. Since knee replacement is performed in cases where the cartilage is completely destroyed, there is unfortunately no alternative today unless new cartilage is produced. However, methods such as Prp, hyaluronic acid injection are used as alternatives in early onset calcifications. All these treatments can be successfully applied in our clinic.
What are the Causes of Knee Pain and Loss of Function?
Knee is the most load-bearing joint of our body. It is the most vulnerable joint to wear and tear while standing, walking, running, in short, in most of our movements. Knee pain is a reaction of the joint worn out by the effects we count. The joint, which can no longer function normally, starts to ache during movement because it has lost its normal joint opening and has lost its function. The main wrong movements can be counted as applying the wrong load during sports and wearing out while doing our daily activities. There may be a genetic tendency to wear out, as well as loss of function as a result of osteoporosis and some joint diseases.
What are the problems that may be encountered in patients undergoing knee replacement?
In our country, 70000 knee replacements are performed annually. In 90% of these patients, the quality of life improves and complaints decrease. Especially some of the patients who undergo knee prosthesis ( ) have various complaints.
The source of complaints in these patients may arise due to insufficient muscle strength, infection, DVT (clot in the veins) prosthesis loosening, osteolysis (bone wear around the prosthesis) implant fracture or metal allergy.
These patients whose complaints do not go away should consult the doctor who performed their surgery as soon as possible. An easily solvable problem can be solved before the problem grows.
However, if they cannot reach them, these patients are hospitalized and examined as multidisciplinary in our hospital and necessary treatments are organized. Necessary physical therapy and medication treatments are provided. For those with advanced problems, single and two-stage revision surgeries are performed.