In knee replacement surgery, damaged or worn parts of the knee joint are replaced. Surgery can help reduce pain and make the knee work better. An important factor to consider is a total knee replacement cost and quality of surgery. During the operation, damaged bones and cartilage are replaced with metal and plastic parts. The type of artificial joint and surgical technique that is right for you depends on your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and general health.
Causes of total knee replacement surgery
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain caused by arthritis. People who need knee surgery often have trouble walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of chairs.
If only a portion of the knee is injured, surgeons can frequently replace only that portion. If the entire joint needs to be replaced, the ends of the femur and tibia are reshaped and the entire joint is replaced. These bones have a soft core inside hard tubes. The ends of the artificial parts are inserted into the softer middle part of the bones.
Ligaments are tissue bands that help hold joints together. If the knee ligaments are not strong enough to hold the joint together on their own, the surgeon can choose implants that can be connected so they do not separate.
Risks
Knee replacement surgery, like any surgery, involves risks. These include:
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Blood clots
There is a risk of developing a blood clot after an operation, e.g. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
When a clot travels through the bloodstream and causes a blockage in the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can occur. This may be fatal. Blood clots can occur during or after any type of surgery, but are more common after orthopaedic surgeries such as knee replacements.
Symptoms normally develop two weeks after surgery; however, clots can form in a short period of time or even during the treatment. If you develop a clot, you may need to spend more time in the hospital. The leg is the most prevalent site for blood clots. But they can get into the lungs and become deadly. Be sure to discuss your coagulation risk factors before your surgery. Some conditions, like smoking or obesity, increase your risk.
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Nerve damage
There could be nerve damage in the area where the implant is placed. Nerve damage can result in numbness, weakness, and discomfort. Up to 10 percent of people can experience nerve damage during surgery. When nerve damage takes place, patients experience the following:
• Deafness
• Drop foot
• Weakness
• Tingling
• Burning or stinging sensation
If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor. The course of action depends on how severe the harm is.
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Infection
Infections are rare after knee replacement surgery but can occur. Infection is a serious complication and requires immediate medical attention. Infection may occur at the incision site or in deeper tissue. Sometimes surgery is needed to treat an infection.
Surgeons reduce this risk by:
• Maintaining a sterile operating room environment
• Using sterile devices and implants
• Antibiotics are prescribed before, during, and after surgery
Some people are more susceptible to infections because their immune systems are weakened by an illness or by taking certain medications. This includes people with diabetes, and HIV, those taking immunosuppressive medications, and those taking medication after a transplant.
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Complications of Wounds and Haemorrhages
The surgeon uses sutures or staples to close the wound. They usually remove them after about 2 weeks.
Complications that can occur include:
• When bleeding from a cut lasts for several days and the healing process is delayed.
• When blood thinners, which can prevent blood clots, contribute to bleeding problems. The surgeon may need to reopen the wound and drain the fluid.
• Baker’s cyst occurs when fluid collects behind the knee. The doctor may need to drain the fluid with a needle.
• If the skin is not healing properly, you may need a skin graft.
To reduce the risk of problems, check the wound and tell your doctor if it doesn’t heal or if it continues to bleed.
Also Read more about the Life after having Knee Replacement Surgery and get aware of it.
Implant
Implants used for knee replacements are durable but can become loose or wear out over time.
In this case, further surgery may be required to replace the loose or worn parts. Total knee replacement is a standard procedure that thousands of people undergo each year. Many of them have no complications.
Because of the affordable total knee replacement cost, now people prefer TKR in arthritis.
It is important to know what the risks are and how to recognise the signs of a complication.