Knee Arthroplasty
Knee Arthroplasty
(Total Knee Replacement)
What is it?
During knee replacement, a surgeon cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from femur, tibia and kneecap and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
Why it’s done?
It is most commonly done to repair joint damage caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
You may be a candidate for knee replacement if:
Your pain is disabling- People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. They also may experience moderate or severe knee pain at rest.
Other treatments haven't helped- More conservative treatments include weight loss, physical therapy, a cane or other walking aid, medications, and braces.
You're 55 or older- Knee replacement is typically performed in older adults, but it may be considered for adults of all ages.
Risks:
Infection, Knee stiffness, blood clots, nerve damage. An infected knee replacement usually requires surgery to remove the artificial parts and antibiotics are necessary to kill the bacteria. After the infection is cleared, another surgery is performed to install a new knee.
Risks of serious complications are rare. According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, fewer than 2 percent of people undergoing knee replacement surgery experience serious complications.
Pre-Op
Before the procedure, the surgeon takes medical history and performs a physical examination to assess knee's range of motion, stability and strength. He or she also orders an X-ray exam to determine the extent of knee damage. A full medical exam is performed, including blood tests, an electrocardiogram and a urine test, before surgery. Patient is NPO after midnight.
Knee replacement surgery requires anesthesia. Patient’s input and personal preference helps the team decide whether to use general anesthesia, spinal or epidural anesthesia.
Intra-Op
During the
(Total Knee Replacement)
What is it?
During knee replacement, a surgeon cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from femur, tibia and kneecap and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
Why it’s done?
It is most commonly done to repair joint damage caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
You may be a candidate for knee replacement if:
Your pain is disabling- People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. They also may experience moderate or severe knee pain at rest.
Other treatments haven't helped- More conservative treatments include weight loss, physical therapy, a cane or other walking aid, medications, and braces.
You're 55 or older- Knee replacement is typically performed in older adults, but it may be considered for adults of all ages.
Risks:
Infection, Knee stiffness, blood clots, nerve damage. An infected knee replacement usually requires surgery to remove the artificial parts and antibiotics are necessary to kill the bacteria. After the infection is cleared, another surgery is performed to install a new knee.
Risks of serious complications are rare. According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, fewer than 2 percent of people undergoing knee replacement surgery experience serious complications.
Pre-Op
Before the procedure, the surgeon takes medical history and performs a physical examination to assess knee's range of motion, stability and strength. He or she also orders an X-ray exam to determine the extent of knee damage. A full medical exam is performed, including blood tests, an electrocardiogram and a urine test, before surgery. Patient is NPO after midnight.
Knee replacement surgery requires anesthesia. Patient’s input and personal preference helps the team decide whether to use general anesthesia, spinal or epidural anesthesia.
Intra-Op
During the