Knee Joint Replacement

Definition

Knee joint replacement is surgery to replace a painful damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint.

Description

Knee is a complex joint, which is made up of the distal end of the femur (the femoral condyles), and the proximal end of the tibia (the tibial plateau). Materials used for resurfacing of the joint are not only strong and durable but also optimal for joint function as they produce as little friction as possible. The femoral condyles usually glide smoothly on the tibial plateau, allowing for smooth, painless motion of the lower leg. Knee joint replacement is called a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This surgery involves replacing your knee joint with a manmade one. The "artificial joint or prosthesis" generally has two components, one made of metal which is usually cobalt -chrome or titanium. The other component is a plastic material called polyethylene. The most common problems with a knee joint replacement premary is Fractures secondry is Pain from slippage and wear in the new joint and oter common problem is Infection of the joint and blood clot in a vein (deep venous thrombosis) above or below the knee (Clots occur most commonly shortly after replacement surgery.)

Symptoms of Knee Joint Replacement is fever and Pain . Blood clots tend to form during the period ("post-op," or "post-operatively"). Many people who fall after having a knee replacement break the bone below the new joint on which the new knee is anchored. Pain and swelling occur at or near the site of the knee joint replacement. The knee joint performs similar to a hinge joint. It consists of three bones first is Thigh bone (Femur). Second is Leg bone (Tibia) and last is Knee cap (Patella). The surfaces of all three bones coming into contact with each other are normally covered with a smooth gliding surface known as articular cartilage The condition of this cartilage lining the knee joint is a key aspect of normal knee function and is important to the physician when evaluating a potential need for a knee joint replacement.

The term “knee replacement” sounds like a more radical procedure than it actually is. Most patients imagine that 3 inches of bone is removed from each of the knee bones and that a large metal and plastic device is installed in its place.

OTHER SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS DURING KNEE Joint REPLACEMENT

If your leg has a fairly normal alignment to begin with, you can expect that it will be "straight" after the operation. However, if your legs are severely bowed or "knock-kneed" there is a good chance that the alignment will not be "normal" after the operation.

Your patellar tendon may require detachment from the shin bone during the operation if you have a "tight" knee with a lot of scar tissue. If so, you may have to wear a splint or cast on the leg for several weeks after the operation, but this is not common.

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