In orthopedics, a procedure is often used to replace part of a damaged joint. However, unlike hip arthroplasty, which takes place without complications and is well tolerated, knee replacement is more difficult, and complications may occur, such as:
- Infectious processes at the site of installation of the endoprosthesis;
- displacement of the prosthesis;
- in the patella is possible tearing or tearing of the ligament;
- thrombosis in the lower leg;
- violation of the integrity of the femur (fracture).
Due to the presence of this kind of complications, people leave such dissimilar reviews. In this case, knee joint endoprosthetics can pass without any difficulties.
It is worth noting that 10 years ago there were more patients with various complications after this method of joint replacement. Over time, everything improved - this is an improvement in the quality of the prosthesis itself, as well as the process of the operation itself. An important function in recovery is performed by the rehabilitation period and a set of necessary exercises for a speedy recovery. These factors greatly reduced the likelihood of problems in the postoperative period.
In what cases is joint replacement necessary?
The knee joint is a joint condylar-type joint, the bone parts of which are covered with a protective cartilage consisting of collagen and chondrocyte fibers, the germ layer and the main substance. Thanks to articular cartilage and the substance secreted by it, the necessary movements occur. The synovial membrane covers all articular surfaces, thanks to its assistance, the necessary fluid is produced to prevent friction in the joint.
Due to various diseases, degenerative processes of articular cartilage begin, hence the change in the shape and direction of the knee. In the presence of such diseases at the initial stage, it is necessary to conduct drug treatment, which will improve the condition of the cartilage and remove the inflammatory process.
In the later stages, when cartilage destruction and friction already take place, in this case, knee replacement surgery is recommended by installing a metal or plastic implant in place of the destroyed joint.
Indications for implantation
- Joint deformation with age.
- Joint deformation accompanied by inflammation.
- Injury.
- Arthrosis is dysplastic.
- The presence of a dead area in the joint.
Potential patients are people who have:
- Restriction of movement with persistent severe pain.
- A significant change in the shape of the joint.
Common causes
- Common cases of loss of the normal functioning of the knee joint are characteristic diseases. This arthritis after injury, fracture, rupture or sprain and others.
- With rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and compaction of the synovial membrane occur, due to which the active production of joint fluid begins, which leads to the destruction of the joint.
- The appearance of osteoarthrosis in the elderly, which is characterized by a deterioration in mobility and wear of the joint.
What are the benefits of implanting an artificial joint?
Knee replacement surgery is performed to alleviate or completely remove pain for up to fifteen years. An artificial implant similar and suitable anatomically is inserted instead of a destroyed joint.
After the operation on the knee joint was successful, patients note an increase in range of motion. The quality of life is changing dramatically. Therefore, many people leave positive feedback. Endoprosthetics of the knee joint in most cases take place without complications, which leads to a speedy recovery of a person and a return to normal life.
Endoprosthetics Complications
Knee surgery is also associated with a number of risks, as with any other surgical procedure. Such risks include blood loss, in elderly people, exacerbation of chronic diseases, thrombosis in the lower extremities, infectious processes at the implant site and in the urinary tract are possible. This has become a rare occurrence lately.
One of the worst options is the formation of an infectious process, the treatment of which is quite difficult and very expensive. Often with a complication of this kind, only removal of a foreign body from the body, in this case an endoprosthesis, can help. There is a percentage of people more susceptible to infection than others, including rheumatoid arthritis, overweight, and patients who need to take hormone preparations.
Terms of operation
An installed prosthesis can last up to fifteen years, in some cases even longer, however, with wear and tear and when the implant is loosened, repeated surgery on the knee joint, that is, replacement or re-endoprosthetics, is possible. In case of pain before the expiration of a ten-year period or loosening, surgery is also necessary.
Endoprosthetics process
The duration of the implantation operation can be 2-3 hours. Before surgery, mandatory prevention of infection. Before surgery, the patient is given spinal anesthesia.
To install an endoprosthesis, it is necessary to remove the destroyed part of the joint and patella, the doctor also aligns the curved axis of the leg, and if necessary, restores the ligaments.
Modern prostheses made from high-quality and non-corrosive materials enable the leg to bend to 150 degrees. Some after the operation left positive reviews. Endoprosthetics of the knee joint makes it possible to bend the knee by 75 degrees before discharge. However, one should never forget about the rehabilitation period, without which treatment will not be complete.
