Opting for knee replacement surgery was never really an easy decision to take. When patients were less educated about the medical technologies and latest advancements, the though of alternative knee surgery was dreaded. However, those days are gone, and people are now looking forward to a better life with this surgery. Chronic pain for years, troubled activities, inability to climb stairs or walk without support, and a crippled or restricted life is the constant pushing force that leads to this decision.
A Revolutionary Surgery
An alternative knee surgery is considered to be the most advanced orthopedic surgery of the 21st century. The first surgery for knee replacement was done in the year 1968. Since then, there has been remarkable improvement in the surgery, surgical techniques and material used. This has increases the effectiveness of surgery too.
Estimated Facts
An estimated 581,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed every year in America. Most patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery are usually 60 to 80 years old. However, this surgery is only recommended to patients with disability and pain; it does not depend on age. As a matter of fact, total knee replacement has been successfully performed in people of all ages, starting from teenagers with juvenile joint problems to elderly patients with typical conditions like degenerative arthritis.
Reduced Pain Estimation
It has been found that over 90 percent of patients undergoing total knee replacement have experienced dramatic reduction of pain and significant improvement in their ability to carry out common activities of day to day living. Total knee replacement, however, is meant to give a patient relief from pain; it does not make an athlete.
Time Taken For Surgery
Usually, knee replacement surgery takes over 2 hours time. During this surgery the orthopedic surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and places a new plastic or metal joint surface for restoring the alignment as well as functions of the knee.
Different Materials Used
There is an outstanding range of materials used for this surgery today. Currently, there are 3 basic components used for the purpose – femoral component made from high quality metal; tibial component made from durable high grade plastic positioned in metal tray; patellar component made from plastic.
Complication Rate
As with any other surgery, there is a certain amount of risk and complication associated with knee replacement too. However, the latest range of materials and technologies has made the incidence of complications rare. Serious complications, if any, occur in less than 2 percent of patients. The common complication is blood clot in the veins after the surgery. Orthopedic surgeons are usually aware of this condition and they outline a typical prevention program prior to the surgery and after. Periodic leg elevation, lower leg exercise, support stockings and blood thinners are given to patients to improve this condition.
Rate of Success
The current rate of success of this surgery is 90 to 95 percent. However, a lot of the success depends on how a patient follows instructions after the surgery. Recovery depends more on the patient after the surgery, than the doctor.
A Revolutionary Surgery
An alternative knee surgery is considered to be the most advanced orthopedic surgery of the 21st century. The first surgery for knee replacement was done in the year 1968. Since then, there has been remarkable improvement in the surgery, surgical techniques and material used. This has increases the effectiveness of surgery too.
Estimated Facts
An estimated 581,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed every year in America. Most patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery are usually 60 to 80 years old. However, this surgery is only recommended to patients with disability and pain; it does not depend on age. As a matter of fact, total knee replacement has been successfully performed in people of all ages, starting from teenagers with juvenile joint problems to elderly patients with typical conditions like degenerative arthritis.
Reduced Pain Estimation
It has been found that over 90 percent of patients undergoing total knee replacement have experienced dramatic reduction of pain and significant improvement in their ability to carry out common activities of day to day living. Total knee replacement, however, is meant to give a patient relief from pain; it does not make an athlete.
Time Taken For Surgery
Usually, knee replacement surgery takes over 2 hours time. During this surgery the orthopedic surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and places a new plastic or metal joint surface for restoring the alignment as well as functions of the knee.
Different Materials Used
There is an outstanding range of materials used for this surgery today. Currently, there are 3 basic components used for the purpose – femoral component made from high quality metal; tibial component made from durable high grade plastic positioned in metal tray; patellar component made from plastic.
Complication Rate
As with any other surgery, there is a certain amount of risk and complication associated with knee replacement too. However, the latest range of materials and technologies has made the incidence of complications rare. Serious complications, if any, occur in less than 2 percent of patients. The common complication is blood clot in the veins after the surgery. Orthopedic surgeons are usually aware of this condition and they outline a typical prevention program prior to the surgery and after. Periodic leg elevation, lower leg exercise, support stockings and blood thinners are given to patients to improve this condition.
Rate of Success
The current rate of success of this surgery is 90 to 95 percent. However, a lot of the success depends on how a patient follows instructions after the surgery. Recovery depends more on the patient after the surgery, than the doctor.
