Understanding the procedure for Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery (total or partial) is a complex surgical procedure that needs a skilled orthopaedic surgeon to replace the diseased part of the bones with new artificial knee implant, also known as prosthesis.
The orthopaedic surgeon builds the synthetic knee during the procedure by crafting one component at a time and remaking the artificial knee joint.
Knee replacement is indicated if;
You are suffering from severe knee arthritis
Your pain is preventing you to do your normal activities.
You have difficulty walking, kneeling, and squatting
Your symptoms have not improved with other conventional treatments
It is imperative for you to know the procedure you will be undergoing beforehand to prepare yourself for the surgery and cope with it for better recuperation. Your surgeon shall perform the knee replacement surgery in steps explained below:
Step 1: Making you sleep
The anaesthetist shall give you either the general or spinal anaesthesia to make you fall asleep during the procedure.
Step 2: Incising the knee
The surgeon shall make an incision over the anterior part of your knee which allows easy access to the patella often known as kneecap. The incision in typically about 8-10 inches in length in case of traditional knee replacement surgery. In contrast, the incision is only 4-6 inches long if the surgery is being performed using minimally invasive approach. Joint Replacement Surgeon in Kota
Step 3: Turning the Kneecap
After making incision over the knee, the first exposed part is your patella. As the surgeon gains access to patella, he rotates it outwards providing adequate room to perform the procedure.
Step 4: Preparation of Thighbone
The orthopaedic surgeon then resurfaces your thighbone medically known as femur. After carefully exposing the knee joint, the surgeon uses specialized instruments to measure the bone and to cut the damaged bone and cartilage from the base of the femur with utmost precision. The cut end is then resurfaced for appropriate fitting of the femoral component of the prosthesis.
Step 5: Fixing the Femoral component
As the femur is resurfaced, the surgeon appends the femoral component made of metal or plastic to the base and fix it into place using bone cement. Orthopedic Surgeon in Kota
Step 6: Preparation of Shinbone
Shinbone also called as Tibia is the next bone to get resurfaced. The upper end of the tibia is made free of damaged bone and cartilage and then it is reshaped so as to fit the tibia component of the artificial knee prosthesis.
Step 7: Fixing the Tibial component
The Tibial component (tibial tray) is then fixed to the upper resurfaced part of the tibia and is glued in place using bone cement. As soon as the tray is fixed, the surgeon places a polyethylene insert to convene between the femoral and tibial component that acts as a buffer and provides support to your body while bending and flexing your knee.
Step 8: Re-tuning the Patella
The surgeon smoothens the lower surface of the patella and fix it with the added plastic patellar component in order to certify appropriate fit with the rest of implant. If required, the plastic component is cemented to the bone.
Step 9: Concluding the Procedure
The surgeon then checks for the proper alignment, working, sizing and positioning of the implant by bending and flexing the knee. After confirming, the surgeon sutures the incision and dresses it. The surgery take approximately 2 hours to complete.
Your life after the surgery
The results are always excellent after knee replacement surgery with top orthopaedic surgeons. You can start moving and walking the next day after the procedure and shall require to stay for 3-4 days in the hospital. You may expect a pain free knee after complete recovery.
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