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What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
The knee joint is one of our most active and most vulnerable joints. The knee joint, which plays an active role in every moment of your daily life, is a complex structure that helps you walk, run, squat and jump. However, over time, various factors such as wear, tear or trauma can disrupt the function of the knee joint, restrict your mobility and cause unbearable pain. In these cases, knee replacement surgery may be a solution.
Knee prosthesis surgery is the replacement of the damaged or dysfunctional knee joint with an artificial joint made of durable materials such as metal and plastic that will restore its function. It is a structure that imitates the movement of the natural joint and enables the knee joint to function and move painlessly.
Why is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
Knee replacement surgery is performed to treat severe problems such as pain, limitation of movement and loss of function in the knee joint. Such problems often result from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic degeneration or other degenerative diseases.
At MSM Clinic, our orthopedics and traumatology specialists evaluate the condition of the patients and recommend knee replacement surgery when deemed appropriate. This surgery involves removing damaged or degenerative tissue on the knee joint and implanting an artificial joint. In this way, it is aimed to reduce patients’ pain, regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.
Knee replacement surgery is often recommended for patients with severe knee problems that affect their lifestyle and cannot be controlled with other treatments. The post-operative rehabilitation process is important and we encourage patients to regain joint function through physical therapy and appropriate exercises.
What are the Types of Knee Prosthesis?
Knee prosthesis application is performed by taking into consideration the condition of the damaged cartilage and bone structure and the patient’s history. It is aimed to eliminate pain and limitation of movement by placing metal and plastic parts instead of the part removed from the knee. In the light of this information, the applicable knee prosthesis types are:
- Total Knee Prosthesis: The most common type of prosthesis, where the entire damaged structure is removed. Total knee prosthesis is used in severely damaged patients where all other treatment methods have not worked.
- It is an ideal solution for patients who have exhausted all other treatment methods and have severe damage.
- It provides great relief to patients suffering from knee pain during daily activities and even during rest and sleep.
- Significantly improves mobility and quality of life.
- Partial Knee Prosthesis: Also known as Half Knee Prosthesis, this surgery is a type of prosthesis in which only part of the knee joint is replaced. Usually only the damaged part of the cartilage is replaced. It allows for a less invasive surgery and the recovery process is faster.
- The postoperative recovery process is faster than total knee prosthesis. Patients can return to their daily activities in a shorter time.
- The pain felt after surgery is less than total knee prosthesis. This allows patients to have a more comfortable recovery process.
- There is less blood loss during surgery. This means less risk and faster recovery for patients.
- Patients are discharged from the hospital in a shorter time compared to total knee prosthesis.
- The bones, cartilage and ligaments in the healthy parts of the knee are protected. This allows patients to feel their knees more naturally.
- Less scarring occurs.
- It is done through a smaller incision.
- Less tissue damage occurs.
- Less rehabilitation time required.
- Patellofemoral Knee Prosthesis: It is the method in which the area where the kneecap joint (patella) and the thigh bone (femur) articulate is replaced. It is mostly applied in cases of arthritis in the kneecap.
- It is a less traumatic surgery. It is applied through a small incision, which means less tissue damage and faster recovery.
- Patients can regain knee functions more quickly after surgery.
- There is less blood loss during surgery.
- Patients are discharged from the hospital in a shorter time compared to total knee prosthesis.
- The risk of complications such as infection and wound healing problems is lower.
- The bones, cartilage and ligaments in the healthy parts of the knee are protected. This allows patients to feel their knees more naturally.
- Revision Knee Prosthesis: This type of knee prosthesis surgery is applied to patients who have previously undergone surgery. It is an effective surgical method that is applied to patients who have had knee prosthesis surgery before and who experience problems due to various reasons (such as prosthesis loosening, infection, joint problems, faulty procedure), and it must be performed by very experienced doctors. Since revision knee prosthesis surgery is a correction procedure, it brings its advantages and disadvantages.
The Advantages of Revision Knee Prosthesis are as follows:
- Eliminates pain and inflammation caused by problems such as prosthesis loosening or infection.
- It restores the range of motion and functions of the knee joint.
- It enables patients to perform their daily activities more comfortably and have a better quality of life.
Disadvantages of Revision Knee Prosthesis Surgery:
- It is a more complex process.
- It takes longer.
- It involves more risks
- Patients may need to stay in hospital for a longer period of time.
- He may need to undergo rehabilitation for a longer period of time.
- Revision knee prosthesis may not be suitable for every patient.
Is Knee Replacement Surgery Risky?
As MSM Clinic, we inform our patients in detail before surgical procedures such as knee prosthesis surgery and clearly discuss the risks and benefits before creating any treatment plan. Although we do not consider it a risky surgical procedure, knee replacement surgery involves risks as much as any other surgery. Some potential risks of knee replacement surgery include:
- Infection: As with every surgical procedure, knee replacement surgery carries the risk of infection. This may occur if the surgical site becomes infected and may require additional treatment.
- Bleeding and clot formation: Bleeding may occur during or after surgery and there is a risk of clot formation. This can cause circulation problems or pulmonary embolism.
- Loss of joint mobility: After knee replacement surgery, some patients may have restrictions in joint mobility. This can usually be prevented with proper rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
- Prosthesis loosening or wear: The prosthesis may wear or loosen over time, which may necessitate additional surgeries.
- Nerve or vascular damage: Nerves or vessels may be damaged during surgery, causing loss of sensation, numbness, or blood circulation problems.
As MSM Clinic, we carefully evaluate the health status of our patients, explain the risks before surgery and create the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient. We work meticulously to provide all the information our patients need before and after surgery and to minimize possible post-operative complications.
What Should Be Considered After Knee Replacement Surgery?
As MSM Clinic, we have identified some important points that you should follow for a fast and healthy recovery process after knee prosthesis surgery. These points are:
- Drug Use:
- Use the medications prescribed by our specialist doctor regularly and exactly as your doctor recommends.
- Painkillers, antibiotics and blood thinners play an important role in the healing process.
- If you have any side effects or questions while taking your medications, consult us.
- Wound Care:
- Clean and dry your wound as recommended by our doctor.
- Change your dressing regularly and monitor the healing process of your wound.
- If you see any signs of infection such as redness, swelling or discharge, notify our doctor immediately.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:
- Participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation program regularly.
- Your exercises will help strengthen your knee muscles and increase your mobility.
- Pay attention to the instructions of our physiotherapist and be careful to perform the exercises correctly.
- Activity Level:
- Avoid excessive activities for the first few weeks after surgery.
- Do not exercise or lift heavy loads without your doctor’s approval.
- Light exercises such as walking and swimming may be beneficial during the healing process.
- Controls:
- After knee prosthesis surgery, have regular check-ups as recommended by your doctor.
- During the check-ups, our doctor will check your wound, follow the progress of your exercises and evaluate your general condition.
- If you have any problems or concerns, do not hesitate to consult our clinician.
Knee replacement surgery is like a rebirth for patients who have lost their mobility and quality of life. Patients can return to their daily lives and lead a social and active life in a short period of 6-8 weeks after surgery. Discharge usually occurs within 1-3 days. Although pain varies from person to person, it is easily controlled with medications prescribed by your doctor. You can start walking immediately with the assistive devices (walker, cane or crutches) given after the surgery. Contact us for a more active and free life.
