Frequently Asked Questionsabout Hip And Knee Replacement Materials
What is the chance of my body rejecting the implant?
Unlike an organ transplant, the risk of your body rejecting the artificial hip or knee parts is exceedingly rare. The materials used in the typical replacement surgery are well tolerated by the body and have a long track record of successful implantation. While in rare cases the parts may become loose or infected, this is typically related to other factors and not due to your body rejecting the parts.
How do I know if I have a recalled implant?
Most modern hip and knee replacement parts have a long history of excellent safety and few known mechanical issues. In recent years, there have been a handful of very specific implants involved in a recall process due to metal reactions, higher than expected failure rates and other unanticipated problems. Most companies offer numerous models and designs of their implants . It is important to keep in mind that just because one model has been recalled, the company is likely to have many others that are performing very well. The vast majority of patients will not experience an issue with a recalled implant. If you are concerned about your particular type of replacement, we recommend you contact your surgeons office to ensure that your implant has not been involved in a recall.
I have a history of nickel allergy and/or break out in a rash with certain types of jewelry. How do I know if I am allergic to the implants?
Can I have a hip or knee replacement if I am allergic to metal?
Outlook For Knee Replacement
While some activities are off-limits after a knee replacement, you still have plenty of others to choose from. Unlimited walking, golf, light hiking, cycling, ballroom dancing, and swimming are all safe for most people with knee implants. By following your doctor’s guidelines, you can expect long-lasting results — about 85% of knee replacements will last 20 years.
Special Precautions To Take
- Remember this is an artificial knee and must be treated with care.
- In general, the more active you are the quicker your knee will wear out.
- You can drive when you have regained muscle control, usually by 6 weeks.
- Avoid situations where you might fall.
- Your knee may go off in a metal detector at the airport. You can receive a note from our rooms to say you have had a joint replacement.
- Prevention of infection is vital. If you have any infections anywhere make sure you see your local doctor straight away for treatment. If you get increasing pain in your joint and are sick and have temperatures you should go to hospital to get checked out.
- USE OF ANTIBIOTICS Antibiotics should be prescribed if you have an infection anywhere in the body, if you have surgery in contaminated areas such as teeth, nose, bowel or bladder, podiatry treatment or urinary catheterisation.
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Titanium And Titanium Cobalt
Pure titanium is not used nearly as commonly as titanium cobalt. Titanium joint replacement is used as frequently as cobalt-chromium alloys. Titanium alloys are biocompatible, will not corrode, nor change inside the body. Titanium cobalt is more elastic and favorable to the natural bone surrounding the implant. Since this metal is softer, it tends to make up the tibial part of the replacement where the plastic inserts lock-in. In the tibial component, the metal choice is less important since there is little traction or rubbing during movement.
What Can I Expect At Hss
Hospital for Special Surgery has been at the forefront of modern knee replacement since the operation was first introduced in the late 1960s. We have led the field ever since in a number of ways:
- : HSS has been ranked the No. 1 hospital for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report for 11 years straight.
- Along with high rankings in patient satisfaction, HSS performs the most knee replacements with the lowest reported infection rates in the United States.
- Research and advancement: Smaller incisions, new implant materials and design, and sophisticated instrumentation have been â and continue to be â the areas of expertise of the hip and knee replacement surgeons of the HSS .
- HSS routinely uses the latest surgical techniques and technology, such as robotic-assisted and computer-assisted surgery.
- : Isolating the anesthesia to a particular body area helps avoid the potential problems that may accompany a general anesthetic. These techniques have been developed and refined by the HSS . Learn more about
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How Long Is It Before I Can Walk After A Knee Replacement
Most patients progress to a straight cane, walker or crutches within two or three days after surgery. As the days progress, the distance and frequency of walking will increase.
Patients are usually able to drive a car within three to six weeks after surgery and resume all other normal activities by or before six weeks. Complete recuperation and return to full strength and mobility may take up to four months. However, in many cases, patients are significantly more mobile one month after surgery than they were before they had their knee replacement
Don’t Let Knee Pain Slow You Down
You donât have to live with severe knee pain and the limitations it may put on your activities. If you havenât experienced adequate relief with medication or other conservative treatments, knee replacement surgery may provide relief from pain and enable you to return to your favorite activities. If conservative treatments have not offered you any relief, knee replacement surgery may provide you with the pain relief you need.
The Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sport Medicine can help you become one of the millions of people across the country who have had a successful and life-changing knee replacement. It’s our job to help treat your acute and chronic pain so you can comfortably function in everyday life.
For more information visit AboutStryker.com or contact a Fort Myers orthopedic surgeon today to schedule a consultation.
Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Stryker and X3. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.
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What You Need To Know About Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Most patients with advanced arthritis reach a point where medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes no longer provide relief from symptoms. Quality of life is very important and is a primary consideration when recommending knee replacement surgery to patients. If you are considering a total knee replacement, heres what you need to know about the procedure.
Who Is A Good Candidate Of Custom Knee Replacement Surgery
The patients who have reached a stage in their arthritis where their symptoms are frequent and so severe that they have become quite debilitated by their arthritis are considered good candidates for any kind of knee replacement. The vast majority of these patients will be candidates for custom knee replacement surgery as the only contraindication to performing a custom knee replacement would be if there is significantly abnormal anatomy or major deformity that precludes the use of primary arthroplasty components.
This is likely to be a very small subset of patients and if you feel that you may be a candidate for a custom knee replacement surgery, consulting with one of our orthopedic surgeons is the best option to have a full assessment and appraisal as to whether you would be a good candidate or, if you are indeed one of the small subset of patients that are unable to have a custom knee replacement.
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Why Have Knee Replacement Surgery
Severe knee pain or stiffness that limits daily activities is the main reason that knee replacement surgery may be recommended. Other reasons are knee pain even while stationary, and knee deformity. These problems are likely the result of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Most people who undergo total knee replacement surgery are between 50 and 80 years of age. However, eligibility for knee replacement surgery is primarily based on a persons level of pain and disability, not their age.
An orthopaedic surgeon will assess the need for a knee replacement taking into account a persons medical history and symptoms, physical examination , and imaging of the knee.
Stryker Knee Implants Are Designed To Last Longer
Though conventional artificial joints have been highly successful over the years, they can become unstable, requiring patients to undergo revision surgery. Because of this, and the fact that more active, younger patients require joint replacements and older patients are living longer, the orthopedic industry has made great strides in extending the life cycle of prosthetics. Designed with advanced bearing surfaces and balance, Stryker knees are customized to your unique anatomy, resisting wear and excessive stress in any one spot. Strykerâs Advanced Bearing Technology has a success rate of 96% compared to competitive premium bearing technologies.
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Why The Procedure Is Performed
The most common reason to have a knee joint replaced is to relieve severe arthritis pain. Your doctor may recommend knee joint replacement if:
- You are having pain from knee arthritis that keeps you from sleeping or doing normal activities.
- You cannot walk and take care of yourself.
- Your knee pain has not improved with other treatment.
- You understand what surgery and recovery will be like.
Most of the time, knee joint replacement is done in people age 60 and older. Younger people who have a knee joint replaced may put extra stress on the artificial knee and cause it to wear out early and not last as long.
Total Hip Replacement Materials
Standard total hip replacement implants are typically made up of approximately four individual components :
The Stem
The femoral stem is the portion of the replacement that fits into your thigh bone. Historically, this is made from cobalt-chromium and/or titanium metals. In the modern era of hip replacements, cemented stems are composed of cobalt-chromium metals. Cementless stems are routinely made of titanium. Both designs have had excellent long-term results as part of total hip replacement systems.
- Both titanium and cobalt-chromium implants are considered highly biocompatiblemeaning they are generally well tolerated by the human body with low risk of adverse reaction. In fact, both materials have been shown to be highly effective in adhering to bone.
- The top end of the femoral stem is specially shaped to hold the new ball of the artificial joint. Regardless of the material that the ball is made out of, this is where the head and stem fit together.
The Cup
The acetabulum structure fits into your pelvis and is also made from various metals. The majority of modern cups are made from titanium or tantalum metals. Both metals are well tolerated by human bone and serve as excellent surfaces for bony attachment.
The Ball
The Liner
Figure 1
Total knee replacements are made of 4 parts as well :
The Femur
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Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
When A Knee Replacement Is Needed
Knee replacement surgery is usually necessary when the knee joint is worn or damaged so that your mobility is reduced and you are in pain even while resting.
