Knee joint replacement

Knee arthroplasty is the replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial implant using surgery. Endoprosthetics is performed when medical treatment and other manipulations (such as arthroscopy) do not give results and more radical actions are required.

IN WHICH CASES AN ENDOPROSTHESIS IS NEEDED

Injuries or diseases of the joints in old age lead to cracks or damage to the cartilage tissue and joint surface. In the early stages, this can be treated with medication, diet, special exercises, or minimally invasive surgery. However, if treatment does not lead to improvement, and the pain becomes more intense or it is difficult to move without support, the only chance to avoid disability is knee replacement. Replacing the diseased joint with an artificial one that is completely identical in design and function to the physiological one. With it, the patient can regain full mobility and live without restrictions.

Indications for endoprosthetics:

• degenerative-dystrophic arthrosis and arthritis;
• post-traumatic osteoarthritis;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• intra-articular fractures;
• joint dysplasia;
• fractures of the joint that have not fused properly.

There is also a list of contraindications for which such an operation should not be performed.

• Acute and chronic osteomyelitis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Severe forms of cardiovascular diseases.
• Psycho-neurological diseases.

TYPES OF PROSTHESES

Endoprostheses are selected taking into account the anatomical features of the knee and based on X-ray studies. For example, for patients who lead a sedentary lifestyle, we select prostheses with a fixed polyethylene support. For more active people, it is advisable to use a bearing structure with increased mobility. Also, based on the examinations, the doctor will determine whether it is necessary to completely replace the joint, or whether it is possible to make a partial joint replacement.

HOW THE OPERATION GOES

After a full examination, the patient stays in the hospital for 1-2 days before the operation. After anesthesia is administered, the surgery lasts on average 1-2 hours. In a complete joint replacement, the kneecap and the ends of the adjacent bones are removed, and artificial components of high quality and long service life (for several decades) are inserted instead. Instead of cartilage, a plastic plate is placed to reduce friction. All components of the prosthesis are fixed with a special substance. Then the incision site is sutured. A silicone drainage tube is placed on the side of the thigh to prevent blood from accumulating.

REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY

After the surgery, the doctor prescribes static muscle exercises and breathing exercises along with antibiotics and painkillers for the first weeks. From the second day, you can squat on the bed. Moderate walking with support on crutches from the third day. Then you can lean on a cane. It is very important for a quick recovery to avoid excessive stress on the knee joint in the first days. On the 10-12th day, the sutures are removed and the patient goes home. The operating surgeon provides detailed advice on how to behave at home, how to increase the load and what to avoid. If all recommendations are followed, normal knee function is fully restored in 3-6 months.

EFFICIENCY OF ENDOPROSTHETICS

Replacing a diseased joint with an artificial prosthesis is considered a rather complicated operation, but at the same time, there are no better alternatives. Endoprosthetics technology is a state-of-the-art technique used in the United States and European countries, the effectiveness of which has been proven over the years. The doctor's experience is equally important. Vasyl Borysovych Makarov is one of the most highly trained orthopedic surgeons in arthroplasty in Ukraine. Over the years, he has performed 1800 hip and knee replacement operations alone. Not a single one of them resulted in any pressure or destruction of the prostheses fitted to the patients.

Dentures come in many types and models. Therefore, the doctor selects the one that suits your weight, age, general health and lifestyle. Whatever the injuries or complications in the joints, even if the problem has been going on for many years, the endoprosthesis can return the patient to normal health without pain, niggling, or lameness. Restore full mobility and healthy well-being.