Patients suffering from severe knee joint destruction coupled with agonising pain are the most suitable candidate who seeks for a knee joint replacement. The procedure aims to introduce an artificial joint (prosthesis), made from a combination of metal and plastic alloys, which mimics the standard functions of a knee. Knee arthroplasty is a widespread type of procedure in Sydney Australia with thousands of people going under kneecap joint surgery every year. Below is an in-depth look at what Knee Joint Replacement Sydney is all about.
What is knee joint replacement?
It is a surgical procedure that entails removal of a diseased knee joint and replacing it with an artificial material known as a prosthesis. The prosthesis functions as a hinge joint which facilitates motion at the point where a thigh meets your lower leg.
What happens during surgery?
The surgeon will remove the end of the femur bone and replace it with a metal shell. A similar exercise applies to tibia end removal where it is replaced with a plastic or metal stem. During the practice, the posterior cruciate ligament, a tissue responsible for the stability of the knee joint, is either removed, retained or substituted by a plastic button. The design of the prosthesis will depend on the condition of the kneecap joint after the injury.
Before an individual goes under the knife, the specialist will conduct a detailed examination to determine if surgery is necessary. However, there is a host of first-in-line treatment options that patients can explore instead of undergoing a surgical procedure. Weight loss and physical therapy can help you avoid surgery. Knee braces and other assistive devices can also help patients struggling with knee joint problems.
Preparing for a knee surgery
If the doctor establishes that a patient requires prosthesis, then a few factors ought to be considered. The specialist will conduct a full physical examination to determine the age, weight and activity levels of the patient. Next on the list is a comprehensive medical history of the patient. This document will contain information on any prior surgeries as well as ongoing medication such as over the counter drugs. Patients who are allergic to anesthesia should inform their doctor to avoid complication during the exercise.
Recovery times
The entire process of joint replacement can take between two to three hours, after which patients head over to a recovery bay. Note that pain, discomfort, and stiffness are common during the early days of recovery. It is necessary that all patients undergo physical therapy at least 48 hours after they leave the surgical room. Finally, the individual is going to require clutches to move around until they fully recover.
