Knee arthroplasty

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement is a surgery performed to remove the joint surfaces of the bones forming the knee joint by cutting and to reconstruct the joint with metal and plastic parts placed in place of the removed surfaces.

total knee prostheses applied to?

In advanced-stage knee osteoarthritis, if there is no response to standard medical treatment, intra-articular injections and physical therapy, knee prosthesis can be successfully applied to patients who are thought to not benefit from knee arthroscopy and osteotomy operations around the knee , or whose complaints continue despite having undergone these operations and these complaints negatively affect their daily life. is implemented.

knee replacement surgeries performed?

total knee replacement surgeries, the damaged surface forming the joint between the thigh bone and the shinbone is cut and removed from the body together with the underlying bone tissue. Subsequently, metal parts suitable for the surface of the cut parts are attached to the bone with the help of bone cement in a way to reconstruct the joint structure. The joint is rebuilt by supporting the two metals with a plastic structure called polyethylene.

What is the lifespan of total knee replacements ?

the knee prosthesis varies according to the age, weight, gender and physical activity of the patient. In general, knee prosthesis can function for 20-25 years if applied by experienced surgeons, using appropriate materials and up-to-date techniques, if no complications occur.

knee replacement surgery?

Infection is the most common complication in total prosthesis surgeries. After the decision for surgery is made , it is tried to prevent this problem by investigating possible foci of infection in the body during the preparation stage for the operation and, if any, treatment is given. The preparation and use of the operating room features and physical facilities , as well as the sterilization conditions of the equipment used in the operation, is another important issue in preventing this complication. Another possible problem is embolism, which is defined as the formation of a clot in your veins due to the slowing of the blood flow in your leg veins , and this clot breaking off and disrupting the blood flow of other organs . Mobilization , use of blood thinners and anti- embolism in the early postoperative period This complication can be reduced by the use of stockings . Fractures may develop in the bone around the placed prosthesis during or after surgery. Choosing the appropriate prosthesis during the operation, accompanying walking exercises by the professional physical therapy team during the postoperative hospital stay and preventing falls are aimed to prevent this complication. Apart from this, complications such as dislocation of the plastic parts of the prosthesis and wound healing problems may also occur. Necessary interventions are made in terms of these problems in the postoperative follow-up examinations .

What kind of anesthesia is used in knee replacement surgeries?

Knee brace surgeries can be successfully performed using general or regional anesthesia methods from the waist.

How long does it take to stay in the hospital after the operation?

Patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery can be discharged 3-5 days later if there is no postoperative complication .

What should be considered after the operation?

During the postoperative hospital stay and after discharge, you can lie down with your knee straight and above your heart level. Ice application on the knee should not be interrupted. It is possible to walk freely with assistive devices. Elastic bandages or compression stockings should not be removed for 1 month. Exercises should be done as described, the use of blood thinners should not be interrupted. In cases such as fever, redness in the legs, shortness of breath, and blinding odorous discharge in the operation area, you should come to your doctor for a check-up immediately.