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What Is A Knee Replacement Surgery?

by Cliff, August 1st, 2011


There are a lot of joints in our body and these joints are very important most especially in terms of movement and ambulation. Without the joints, we would have very limited movements, and we won’t be able to perform important tasks like walking, running and the like. One of the most widely used joints in our body is that located in our knees. The joints in our knees perform many functions—but more importantly the knee joints are important in walking and ambulating, as well as it carrying some percentage of our body weight.

The knee, medically termed as the patella, is important and indispensable but due to several factors that lead to the wear and tear of the body, the knee joints can be damaged. Such damage can result to difficulties walking, sustaining an upright position, and the like. One of the most important treatments that resolve knee injuries is a knee replacement surgery. A knee replacement surgery entails a surgical procedure which will replace the patella with a metallic instrument aimed at imitating the form and function of the knees. Here are common types of knee replacement surgeries which may be performed by a surgeon:

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

There are two general types of knee replacement surgery. The first type is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery. This type of surgery involves the replacement of a certain part of the knees. This is most commonly performed among young patients and those whose knee joints are not at all completely injured. Like most surgeries, the primary aim is always restoring the body parts so if there is a possibility of retaining most parts of the knees, it would be more preferred.

The second type of knee replacement surgery is Total Knee Replacement Surgery. As the term suggests, the entire part of the knee joints are replaced. This is most commonly performed among the elderly people involving damage to the knees due to wear and tear.

Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery

Like any other form of surgery, knee replacement surgery also has its own share of complications and risks. Formation of blood clots which can cause deep vein thrombosis can occur as a result of this surgery. Furthermore, since this procedure entails opening the inner layers of the knee to replace the joints, nerves whose lengths run through the area may be damaged.

Since the replacement knee joint is a foreign object, it may result to an allergic reaction so it should be observed during and after the surgery closely. Loss of motion instability of the joint may also happen immediately following the surgery. Oftentimes, improper wound management and hygiene may result to infection of the operated area.

Preparation for A Knee Replacement Surgery

A person should be able to prepare for this surgery. Laboratory exams and tests may be performed to determine one’s fitness to undergo surgery. Similarly, one should consider losing weight weeks to months before engaging in such surgery because too much weight would exert excessive pressure to the operated area.

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Tags Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery, Knee Replacement Surgery, Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery, Types of Knee Replacement Surgery