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Other health conditions that cause knee damage include:
- knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage
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What Type Of Anaesthetic Will I Need
There are two different types of anaesthetic for this operation:
- A spinal anaesthetic
- A general anaesthetic
At the pre-assessment clinic you can talk about the type of anaesthetic for your knee replacement. An anaesthetist will explain to you which type of anaesthetic is most suitable for you but your preference will always be taken into account. Most people have a spinal anaesthetic.
Which Type Should I Have
Your surgeon will discuss this with you. It will depend on how much of your knee is affected by arthritis – it may not be possible to know this until your surgeon has started your operation.
If you have a partial knee replacement it is more likely that you will need to have it done again, than if you have a total knee replacement . Sometimes the reason for choosing to have a partial knee replacement is that it leaves the option to have a TKR at a later date. However it’s also more likely that you will need to have your total knee replacement re-done, if you had a partial knee replacement done before having your total knee replacement.
There are over 150 different designs of knee replacement and some of the differences between all the different types and makes of knee replacement parts aren’t known, particularly how they perform in the long term. In many countries, registries have been set up so that anyone who has had a knee replacement is entered into the register. The information collected is used to monitor how their replacement is performing. In the UK, patients also enter information about their health and quality of life before and after their operation.
A study of over 500 patients with osteoarthritis of the inner part of their knee has compared the effectiveness of total and partial knee replacement. The two groups were followed up five years after surgery, and asked to complete questionnaires about pain, activity and day-to-day living.
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Find The Best Knee Replacement Implants: Artificial Knees Brands
As a knee implant manufacturer, Just HuaJian Medical Device Co., Ltd., founded in 1958, integrates R& D, manufacturing, marketing, training, and service. JUST MEDICAL has developed a full range of joint replacement product families such as 4 hip systems with more than 40 series and 1,000 specifications, and 4 knee systems with 7 series and over 600 specifications. It is certified with GMP, ISO, CE, CFDA, FSC and obtained local certifications in other countries and regions. If you want to know about the high flexion total knee system price, feel free to contact us.
Tests Before Knee Replacement Surgery
About six weeks or so before your operation you will have an appointment for a ‘pre-admission’ or ‘pre-assessment’ clinic. At this clinic a nurse will assess your fitness for your knee surgery.
There are several tests that may be needed and they include:
- Blood tests – to check that you aren’t anaemic and that your kidneys and liver are working well enough for you to undergo the operation.
- Urine test – to make sure you haven’t got a urine infection and that there isn’t any glucose in your urine.
- Blood pressure.
- Infection screen – this includes looking for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . MRSA is a germ that is difficult to treat and can cause complications of a knee replacement.
- A heart tracing .
You may have the chance to speak with an anaesthetist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or social worker at this clinic but this isn’t always possible.
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Knee Replacement Components: Options For Patients
During knee replacement, the damaged knee joint is removed and replaced with man-made components. These components are designed to move together like a normal, healthy knee. Manufacturers offer many types of knee components. For example, some components are designed specifically for women, and others may be customized to the patients unique knee anatomy.
This page discusses the materials used to make knee components gender-specific knee components and custom knee replacement components. A doctor will recommend the components that he or she is believes is best for the individual patient.
What Happens On The Day Of Your Operation
Undergoing a total knee replacement is a major operation. You will require specific tests and possible review by other specialists to ensure you are in optimal condition prior to your surgery. If you have a pre-existing condition you will need to be given the all clear by your treating physician before surgery.
Your anaesthetist will explain to you the various options with regards to anaesthetic during the operation and the anaesthetic most suitable for you. In addition, your anaesthetist will discuss the most effective post-operative pain relief for you.
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Risks Of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a common operation and most people do not have complications. However, as with any operation, there are risks as well as benefits.
Complications are rare but can include:
- stiffness of the knee
- infection of the joint replacement, needing further surgery
- unexpected bleeding into the knee joint
- ligament, artery or nerve damage in the area around the knee joint
- persistent pain in the knee
- a break in the bone around the knee replacement during or after the operation
In some cases, the new knee joint may not be completely stable and further surgery may be needed to correct it.
For Those Who Have A Nickel Allergy
If you have a history of skin reactions to metal jewelry or are unsure if you are allergic, it is worthwhile to be formally tested by an allergist. Often, femoral components are the only artificial components that those with nickel allergies need to be aware of when choosing materials and manufacturers. Most femurs are made of cobalt-chromium alloy because it is a very tough metal. The tibial component is usually made of a softer titanium alloy, which has a very low nickel content.
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