An important reminder is that the operation in most cases takes place under local anesthesia, that is, while awake. However, you can express your wish to the anesthetist or surgeon that you should be given general anesthesia, if possible. One must be very brave and patient in order to calmly listen to the sounds that accompany the endoprosthetics procedures.
Postoperative period
After the operation, the lack of sensitivity and functioning of the lower extremities is considered the norm. During the intervention, the patient loses a large amount of blood, transfusion of blood substitutes, the introduction of the necessary medications for pain relief and antibiotics.
Then, over the course of several days, the patient’s vital indicators are monitored (heart rate, pressure, ECG, changes in blood parameters).
In the absence of deterioration and normalization of the condition, the patient is transferred in a day from intensive care to a simple ward.
Rehabilitation after knee replacement
After the installation of the endoprosthesis, the rehabilitation period lasts an average of about 3 months, but it also happens longer, it depends on the patient’s condition.
A mandatory recommendation is daily exercises and exercises after knee replacement to restore its functioning.
Most often, the patient spends the rehabilitation period in a specialized clinic (about one month).
Stages of the rehabilitation period
After the operation, the patient should stay about two months in the clinic and perform the set of exercises indicated by the doctor. With an increase in the pace, an improvement in the motor activity of the joint will be observed, which will lead to a quick return to the usual course of life. An extract from the clinic is also possible.
After staying in a rehabilitation center (after 2-3 months), the patient is recommended to continue physical activity in the form of swimming, walking and yoga sessions. It is worth remembering that excessive physical activity is contraindicated.
Recovery Exercises
Rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty includes a set of exercises that help to overcome stiffness of movements, increase the strength of muscle mass in the joint, and reduce pain.
They start with small pace and loads, gradually moving on to more complex physiotherapist's adjustments. It is recommended to avoid too active sports so that it is not traumatic for a new joint.
A set of necessary exercises for daily performance (4-5 times a day):
- Ankle joint - flexion-extension with a gradual increase in pace, starting at 5 and reach 12.
- Contraction of the anterior femoral muscles for 5 seconds.
- Contraction of the posterior femoral muscles for 5 seconds.
- Raising legs in a straightened state.
- Contraction of the muscles of the buttocks by 5 seconds.
- Extension-flexion of the lower limb in the knee joint.
- Hip to the side.
- Raise a straightened leg to a level of 45 degrees and hold in a suspended position for up to 5 seconds.
- Swings with a leg in a straightened state to a level of 45 degrees and retention in this state for up to 5 seconds.
- The use of the apparatus "Dikul".
Contraindications to the prosthetics procedure
Absolute contraindications:
- Independent movement is not possible.
- Heart Disease and CVS.
- Thrombosis with an inflammatory process.
- Pathological violation of respiratory function, chronic respiratory failure.
- Infectious processes.
- Sepsis.
- Allergy.
- Neuromuscular pathology.
- Mental disorders.
Types of endoprostheses
Modern prostheses have a protective function and are divided as follows:
- total;
- prosthesis directly to the surface of the joint;
- bipolar;
- single pole.
The prosthesis is fixed in several ways:
- cement;
- hybrid;
- cementless.
In order for the implanted prosthesis to last a long time, the production uses high-quality anti-corrosion and wear-resistant, and most importantly, biocompatible materials:
- ceramics;
- polyethylene;
- metal alloys;
- bone cement.
Many, in order to decide on an operation, need to analyze various reviews. Endoprosthetics of the knee joint are performed by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the physiology of the patient.
Price policy
Endoprosthetics of the knee joint in Moscow, Israel, Turkey, Lithuania, Germany are carried out by qualified specialists who know their job.
There are quite a few clinics specializing directly in the operation to replace a joint or its parts, including those performing knee replacement. the joint. The cost of endoprostheses corresponds to the quality of the materials of which it consists, and the company that produces it. Reviews about foreign clinics are often an order of magnitude better (especially with regard to the rehabilitation period). However, in Russia this intervention is carried out at a high level.
Thanks to many years of experience and high qualifications, the doctor will select the most suitable biocompatible prosthesis and perform knee joint replacement without complications. The price of this procedure depends on the complexity of the operation and the cost of the prosthesis.