Replacement of the knee joint is an orthopedic procedure that allows you to recover the limb functions lost due to various diseases or damages. Also, thanks to this operation, patients get rid of painful symptoms:
- pain in the knees during walking or appearing when changing weather;
- lameness;
- limitation of mobility in the knee joint, etc.
Who is showing the knee replacement?
Performing an operation to replace the knee joint can be recommended in the following pathologies:
- ankylosing spondylitis ;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- osteoarthrosis of the knee joint with a constant pain syndrome;
- infectious diseases affecting articular tissues;
- defeat of condyles of the femur;
- knee joint injury, etc.
Usually, surgical intervention is resorted to when conservative methods of treatment (use of medications, physiotherapy methods, etc.) do not bring good effect.
Preparing for knee replacement surgery
Before the operation to determine the degree of damage to the knee joint, the following diagnostic measures are recommended:
- Roentgenography of the knee joint - X-ray of the joint is performed in several projections.
- Arthroscopy is a modern method that allows you to obtain complete information about the condition of the joint. This method is invasive and is performed under local anesthesia by inserting through endoscopic incisions through small incisions into the joint cavity.
The choice of the knee prosthesis is made using a special computer system.
Options for knee replacement surgery
There are two main types of surgical intervention to replace the joint in the knee:
- Complete replacement of the knee joint is the most common type of operation, in which both sides of the joint are replaced with transplants. Anterior incision of the knee is made, the kneecap rises, and the affected ends of the femur and shank are cleaned. After installing the prosthesis and checking its functioning, the wound is closed with ties or special clips and a bandage is applied. In some cases, to maintain the immobility of the foot, it is fixed.
- Partial replacement of the knee joint is an operation of a smaller volume, which is performed when the individual components of the joint are damaged, when the ligaments are intact. In this operation, one joint department is replaced.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia. There are many types of prostheses: with a movable or fixed platform, plastic and metal, etc. Most of them are designed for a lifetime of at least 10 years.
An operation to replace the meniscus of the knee joint is also possible - in the event that rupturing is not recommended.
Rehabilitation period after knee replacement
As a rule, after the operation the patient can get up on his feet on the second day. During the recovery period after replacement of the knee joint, the following medicines are indicated:
- analgesics;
- anticoagulants ;
- antibiotics;
- immunomodulators.
Also, rehabilitation after the replacement of the knee joint includes:
- therapeutic gymnastics;
- massage;
- phytotherapy.
Complications after knee replacement
During the operation, there are risks of the following complications:
- infection of the wound;
- fracture or fracture of bone around the prosthesis;
- formation of excess scar tissue;
- displacement of the patella;
- bleeding;
- damage to ligaments, etc.
Contraindications for knee replacement surgery:
- oncological diseases;
- cardiac, renal or pulmonary insufficiency;
- bleeding disorders;
- diabetes in severe form;
- acute phase of the rheumatic process.