Many people, especially the elderly, suffer from chronic knee pain due to wear and tear on the joint or severe roughness, which affects movement ability and hinders daily activities.
What is the process of replacing the knee joint?
It is a surgical procedure in which the damaged natural knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of special metals and high-quality plastic.
What are the cases that require knee joint replacement surgery?
This operation is usually performed if knee pain becomes severe and joint movement is limited to the point that it affects the patient's daily life and activity.
Severe knee osteoarthritis
Or what is known as “advanced osteoarthritis,” which is the most common cause of knee surgery. It occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones inside the joint wears out, and over time the bones rub directly against each other, causing severe pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty in movement.
It appears more in the elderly, people who are heavy and work hard.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joint, causing chronic inflammation that leads to the erosion of bone and cartilage, and distortion of the joint.
Severe knee deformities
Knee deformity or exaggerated curvature of the legs, whether inward or outward, causes abnormal pressure on parts of the joint, which accelerates the wear and tear of the knee joint.
Severe injuries or fractures of the knee joint
Such as a severe tear in the ligaments and cartilage or a complex fracture in the surrounding bones that make up the knee joint, leading to permanent damage to the joint surface.
Failure of non-surgical treatments
If nonsurgical methods such as pain relievers, knee injections (plasma, cortisone, gel), or physical therapy and exercises do not control pain and improve mobility within several months, surgery is recommended to avoid joint deterioration.
Chronic knee stiffness
When the movement of the joint becomes limited and rigid, and the patient has difficulty bending or straightening it normally, which makes it difficult to do simple daily things such as sitting, climbing the stairs, or praying.
Read also: What do you know about Joint deformity And how to prevent it
Steps of the knee joint replacement procedure
Preparation before the operation
The doctor performs a health assessment, including:
- Blood and urine tests.
- X-ray or MRI of the knee.
- Cardiac evaluation and anesthesia.
- The patient is asked to stop some medications before the operation, such as blood thinners.
- The patient is instructed to fast before surgery.
Anesthesia
The anesthesiologist performs spinal or general anesthesia depending on the patient's health condition.
Surgical opening of the knee
The specialist surgeon opens the knee by making a surgical incision in front of the knee, approximately 15-25 cm long. The muscles and tissues are moved aside to reach the joint.
Removal of the damaged joint
The surgeon removes damaged parts of the bones in the joint (femur, shinbone, and sometimes the kneecap). Fine tools are used to precisely cut the bone to then install the artificial joint.
Installation of the artificial joint
After removing the damaged parts of the joint, the artificial joint made of stomach and polyethylene is stabilized, using or without special bone cement depending on the type and condition.
Examination of joint stability and movement
The surgeon verifies that the joint is stable and secure, and that knee movement is normal and free of friction or deviation.
Close the wound
The tissue and skin are closed using sutures or staples, sterile medical bandages are applied, and the knee is temporarily immobilized.
Recovery after surgery
The patient is transferred to the recovery room for observation after anesthesia. It is recommended to perform physical therapy exercises on the second day after the operation. The patient is usually discharged from the hospital within two to four days, depending on his condition.
Book your consultation now at Orthopedic center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Diagnosis before knee joint replacement:
The specialist doctor conducts a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition, before making the decision to undergo knee joint replacement surgery, in order to ensure that the surgery is the most appropriate option, and this is done through several steps:
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التاريخ الطبي والفحص السريري
The doctor begins by asking the patient about:
- The nature of the pain, and when it started.
- How it affects walking or sleeping.
- Previous medications and treatments he received.
- He then examines the knee clinically, to test its range of motion, swelling, stiffness, or any obvious deformity in the shape of the knee joint.
2. Imaging examinations
The doctor uses it to measure the degree of damage to the joint and its bones and diagnose joint osteoarthritis or inflammation.
- X-ray: To detect cartilage erosion, measure the distance between bones, and diagnose joint deformities.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Your doctor may recommend it to accurately evaluate the condition of your ligaments and cartilage.
- Ultrasound: They are sometimes used to see inflammation or fluid inside a joint.
3. Medical tests
The laboratory performs pre-operative tests, including:
- Analysis of a complete blood count, kidney and liver functions.
- Inflammatory markers (such as CRP or ESR).
- Coagulation tests.
- Urinalysis.
