The Ultimate Guide to Knee Replacement Implants: Everything You Need to Know
Knee replacement surgery involves the replacement of parts of injured or worn-out knee joints. The surgery can help relieve pain and improve knee function. During the procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with metal and plastic components.
A surgeon evaluates your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength to determine whether a knee replacement is appropriate for you. X-rays aid in determining the extent of damage.
Your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health all influence the best artificial joints and surgical techniques for you.
Why knee replacement is done?
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve arthritis pain. People who require knee replacement surgery frequently have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of chairs.
If only one part of the knee is damaged, surgeons can often replace it. If the entire joint needs to be replaced, the thighbone and shinbone ends are reshaped, and the joint is resurfaced. These bones are hard tubes with a soft center. The artificial parts' ends are inserted into the softer central part of the bones.
Ligaments are tissue bands that help hold joints together. If the ligaments in the knee aren't strong enough to hold the joint together on their own, the The surgeon may select implants that can be linked together so that they cannot be separated.
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Can knee replacement cause death?
Knee replacement surgery, like how knee replacement is done ? has risks. They are as follows:
- Clots form in the blood. To avoid this risk, surgeons typically recommend blood-thinning medications. The leg is the most common site for blood clots. They can, however, spread to the lungs and be lethal.
- Damage to the nerves. Nerves in the vicinity of the implant can be damaged. Numbness, weakness, and pain can result from nerve damage.
- Infection. Infection can occur at the site of the incision or in deeper tissue. In some cases, surgery is required to treat an infection.
- Knee replacement implants are long-lasting, but they can become loose or worn over time. If this occurs, another surgery may be required.How do you prepare?
- Food and pharmaceuticals
- Before your surgery, your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications and dietary supplements. You will most likely be told not to eat anything after midnight on the day of your surgery.
Make plans for your recovery.
You may need crutches or a walker for several weeks following the procedure, so plan ahead of time. Ensure you have a ride home from the hospital and assist with daily tasks such as cooking, bathing, and laundry.
Consider the following to make your home safer and easier to navigate during your recovery:
- Because climbing stairs can be difficult, create a living space on one level.
- Install shower safety bars or a secure handrail.
- Stairway handrails must be secure.
- Purchase a sturdy chair with a firm seat cushion and back, as well as a footstool to elevate your leg.
- If you have a low toilet, get a toilet seat riser with arms.
- For your shower, get a sturdy bench or chair.
- Remove any loose rugs or cords.