Total knee replacement surgery is a perfect option for patients whose
knee joints have either been damaged by progressive arthritis, trauma or by
other destructive diseases of the joints. Severe osteoarthritis is the most
common knee replacement reason in the United States.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
A surgical procedure where the diseased knee joint if replaced by
artificial material is called Total Knee Replacement. Our knee is basically a
hinge joint which provides movement at a point where thighs meet lower legs.
Femur, or the thighbone abuts tibia, or large bone of lower leg at the knee
joint.
During a Total Knee Replacement surgery the femur bone end is removed
& replaced with metal shell. The end of tibia is also removed to be
replaced with channeled plastic piece with metal stem. Depending upon
circumstantial conditions of kneecap portion of knee joint, a plastic-button
may be added under the surface of the kneecap. Artificial components used in Total
Knee Replacement are referred to as prosthesis. The posterior cruciate ligament
which stabilizes each side of the knee joint is either sacrificed, retained or
substituted with a polyethylene post in Total Knee Replacement surgery. Each
design constituting Total Knee Replacement features particular risks &
benefits.
When Should You Consider Total Knee Replacement
Patients suffering from progressively increasing pain & stiffness along with a fair amount of decrease in daily functions can consider Total Knee Replacement as an option. Decisions regarding Total Knee Replacement may not be all that easy, therefore understand & evaluate the risks involved before you make up your mind.Risks Involved With Total Knee Replacement
Most common risks with Total Knee Replacement include blood clots in legs which can at times travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). This may eventually cause chest pain, shortness of breath & shock. Some other risks involved with Total Knee Replacement are urinary tract infections,, nausea & vomiting largely related to pain medications, nerve damage, blood vessel injury resulting in bleeding at knee joint, & infection of the knee calling for re-operation. Risk from anesthesia administration include potential heart, lung, liver & kidney damage.
