When Should You Opt For Knee Replacement With Cement Fixation?
28 JulHaving a knee replacement is one of the most frightening things for an individual. Obviously there can be nothing compared to the natural knee that we have been given by God, but in cases of knee pain, knee injuries, and knee damage, there is no option but to replace it. However, doctors first suggest other conventional measures like medication, therapy, physical exercises, and walking aids, but if the problem persists or worsens with these measures, a knee replacement is then suggested.
There are two options that a patient can choose from to undergo a knee replacement – cemented and cementless. The prostheses that are to be implanted are placed in two parts – one that replaces the gap made by removal of the lower end of the thigh bone, and second that replaces the gap made by removal of the upper end of the lower leg bone. These prostheses can either be cemented into place with bone cement for arthroplasty, or a cementless procedure can be undertaken. Depending upon the age, lifestyle, and condition of the patient, the procedure is decided.
Generally, patients over 65 years of age have their prostheses cemented in place, while younger patients undergo a cementless procedure. This is because cemented knee replacement can help patients to immediately bear their complete body weight after surgery, which can be very useful for the elderly. On the other hand, younger patients have the capability to struggle a little more to be able to carry their weight. Why younger patients are kept away from cemented procedures is because in case a knee revision is required after a cemented knee replacement procedure because of any kind of excessive wear and tear or infection, the cement will have to be chipped off during surgery. This may result in further damage to the ends of the lower leg bone and thigh bone where the prostheses are attached. To avoid such damage, it is always advisable to go in for cementless procedures. However, again, it is the surgeon who decides the procedure based upon the patient’s condition and lifestyle. Moreover, it is likely that the physical pressures on the knee are lesser in older patients as compared to younger ones; and it is also expected that older individuals do not outlive the replacement, which is why no further revised surgery will be required. This is why having a cemented prosthesis in place is the best option for the elderly. Additionally, while using bone cement for surgery, a small amount of antibiotic is added to it to decrease the risk of post-surgical infection, which is not the case for cementless procedures. Also, the bone cement dries in just a few minutes, which ensures that the prosthesis has been firmly attached in place.
If you are suffering from knee pain, injury, or damage, make sure you consult a good doctor who can advise you if you need a surgery or not, and the procedure that is the best for you if you have to go in for a knee replacement. If you are advised to undergo a cemented knee replacement, make sure you opt for Palacos bone cement for arthroplasty from Aditi Corporation as it is has proved to be the gold standard for more than 50 years when it comes to permanent fixation of prostheses, and has also been proven to have a significantly lower revision rate as compared to other cement brands.