The knees are among the most active joints in your body. These joints enable you to run, walk, bend, and leap, allowing you to participate in the physical activities you love and perform other everyday tasks. With all this exercise and strain, it is unsurprising that your knees might require assistance at some point. If you have been experiencing persistent knee discomfort for a while, it could be time to discuss knee replacement with your physician at Orthopaedic Associates. Although total knee replacement Albany might sound intimidating, current knee replacement surgery is highly efficient in alleviating pain and restoring functionality. Continue reading to learn all you should know about total knee replacement surgery.
What Is The Difference Between Total And Partial Knee Replacement?
Unlike a partial knee replacement, where just a portion of the joint is replaced, a whole knee replacement entails the elimination of the whole joint. Approximately 700,000 knee replacements are performed annually in the United States, making it one of the most frequently performed joint replacement surgeries.
What is a Knee Implant?
Your doctor uses an artificial prosthesis to replace the injured knee joint. There are numerous varieties of implants, and the choice of prosthesis will rely on several criteria, including:
- The knee anatomy
- The degree of deformity
- The stability of soft tissues
Synthetic knee implants are composed of ceramic, plastic, and metal alloys. These implants are continuously modified to enhance not only functionality but also durability.
What To Expect During Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Your surgeon creates a cut in the knee to reach the joint. Then, your doctor will eliminate the damaged joint components. Your specialist resurfaces the bones to accept the knee implant more effectively.
Cement is used to connect the knee implant prosthesis to your bone. A plastic spacer is put between the metal components of the tibia and femur to facilitate smooth mobility. Your surgeon will then relocate the patellar tendon anterior to the knee and shut the cut.
What Does Recovery Entail?
Knee replacements could be performed utilizing a less intrusive procedure, allowing for a quicker recovery, reduced scarring, and less discomfort. While patients recover at varying speeds, those who have undergone knee replacement surgery must devote several months to recuperation. After the treatment, the physician will provide extensive guidelines on caring for the knee and enhancing healing.
During the initial weeks, patients will require support. Making some modifications to your house can also facilitate a smooth recovery period. Physical therapy rehabilitation will aid in the recovery of muscle strength and mobility. Patients can see a physical therapist on the day following surgery.
After surgery, many patients can resume light office work within 3-6 weeks and drive again within a month. To enhance the success of your total knee replacement, select an orthopaedic surgeon with extensive experience.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Knee Replacement?
A knee replacement is not permanent. After fifteen to twenty years, artificial knee components could loosen or become worn. If such concerns develop, you could require additional knee surgery.
Knee pain does not necessarily necessitate knee replacement surgery. In fact, if you have recently sustained a knee injury, you may not qualify for knee replacement surgery. Nevertheless, if you have been experiencing increasing knee pain due to arthritis, it is time to explore whether knee replacement is appropriate for you. At Orthopaedic Associates, the surgeons will guide you through what your procedure will involve and what benefits to expect. Call the Albany, GA office or use the online scheduling tool to arrange an appointment.
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