Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints.
There is a lot of evidence from research showing that patients have less pain and are much more mobile after surgery and this often greatly improves their quality of life. Outcomes are getting better too, as more research is carried out on what the best operation is and how to reduce the risk of complications. During minimally invasive total knee replacement, your surgeon makes an incision to access your shinbone and thigh bone. Next, he or she removes a portion of the bones that make up the knee joint. Your surgeon replaces these bone parts with metal components that recreate the joint surface. A layer of plastic is placed between the metal components for smooth gliding.
Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient’s pain and disability, not age. Most patients who undergo total knee replacement are aged 50 to 80, but orthopaedic surgeons evaluate patients individually. Total knee replacements have been performed successfully at all ages, from the young teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis. Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, along with The Unterberg Children’s Hospital, is a regional teaching campus for Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
During this surgery, a surgeon cuts the bone above or below the knee to shorten it, lengthen it, or change its alignment. People in stage 4 OA of the knee experience great pain and discomfort when they walk or move the joint. However, you and your doctor should look at the use of corticosteroid injections carefully. Research shows long-term use can actually worsen joint damage. Without outward symptoms of OA to address, most doctors won’t require you to undergo any treatments for stage 1 OA. The theory is that it might permanently deaden nerves and offer relief.
For individuals with severe osteoarthritis in the knee, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may no longer provide adequate relief. In these cases, a knee replacement surgery may be recommended to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
You should be able to get back to a normal diet fairly quickly. There is also a very slight risk that the procedure might not relieve your pain. Your own risk of complications may vary according to your age and your other medical conditions. “The prognosis was that eventually I would have to undergo total knee replacement,” Jim recalls. As he was only 62 at the time, his surgeon wanted to hold off the surgery as long as possible. In the five years that followed, Jim’s knee pain became more intense.
A knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial components made of metal and plastic. This procedure aims to restore function and alleviate pain in the affected knee.
Revisions in younger patients happen twice as often as in older patients. Talk to your surgeon if you feel like you’re experiencing too much pain or if you’re worried about any complications from taking pain medication. After surgery, you’ll feel pain, especially in the first few weeks of your recovery. You’ll feel pain from the surgery itself and pain as your body begins to heal. Your surgeon will let you know what to expect after your surgery and how you can reduce your chances of experiencing complications. On the day of your surgery, you’ll receive anesthesia to numb your body and make sure you don’t feel any pain.
Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery can significantly improve quality of life for individuals suffering from severe osteoarthritis. Patients often experience reduced pain, increased mobility, and improved overall function in the affected knee, allowing them to return to their normal activities.
In conclusion, knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing solution for individuals with advanced osteoarthritis in the knee. By consulting with a healthcare professional, patients can determine if this surgical option is right for them and take steps towards regaining mobility and reducing pain in their knee joint.
