WHICH PATIENTS SHOULD UNDERGO KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
We perform knee replacement in patients whose deteriorated knee pain and knee joint problems causes severe decreasing their daily life quality, increasing deformity, and loss of range of motion. These patients typically experience night pain, significantly reduced walking performance, and increased reliance on others for activity supporting . Additionally, patients who have exhausted all other procedures of treatment, such as injections etc. are candidates for knee replacement surgery
HOW DOES IT GO AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT
You can be discharged approximately 3 days after your surgery. On the second day, you will be encouraged to start walking with the assistance of a walking aid for instance walker device.
The most important issue is preventing infection. Additionally, pain medication and trombolitic medications should be prescribed.
Almost 3 weeks after the surgery, you should visit our clinic. During this period, it is essential to realize the adviced exercises at home. Following knee replacement, it is crucial to have regular follow-up visits to our clinic for 2 years, including X-ray imaging and repeated examinations.
The ultimate goal is to have a PAIN-FREE, ALMOST FULL FUNCTIONAL KNEE JOINT.
WHAT ARE THE RISK AND COMLICATIONS AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
Although the results after knee replacement are satisfactory and improve patients’ quality of life, potential risks and complications should be known. These complications are associated with factors such as the patient’s age, overall health condition (including accompanying diseases like diabetes), the type of prosthesis used, the surgeon’s experience, and post-operative care along with the close relationship between the patient and doctor.
In the early stages, the most significant problems are infection and dislocation, while late-stage complications include early loosening of prosthesis.
By taking all necessary precautions (especially sterilization and managing accompanying diseases) and selecting appropriate material selection, performing efficient surgery, and
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
The selection of the prosthesis depends on factors such as the patient’s age, walking potential, and bone structure. It should be noted that prostheses are generally made of chrome-cobalt or titanium. Since the portion of the bone to be replaced with the prosthesis is a soft bone tissue, it is applied with a mixture called bone cement, which has adhesive properties. In another words, the damaged cartilage and a portion of the bone are removed, and a prosthesis of the same size is placed.
Metal prostheses placed on the femur and tibia bones are equipped with a plastic component – an interface or, in our terminology, polyethylene (PE insert), which prevents early wear and loosening.
The most important function of the prosthesis and our efforts is to restore the soft tissue tension of the knee to a level as same as the original knee.
HOW LONG DOES A KNEE PROSTHESIS LAST?
With the advancing technology, the survival of prostheses has extended from around 15 years to 20 years and possible even more.
One valuable reason for postponing knee prosthesis, if possible, until the 70s is the fact that there will be severe wearing when applied at a reatively younger ages.
Now I would like to ask you a few questions about patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis.
- Do you think it makes sense to postpone your surgery and endure these difficulties for at least 2-3 more years, considering the amount of pain and suffering you’re experiencing, and the difficulty you face in performing even simple tasks?
- Are you confident that your overall condition will improve and that you won’t develop additional illnesses (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc.) when you undergo surgery in 2-3 years or later?
- Perhaps the most challenging question: Is there a guarantee for what we will experience, or more precisely, what you will experience in 2-3 years or beyond?
