TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT FACTS

Patients with severe destruction of the knee joint associated with progressive pain and impaired function maybe candidates for total knee replacement.MCSE boot camps have its supporters and its detractors. Some people do not understand why you should have to spend money on boot camp when you can get the MCSE study materials yourself at a fraction.

Physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation after total knee replacement.

Many types of designs and materials are currently available. The knee joint is divided into three compartments for the purpose of description the medial [inner), the lateral [outer) and the kneecap compartments. Arthritis can affect one or more compartments of the knee joint. When two or all three compartments are damaged by arthritis.

Types of Knee Replacements

Many types of designs and materials are currently available. The knee joint is divided into three compartments for the purpose of description the medial [inner), the lateral [outer) and the kneecap compartments. Arthritis can affect one or more compartments of the knee joint. When two or all three compartments are damaged by arthritis, your surgeons will usually recommend a Total Knee Replacement.

There are two categories of Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Fixed Bearing - the plastic cushion in this form of knee replacement is fixed to the metal tray on the tibial side of the knee joint.

Mobile Bearing - the plastic cushion is not firmly attached but is allowed to rotate on the tibial tray. This is a newer type of design. The wear rate of the plastic component is probably lower compared with fixed bearing design. However not all patients are suitable for a mobile bearing TKR.

Unicompartment - If only one compartment is affected by arthritis, your surgeon may recommend a Partial Knee replacement (Unicompartment knee Replacement). In this form of knee replacement, smaller components for the femur and tibia are used and the operation can be performed through a much smaller incision (Minimal Invasive Technique). Because of the less invasive nature of the operation, the recovery period after the surgery is much shorter and blood loss is significantly lower compared with a total knee replacement operation. Most patients are able to return home one or two days after the surgery.

Another advantage of unicompartment knee replacement is that the range of the motion tends to be better than that after a total knee replacement. Unicompartment knee replacements are however less durable than total knee replacements.

Good quality x-rays in different positions are invaluable in arriving at correct diagnosis and for further management. Therefore, it is advisable to take x-rays under supervision of our staff for standardization.

While you are waiting for the result of your X-ray, you may wish to view the computer program / video film pertaining to knee replacement surgery or you may go through this booklet.


Treatment for knee disorders is advised taking into consideration your age, medical history, the intensity of pain, findings of clinical examination and x-rays.

There are a number of conditions, which can result in a patient having to undergo hip replacement surgery. Perhaps the most common condition is osteoarthritis that is commonly referred to as 'wear and tear arthritis'. Osteoarthritis can occur with no previous history of injury to the hip joint. The hip simply 'wears out'. There may be a genetic tendency in some people that increases their chances of developing osteoarthritis.

pelvic fracture surgery in Barddhaman / burdwanAvascular necrosis is another condition that could lead to hip replacement surgery. In this condition, the femoral head (ball) loses a portion of its blood supply and actually dies. This leads to collapse of the femoral head and degeneration of the hip joint. Avascular necrosis has been linked to alcoholism, fractures and dislocations of the hip and long-term cortisone treatment for other diseases.

Abnormalities of hip joint function, resulting from trauma to the hip, fracture of the hip, and some types of hip conditions that appear in childhood, such as congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) can lead to degeneration many years later. The mechanical abnormality leads to excessive wear and tear.

How long will a new knee joint last?
Modern knee replacement slast for atleast 20 years in around 8 out of 10 patients

What are the possible complications?
Possible complications include :

  • ~ ongoing pain
  • ~ blood clots
  • ~ wound haematoma (bleeding)
  • ~ instability or disl cation
  • ~ bone fracture
  • ~ nerve, blood vessel or ligament damage
  • ~ wear
  • ~ early revision surgery
  • ~ loosening of the parts stiffness
  • ~ infection (Less than 1-2%)

Return to Work
Depending on the type of activities you do on the job and the speed of your r e c o v e r y, it may t a k e f r o m s e v e r al d a y s t o several weeks before you are able to return to work. Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to resume your normal work activities

Resuming Normal Activities
Once you get home, you should s t ay active. The key is to not do too much, too soon. While you can expect some good da ys and some bad da ys, you should notice a gradual improvement over time. Generally, the following guidelines will apply:

Driving
In most cases, it is safe to resume driving when you a r e n o lo n g e r t a kin g opioid pain medic ation, and when your strength a n d r e f l e x e s h a v e r e t urnedtoamore normal s t a te.

Sexual Activity
Please consult your doctor about how soon you can safely resume sexual activity.

Sleeping Positions
You can safely sleep on your back, on either side, or on your stomach.

Air Travel
Pressure changes and immobility may cause your operated leg to swell, especially if it is just healing. Ask your doctor before you travel on an airplane. When going through security, be aware that the sensitivity of metal detectors varies and your artificial joint may cause an alarm. Tell the screener about your artificial joint before going through the metal detector.

Sports and Exercise
Continue to do the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist for at least 2 months after surgery. In some cases, your doctor ma y r e c omme n d ri d i n g a stationary bicycle to help maintain muscle tone and keep your knee flexible. When riding, try to achieve the maximum degree of bending and straightening possible. As soon as your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can return to many of the sports activities you enjoyed before your knee replacement.
Walk as much as you would like, but remember that walking is no substitute for the exercises prescribed by your doctor and physicaltherapist. Swimming is an excellent lowimpact activity after a total knee replacement; you can begin swimming as soon as the wound is sufficiently healed. Your doctor will let you know when you can begin. In general, lower impact fitness activities such as golfing, bicycling, and light tennis will help increase the longevity of your knee and are preferable over high-impact ac tivities such as jogging, racquetball and skiing.