How Common Is Knee Replacement Surgery
The surgery is very common. Surgeons started doing it in the 1960s, with regular updates to techniques and implants along the way.
Almost 800,000 knee replacements currently get performed each year in the United States. The surgery is often done in older adults whose knees have worn down over time. But its also become popular in middle age, as people want to stay active.
Will I Need Any Treatments After Knee Replacement
Your healthcare team will prescribe medications to help you manage pain after surgery, such as:
- Acetaminophen.
To prevent blood clots and control swelling, your healthcare team might also recommend:
- Blood thinners, such as aspirin or injectable Enoxaparin based on individual risk of blood clot formation.
- Compression devices, usually used while hospitalized. These are mechanical devises which provide intermittent compression.
- Special support hose.
Your team will ask you to move your foot and ankle around frequently to maintain blood flow at home. Theyll also show you special exercises to help strengthen your knee and restore motion. Exercises are very important to the success of your knee replacement. Initially, physical therapy will be in the home. Arrangements for this in home PT are made at the time of discharge from the hospital.
What Are The Risks Of Total Knee Replacement
Most people do very well with their minimally invasive total knee replacement. But as with any surgery, the procedure does carry some fairly rare risks. Possible complications of the surgery include:
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Infection
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Loosening of the components of the knee
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Limited motion of the knee
There is also a very slight risk that the procedure might not relieve your pain. Your own risk of complications may vary according to your age and your other medical conditions. Ask your provider about the risks that most apply to you.
Pre-Operative Education
Johns Hopkins offers in-person educational sessions to help you prepare for knee replacement surgery. During your class, we’ll review important aspects of your care and what to expect before and after surgery. You will be able to ask questions and meet many of the staff who will be caring for you in the hospital.
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Who Gets Knee Replacement Surgery
You may consider knee replacement surgery if:
- Arthritis in the knee or a knee injury has severely damaged the mating surfaces of the joint.
- Pain and stiffness give you trouble doing everyday activities, such as walking up or down stairs or getting in and out of a car.
- Swelling and inflammation dont go away with rest and medication.Your knee is deformed, such as looking swollen or not shaped normally.
What Is A Robotic Knee Replacement
Images from the computer during Mako robotic-assisted knee replacementThe quick answer is that the surgeon can use a computerized robotic device to help guide the surgical instruments during the surgery. This can improve accuracy and allow for pre-planning of the knee replacement surgery based on the specific anatomy of your individual knee.
JOI also is the leader in providing robotic-assisted knee and hip replacements use the Mako robot. JOI orthopaedic surgeons have the most experience using the Mako robot in the Northeast Florida region. Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is currently available for a partial knee replacement, a total knee replacement and a total hip replacement.
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Orthopedic Surgeons In North Dakota
If you have knee problems and want to explore whether knee replacement surgery is right for you, contact us at The Bone & Joint Center. Our expert team has substantial experience treating all types of orthopedic conditions, including knee pain, and we can diagnose your condition and advise you on the best type of treatment and the results you can expect.
So dont delay, contact us today to make an appointment by calling 424-2663 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to serving you!
Rising Number Of Knee Replacement Surgeries
When medications, therapies and other treatments dont work, surgery is the next step to reclaiming mobility. A total knee replacement can get a patient back to work or back to a better quality of life.
The amount of knee replacement surgeries continue to grow in the U.S. and are projected to near 3.5 million procedures each year by 2030. This significant increase, in large part, can be attributed to the growing number of baby boomers reaching retirement age when the chance of a worn-out joint is higher and a rise in obesity and an increased need for follow-up procedures .
Most patients who undergo total knee replacement are between 50 and 80, but recommendations for these procedures are based on a patients pain and disability, not age.
As the number of knee replacements has increased, so has the number of problems reported with knee implants. Manufacturers have issued nearly 1,000 knee replacement recalls since 2003. But not all defective implants were included in those recalls.
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Looking After Your Knee Replacement
Your new knee will continue to improve for as much as two years after your operation as the scar tissue heals and you exercise your muscles. You’ll need to look after yourself and pay attention to any of the following problems:
Stiffness Sometimes the knee can become very stiff in the weeks after the operation for no obvious reason. Try placing your foot on the first or second step of the stairs, hold on to the banister and lean into your knee. This should help to improve movement and flexibility in your knee. Its very important to continue with the exercises you were working on in the hospital.If the stiffness doesnt improve after about six weeks your surgeon may need to move or manipulate your knee. This will be done under anaesthetic.
