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The human body is created and functions like a well-oiled machine for the most part. However, once the bones and joints age or if severe damage requiring surgery occurs, total replacement may be a necessity. In some cases, remedial repairs can be made leaving the joint in tact. Once treatment does not allow the patient to function in a pain free state, the doctor or specialist will discuss the arthroplasty procedure with them . A joint replacement is not a difficult procedure and is conducted by orthopedic surgeons all over the globe.
Definition and Indications for Arthroplasty Necessity
Knee arthroplasty or replacement is surgery where the knee joint is removed and replaced with a plastic and metal implanted joint. Usually all forms of pain relief are tried before deciding to perform the replacement. The main reason for surgery is to alleviate pain and restore complete mobility of the joint.
“Approximately 700,000 knee replacement procedures are performed annually in the US. This number is projected to increase to 3.48 million procedures per year by 2030.” The new joint lasts for 15-20 years and do run the risk of being rejected by the body. In such a case, further surgery would be necessary to correct the situation.
Arthritis is the main culprit leading to knee arthroplasty, but there are three types. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear form where the bones eventually end up rubbing against each other causing extreme pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid usually is characterized by thickening of the joint. Post traumatic arthritis is caused by severe injury.
Surgical Complications
As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved. Main risks with knee arthroplasty include: infection, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and nerve damage. Having the surgery does not guarantee that you will have complications, but only that you should be aware they are possible.
Other less common complications (only 1 in 20) might include:
– numbness at the incision site that doesn’t go away
-damage to the ligaments, arteries or nerves around the knee
-continuous post surgery pain
-allergy to the prosthetis or cement used to implant the joint
Note that severe complications are more prevalent if the patient is obese. Less reports of infections and complications are reported if both knees are replaced within a short time frame rather than spreading them out over a period of years. Generally, patients are encouraged to wait 6 months between the surgeries which allows ample time to recover in between.
Recovery
Once surgery is complete the lack of chronic pain is such a relief that the patient can ambulate and work on rehabilitation. Patients are provided with exercises that must be done daily. Physiotherapy generally aids in the recovery process.
Novi Michigan knee arthroplasty is available throughout the city. Knee arthroplasty is an innovative procedure that literally adds years of high quality living to thousands of patients yearly.
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