An arthritis knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the joint in the knee. The knee joint is made up of the end of the femur and the tibia. In addition to cartilage, this joint also contains the cruciate ligament, the menisci, and the kneecap. All of these components can be damaged or destroyed with arthritis. This procedure is a common procedure for patients suffering from a wide variety of conditions, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis.
In some cases, osteoarthritis can be a minor condition. In such cases, treatment consists of modifying activity and avoiding high impact exercises. Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are recommended as ways to remain active and maintain fitness. However, many people still experience symptoms of osteoarthritis that require a knee replacement. Patients may experience pain, discomfort, and swelling in the knee. A surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure after observing that symptoms are not consistent.
People with osteoarthritis may experience pain in the knee, limited mobility, and even catching or clicking in the knee. This pain can be exacerbated by loading the knee joint, and bending the knee can be painful. Patients suffering from severe cases may feel pain while sitting or lying down. The pain usually occurs on the inside part of the knee but can also occur in the front or back. A surgeon may recommend an arthritis knee replacement in addition to physical therapy or a knee brace.
A total knee replacement surgery may take a few hours to complete. A patient will be monitored closely after surgery and will be kept in the hospital for a few days to recover. During this period, blood will be drawn and vital signs monitored. There are some risks involved in the surgery. The risks of arthritis knee replacement include loss of blood, formation of a blood clot in the leg, and possible infection. In rare cases, a patient may not need to undergo a total knee replacement surgery, but it is still important to understand the risks and benefits of this procedure.
If you are suffering from severe arthritis, knee replacement surgery may be the best option for you. A surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from your knee, and replace it with an artificial joint. If the replacement joint eventually wears out, the procedure may have to be repeated. In the case of advanced arthritis, knee replacement surgery may be the only option for pain relief. In severe cases, this type of surgery can even be a cure for a severe case of arthritis.
Another option for patients with limited arthritis is osteotomy. Osteotomy realigns the knee to relieve the pain associated with the affected area and place weight on the uninvolved parts of the joint. In this way, the patient retains their own knee joint and can enjoy pain relief for years to come. The benefits of osteotomy include the ability to maintain a normal life style. In addition to preventing arthritis, osteotomy also allows patients to retain the joint for several years to come.