Pain Pain caused by bruising from the operation is normal in the first two months, and you’ll probably still need to take painkillers at six weeks to help you sleep through the night. You may still have some pain for as long as six months. If you still have pain after this, speak to your physiotherapist or GP.
Infection You should speak to your GP or hospital if you notice any signs of infection, for example:
- breakdown of the wound with oozing/pus or sores
- increased pain
- redness and the affected area feeling warmer than usual or smelling unpleasant.
You should also look after your feet see a doctor or podiatrist if you notice any problems such as ingrown toenails that could become infected.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention After Knee Replacement
After you go home, call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain and/or shortness of breath.
- Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit .
- Incision problems, like bleeding, leaking, swelling, redness or odor.
- Pain in your calf, ankle or foot that is new and gets worse.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you have severe knee pain but medications and therapy arent helping, knee replacement may provide the answer. This common and effective surgery can reduce pain and get you back to everyday activities. Talk to your healthcare provider or an orthopedic provider about whether knee arthroplasty is a good option for you.
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Recovering From Knee Replacement Surgery
You’ll usually be in hospital for 3 to 5 days, but recovery times can vary.
Once you’re able to be discharged, your hospital will give you advice about looking after your knee at home. You’ll need to use a frame or crutches at first and a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee.
Most people can stop using walking aids around 6 weeks after surgery, and start driving after 6 to 8 weeks.
Full recovery can take up to 2 years as scar tissue heals and your muscles are restored by exercise. A very small amount of people will continue to have some pain after 2 years.
Who Is Offered Knee Replacement Surgery
A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, have not reduced pain or improved mobility.
You may be offered knee replacement surgery if:
- you have severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your knee joint and your mobility is reduced
- your knee pain is so severe that it interferes with your quality of life and sleep
- everyday tasks, such as shopping or getting out of the bath, are difficult or impossible
- you’re feeling depressed because of the pain and lack of mobility
- you cannot work or have a social life
You’ll also need to be well enough to cope with both a major operation and the rehabilitation afterwards.
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Meniscectomy Surgery In The Knee
If you have pain and swelling in the knee, you might have a meniscus tear. The meniscus is the shock-absorbing wedge of cartilage that sits on the tibia in the knee to provide a cushion with impact.
In a Meniscectomy, the portion of the torn meniscus is removed via arthroscopy. In arthroscopy, small incisions are made on the knee to allow a small camera and tool to safely complete the surgery.
Differences Between Total And Partial Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is recommended when conservative treatments like physical therapy, braces, steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medication fail to alleviate pain.
If a patient requires surgery on both knees, its called a bilateral knee replacement. The two procedures can be done simultaneously or doctors may choose to use a staged bilateral approach that schedules the second surgery several days, weeks or months later.
The decision to have a total versus a partial knee replacement is based on a doctors recommendation after a full patient evaluation is performed.
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What Are Some Types Of Knee Surgery
The most common knee surgeries involve arthroscopy â a surgical technique used to repair many different types of knee problems â or knee replacement.
Arthroscopic surgery
Arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. A keyhole surgery is one in which long, thin instruments are inserted into the patientâs body through small incisions.
For arthroscopic knee surgery, the surgeon inserts a probe with a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the knee joint. The scope displays pictures on a video monitor to help guide the surgeonâs work. Surgical instruments are inserted into the joint through a second incision.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes the following as the most common arthroscopic procedures for the knee:
- Removal or repair of a torn meniscus â a type of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint
- Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament , which is a ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Trimming of damaged articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Treatment of patella problems
- Treatment of knee sepsis
Knee replacement
In a knee replacement operation, the surgeon removes damaged parts of the knee joint and replaces them with new parts made of materials such as metal, ceramic, or plastic. Contrary to the name of the procedure, the surgeon does not replace the entire knee joint.
Helping Patients To Make Informed Decisions
We’re funding research to improve patient experience before, during and after knee replacement surgery. This includes a project based at the University of Sheffield which aims to help patients make informed decisions about their surgery. The research team will use the UK National Joint Registry dataset to develop and validate a personalised, web-based decision aid to help patients considering knee joint replacement to make informed choices about their treatment.
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The National Joint Registry
The National Joint Registry collects details of knee replacements done in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Although it’s voluntary, it’s worth registering. This enables the NJR to monitor knee replacements, so you can be identified if any problems emerge in the future.
The registry also gives you the chance to participate in a patient feedback survey.
It’s confidential and you have a right under the Data Protection Act to see what details are kept about you.
