Knee replacement surgeries have been performed on patients for several years now but are still being improved. Some people get obsessed with having this procedure done thinking that it would be the risk-free perfect solution for them and their chronic pains. The truth is, just like for every surgery, there are risks involved.
What Happens during a Knee Replacement Surgery?
Once you are under general anesthesia, an 8- to 12-inch cut is made in the front of the knee. The damaged part of the joint is removed from the surface of the bones, and the surfaces are then shaped to hold a metal or plastic artificial joint. The artificial joint is attached to the thigh bone, shin and knee cap either with cement or a special material. When fit together, the attached artificial parts form the joint, relying on the surrounding muscles and ligaments for support and function.
After knee replacement surgery, you should not twist the operated-on leg for at least six weeks. Also during this time, when lying in bed, you should keep the involved knee as straight as possible. Kneeling and squatting also should be avoided soon after knee joint replacement surgery.
Complications of Knee Replacement Surgeries
- During post-surgery period, the patient will not be able to move much for some time. This might lead to the formation of blood clots leaving the doctor obliged in giving the patient some blood thinners.
- Facing general anesthesia is usually associated with infections and bleedings.
- There is some chance that some pieces of fat from the bone marrow might break off and enter the bloodstream and even get to the lungs. This might create breathing problems.
- There is also some chance that the nerves of the knee might be injured, which will cause some numbness.
- The replacement part might get loose of even break
- Some other parts of the bones might break which might complicate the post recovery more.
Special Caution
Before any patient considers any surgery, he always has to create two lists: one that contains what could get worse if he doesn’t do the surgery and the other contains what could go wrong if he does the surgery. This method will explain clearly if surgery is the right option.
Make sure you do the necessary blood & other tests before thinking about any surgery. Since this surgery involves bones, make sure your bones can withhold such work. For example, if you have osteoporosis, your bones might not be capable of supporting the procedure.
Sometimes, if arthritis is too advanced and is restricting the life of the patient, one might resort to surgery; while from another angle, sometimes the side effects and risks of undergoing surgery at a certain age might not be worth it.
Think Wisely and stay Healthy & Well!