- Checking sugar levels and measuring blood pressure.
4. Anesthesia and cardiac assessment
An examination of the heart and coronary arteries is performed, such as an EKG, EKG, and sometimes an echocardiogram, in order to ensure the patient’s ability to tolerate surgery and anesthesia. On the basis of this, the doctor evaluates the patient’s general condition and the type of anesthesia appropriate to his health condition (total or half).
At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, diagnosis is made before the knee joint replacement surgery according to the latest international protocols, relying on accurate imaging devices and an integrated medical team, to ensure that the best decision is made for each patient’s condition.
Tips after knee joint replacement surgery
There are important tips recommended by the doctor that help speed up recovery, avoid complications, and restore the ability to move safely. The most notable of these tips are:
- Commit الراحة In the first days, but do not stay in bed.
- Follow your doctor's instructions Start movement Gradually under the supervision of physical therapy.
- Do not try to bend the knee or stand idle Walking aids (walker or crutch).
- a job Cold compresses On the knee to relieve congestion, while raising the leg when lying down to relieve swelling.
- تناول Painkillers And anti-inflammatories prescribed by the doctor, and do not stop medications without consulting the doctor (especially blood thinners).
- Must start Physical therapy With regular sessions, to improve joint flexibility and increase its strength.
- Be sure to follow Balanced diet Rich in protein and calcium, with the aim of promoting bone healing while reducing salts to prevent fluid retention.
- Wear comfortable, non-slippery shoes To avoid falling and slipping.
- Don't neglect Doctor visits Regularly to evaluate the progress of the condition
At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, the patient is provided with written instructions and periodic follow-up from the physical therapy team to ensure the best results after the operation.
Physical therapy after knee joint replacement
- Physical therapy after knee joint replacement surgery is one of the most important stages of recovery. It is not enough to heal the wound alone, and it is a major factor in restoring the natural movement and flexibility of the knee, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, reducing pain and swelling, preventing clots and infections, and helping the patient with balance while walking, and returning to daily activities.
- Your doctor often recommends starting a physical therapy program the day after surgery, within 24 hours of surgery. The physical therapist begins simple exercises to move the joint and prevent stiffness.
- The duration of a physical therapy program varies depending on the response of each case, but usually lasts between 6 to 12 weeks.
- The physical therapy program is divided into stages, each stage lasting two weeks or more.
Learn about: 5 of the most important Methods of diagnosing arthritis In its early stages
Stages of physical therapy after knee joint replacement surgery
The first stage (weeks 1 and 2)
- Breathing exercises and moving the legs to avoid blood clots.
- Move the knee with the help of a physical therapist in bed.
- It is possible to use a robotic joint mobilization device (CPM).
- Use a walker but while sitting in a chair.
The second stage (weeks three to six)
- Exercises to tighten the muscles surrounding the joint (thigh and leg).
- Start walking with the help of a crutch or walker.
- Going up and down stairs in a safe manner.
- Gradually increase knee range of motion.
The third stage (from the seventh week onwards)
- Resistance exercises with very light weights.
- Walking without assistance if the patient is ready.
- Work on improving balance and physical strength.
- Teach the patient to return to daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the success rate of knee joint replacement surgery?
The success rate exceeds 90-95%. With adherence to physical therapy and the instructions of the treating physician, approximately 8 out of 10 patients enjoy the use and efficiency of the new joint for 15 years or more.
How long is the recovery period from knee joint replacement surgery?
The patient begins to move using a walker or crutch in the first week. His ability to walk improves and pain decreases. He can begin to gradually dispense with aids within 4 to 6 weeks. The patient regains his ability to perform daily activities such as climbing stairs by 3 months, while complete recovery occurs within 6 to 12 months.
When does walking start after installing a knee joint?
The patient usually begins walking during the first or second day after the operation using a crutch or walker under a physical therapy blanket. Progress in walking and balance occurs gradually during the first weeks. Many patients are able to walk without assistance by the fourth to sixth week. The speed of recovery varies depending on the patient’s age, health condition, and extent of his commitment to physical therapy.
In conclusion, the operation to replace the knee joint is an effective procedure to give the knee patient a real opportunity to return to a normal, pain-free life. To achieve complete success in this operation, a program of physical therapy and gradual walking must be adhered to.
Sources
Knee joint replacement– medlineplus