What Are Knee Replacement Implants Made Of
The selection of knee replacement prosthesis design and materials depends on each individual patient. The main implant components are made of metal â usually titanium or chrome-cobalt alloys. The implants are fixated in place either with a cement bonding agent or by osseointegration, in which a porous metal stem extends into the tibia and the patient’s natural bone grows into it. A plastic platform or spacer will be inserted between the tibial and femoral implant surfaces. The spacer is made of polyethylene.
Most femoral components are made of metal alloys or metal-ceramic alloys . The patellar component is plastic . The tibial insert component is also plastic . The tibial tray component can be made of the following materials:
- cobalt chromium
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What About A Custom Knee Replacement Made Just For My Leg
One of the most exciting innovations when I was practicing is the concept of custom-manufacture of knee implants that are made specifically to each patients size and unique anatomy. CT or MRI imaging is used to determine the precise anatomy of the patients ankle, hip, and knee. These data are sent to a company called CONFORMIS , where the metal and plastic pieces are custom-made for the patient in about 5-6 weeks, much like a tailor-made suit. The instruments used to implant the knee prosthesis are designed for a one-time use, specific to the patient, and are made of a biodegradable material. One neat package contains everything needed for the operation, and is unique for each knee joint, fitting only that one.
We used this in my practice beginning in 2013 and found it truly innovative, a meaningful step forward in knee replacement surgery. Our results showed earlier and easier recovery for the patient, and x-rays that are beautifully precise in terms of rotation, alignment, and sizing. This technology incorporates all of our knowledge and design understanding in knee replacement, worldwide. It increases patient safety, promotes quality and consistency, ensures precision and a perfect fit every time, and therefore has our full support.
What Makes A Knee Implant Best
Asking orthopedic surgeons what knee replacement is best is like going to a car show and asking people which is the best car. You’ll find lots of different answers, and each person thinks they’ve got the right answer.
One of the most important aspects of knee replacement surgery is determining the proper implant to be used in the operation.
However, people disagree on what criteria are most important to select the best knee replacement implant.
- Do you use the implant with the newest design or the implant with the longest track record?
- Does a surgeon use many different implants depending on each patient, or become most comfortable with one implant for every patient?
- Should a surgeon use implants suggested or asked for by their patients?
Orthopedic supply companies have begun to advertise directly to consumers. The advertisements might make you believe that their implant has been shown to be better than other implants. This has been seen with ‘gender-specific knee replacements‘ and ‘rotating knee replacements.’
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Can I Get A Golfers Knee Implant
As above, if you prefer one kind of implant over the other, ask your surgeon. Keep in mind that no knee implant is better suited for golf or any other sport. Participation in activities such as golf is equally possible, and equally easy with any of the competing knee designs out there, whether or not they claim to be a golfers knee.
Types Of Knee Surgeries
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves the surgical replacement of all or part of the knee joint with artificial parts, depending on the extent of the damage in your knee. Knee surgery can now be performed in a minimally invasive manner, which helps to reduce post-operative pain and recovery time, and this can even be offered on an outpatient basis.
There are a number of different types of knee replacement surgeries and procedures available. Knee surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments have not worked.
The main types of knee replacement surgery are the following:
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Whats The Difference Between Partial And Total Knee Replacement
Depending on whether one or several parts of the knee joint are affected by osteoarthritis, a partial or total knee replacement is considered:
- In a partial knee replacement, only one side of the lower end of the thighbone is replaced, along with the corresponding part of the top end of the shinbone opposite it. Partial knee replacement surgery is only possible if both cruciate ligaments and the medial and lateral ligaments are still intact. Major misalignments like noticeable knock knees or bow legs cant be corrected with these implants. Partial knee replacement surgery is also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.
- In a total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, both lower ends of the thigh bone and all of the top end of the shinbone are replaced.
Front view of the right knee Left: Partial knee replacement Right: Total knee replacement
What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery
During the surgery, a surgeon removes damaged cartilage and some bone from the surfaces of your knee joint. Cartilage is tissue that covers your bones where they meet. Healthy cartilage is smooth and helps the bones glide over each other when you move. When cartilage becomes rough and wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain.
After removing the damaged knee cartilage and bone, the surgeon attaches the artificial parts to your bones. The artificial parts are made of metal and plastic. They will give your knee new, smooth surfaces.
Knee replacement surgery may replace all the damaged parts of your knee or just part of your knee . In a total knee replacement, the surgeon replaces 3 surfaces:
- The end of the shinbone
- The end of the thighbone
- The back of the kneecap
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