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Orthopedics and Traumatology

Knee Replacement

Knee surgery, also known as arthroplasty, can help relieve pain and restoration in severely damaged knee joints.

Knee Replacement

Knee surgery, also known as arthroplasty, can help relieve pain and restoration in severely damaged knee joints.

The procedure involves cutting the damaged bone and cartilage from the thigh bone, shin bone, and patella, and replacing it with an artificial joint or prosthesis. These prostheses are made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.

In determining if a knee replacement is right for you, an Orthopedic Surgeon will evaluate the range of motion, stability, and strength of the knee. Radiology and Imaging as X-rays will help determine the extent of the damage. 

Before the procedure

Knee replacement surgery requires anesthesia. You can choose between general anesthesia, or nerve blocker, which makes you stay awake, but you will not feel pain from the waist down.

 

During the procedure

The knee is placed bent in a position where all joint surfaces are exposed. The surgeon makes an incision of approximately 15 to 25 cm, removes the kneecap, and removes the joint's damaged parts.

Subsequently, the surgeon prepares the joint surfaces and joins them with the artificial joint. Finally, the surgeon makes sure the joint works properly by bending and rotating the knee and closes the incision. The procedure lasts approximately two hours.
 

After the procedure

Once the surgery is complete, the patient will recover in a Hospital room for a couple of days. The Orthopedist will prescribe the necessary medications to control the pain.

During the hospital stay and as part of the recovery, moving the foot and heel will help increase blood flow to the leg muscles and prevent swelling and clot formation. The prescription of anticoagulants is common, and the use of special stockings with support or compression boots also avoids swelling and clots. You will be asked to do breathing exercises frequently and to increase the degree of physical activity regularly.

The day after surgery, a Physiotherapist will show you how to exercise your new knee. After leaving the hospital, the physical therapy should continue at home or in a specialized center. It is essential to perform regularly the recommended exercises to ensure proper recovery and to follow the medical team's instructions regarding wound care and diet.

Am I a candidate for this procedure?

Osteoarthritis is the most common reason why people need Knee Replacement Surgery. But also Rheumatoid Arthritis, deformities, and some knee injuries could guide you to surgery.

People who need this surgery have trouble walking, climbing stairs, sitting, and standing. 

If you have one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, you may be a candidate for surgery. Book an appointment with your Orthopedist to receive a proper diagnosis, and clear all your doubts about it. 

When consulting your Orthopedist, try to keep a record of all your symptoms and studies that have already been applied to you previously. If you need a Second Opinion, contact us, we are here to help you.


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