Authored by Ceetee Sheckels in Health
Published on 11-21-2009
Arthritis and injuries which resulted in knee damage are two common reasons for knee replacement surgery. One factor in determining whether you are a good candidate for knee replacement surgery is the condition of your natural knee. This in turn determines whether a replacement knee will be beneficial to you, and worth the risks.
In cases of arthritis, your physician may begin by evaluating the severity of your condition. If the inflammation is not responding well enough to medication, and you suffer from extreme or consistent pain, an artificial joint can relieve your suffering and help you to be more comfortable in your everyday life. In instances where there has been extensive knee damage from an accident or other injury, knee replacement surgery may also be recommended.
Knee replacement surgery is not for everyone. Certain medical conditions, the necessary use of some medications, age and weight all must be considered if you are thinking about having a troublesome knee replaced with an artificial joint. Your doctor will assess your medical history and all other relevant factors in order to decide if you are a good candidate.
While knee replacement surgery can be very helpful, it is not without risks. Some of the risks include medical emergencies, the risk of infection, and the possibility that the new joint may break or may not work properly.
The surgery itself can be performed with a general anesthesia, epidural, or spinal. In most cases, this is based on the patient’s preference. You will be informed in advance of anything which you may need to do in preparation for the surgery. Depending upon your particular circumstances, this may include refraining from using specific medications prior to the surgery, and not eating for a specific period of time before the surgery is scheduled. Knee replacement surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. He will ensure that your surgery is as safe as possible by attaching monitors to monitor your vitals during the procedure.
To safeguard you against possible complications, you will stay in the hospital for a few days after your surgery. This is for the purpose of immediately dealing with any complications if they arise, and also for a physical therapist to help you learn proper operation of your artificial joint. You will also be advised of how to care for your knee after you go home.
As healing of an artificial knee takes time, you will need someone at home to help you during the recovery period. It is essential for you to not place too much stress or strain on your new joint. After the recovery period is complete, you will be able to resume your ordinary everyday activities. However, it is necessary to exercise basic common sense even after you have fully healed. You should not engage in overly-strenuous activities, or those which place undue strain on your knee joint. Successful knee replacement surgery means that you will be free of the pain, enjoy better mobility, and fully participate in your life again.
