Description of the procedure
In knee replacement, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint. This may be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Knee replacement surgery can help improve mobility and alleviate pain caused by damaged knee joints.
This procedure is usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgery is done under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
When should this procedure be performed?
Doctors perform this procedure as required. The new knee joint does not need adjustment unless a problem arises with it (e.g., failure of the joint or damage caused over time from normal use). Most knee replacements last for about 20 years, although this time may be longer or shorter depending on individual factors such as wear and tear on the joint.
Why is this procedure performed?
Replacing the knee joint reduces pain and improves the quality of life for many people living with damaged knee joints. This damage may be due to severe arthritis, injury from trauma or sports activities, or other causes.
Are there any risks and precautions I should know about?
Certain risks are common to all surgery and every time an anesthetic is used. These include side effects of the anesthetic, breathing problems, infection, and bleeding.
There are also some risks specific to this procedure. Infection of the incision or at the site of the replacement may occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, pain, or swelling. Antibiotics normally clear up a bacterial infection, however, other treatment may be necessary.
Blood clots may also form. These clots may form in the leg causing inflammation of the blood vessels. They may also travel to the heart, brain, or lung causing a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Speak to your doctor about your personal risk of blood clots and how to prevent these complications.
You may experience problems with the joint. The artificial joint may dislocate or break, or may become loose or stiff. Artificial joints used in knee replacement procedures may wear out over time. Speak with your doctor to find out how you can prolong the life of your new joint.
If the artificial joint no longer works, you may need another procedure to determine why it is no longer functioning properly.
