All You Want To Know About Knee Replacement
16 JunKnees are one of the most essential parts of the body without which we would not be able to walk, run, or sit. We generally do not pay attention to this vital element of our body, but you must ask the value of the knee from those who have damaged them due to injury, fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, tears, arthritis, and ageing. With any of these problems, the ability to bend and flex knees is ceased or becomes restricted, thus making life miserable, painful, and difficult. One is hindered from performing all kinds of daily activities, like the simplest ones of sitting and walking.
However, science has brought a miracle to help such vulnerable people n the form of knee replacement surgeries. This surgery provides spectacular pain relief by replacing the original knee with a fake one. Such surgeries have been in practice since the late 60’s and have seen more than 90% of successful results. Knee replacement is considered as one of the most effective and safest procedures to replace knee joints. There are two types of knee replacement surgeries that exist – total and partial. Let us learn in detail about both.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is where the surgeon replaces the entire portion of the knee with a plastic or metal fake knee. The thighbone is covered with a metal cover and the shinbone is encased in plastic. The rough and irregular surfaces of the worn bone are replaced with smooth surfaces by implementing prosthesis. Also, the surgeon may replace the undersurface of the kneecap with plastic to reduce pain and provide a smooth functioning point. Some amount of bone and cartilage is removed in the procedure of total knee replacement, with a lot of blood loss. After the surgery, the patient is kept in the hospital for a few days, wherein he is given weight-bearing therapies, physical therapies, and occupational therapies. After few days of such therapies, the patient is in the position of walking with the help of a cane or walker. The bending in and extending out motions of the knee are thoroughly monitored, after which the patient is discharged. The patient then requires further health care and assistance to recover and undergo physical therapies and exercises, which may take around 8 weeks. By the end of 8 weeks, the patient is likely to move about without any kind of assistance.
Partial Knee Replacement
Unlike total knee replacement, where the entire knee is replaced, in partial knee replacement, only the part of the knee that is damaged is replaced. Many people opt for this kind of surgery as there is lesser bone and blood loss, and the procedure requires a smaller incision; all of which brings about lesser pain and quicker recovery. However, after the partial knee replacement, it is possible that the patient may have to undergo further surgery in the future in case arthritis develops in the parts of the knee that are not replaced. This is one risk involved with this kind of surgery.
With every surgery, comes some sort of complication or risk. However, knee replacements are comparatively safer with no complications, if you opt for the best surgeons and get the best-in-class implants for partial or total knee replacement in Bangalore from a recognized name like Aditi Corporation. However, any sort of complications that may occur include blood clots, persistent pain, infection, or damage to blood vessels near the knee. But, such complications are seen in only 2% of patients. Though, if you ever have to undergo knee replacement, remember that total knee replacement is a much better option to keep yourself from any further knee surgeries that may likely be required in the future.