Knee Pain Restricting Daily Activities?
Orthopedic Surgery Advancements May Help Regain Vitality
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Ralph Touma, M.D.
OLBH Orthopedic Surgeon
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If knee pain is limiting your ability to perform everyday activities, knee replacement surgery may provide the relief you need. Advancements in of this type of orthopedic surgery have made it a viable procedure for many people.
"Knee replacement surgery is a procedure in which a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis, which is made of metal and plastic materials," Ralph Touma, M.D., OLBH orthopedic surgeon, explained. "During the procedure, an incision is made over the knee to allow access to the knee cap, femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). The ends of these bones, and in some cases the underside of the knee cap, are removed. Artificial parts are then implanted into the femur and tibia using a special bone cement."
"The actual procedure takes one to two hours," Dr. Touma added. "Preparations before surgery and recovery from the general anesthesia may lengthen the operating and recovery room stay." Patients return from surgery with a large bandage on the knee and pressure stockings are used to keep the blood in the legs moving, reducing the risk of developing blood clots. Medications are used to alleviate the moderate pain experienced after surgery.
One to two days after surgery, OLBH physical therapists assist knee replacement patients with regaining strength and motion of the leg. Crutches or a walker may be needed for a few weeks or months after a total knee replacement.
Who Should Consider A Total Knee Replacement?
Dr. Touma advises that not all degenerative knee conditions require a knee replacement. According to Dr. Touma, total knee replacement may be recommended for:
- Knee pain that has not responded to six months or more of therapy (including medications, injections and physical therapy)
- Knee pain that restricts activities of daily living
- Arthritis of the knees
- Significant stiffness of the knee
- A knee that constantly gives way in spite of reconstructed ligaments
- Bow-legs
- Inner joint arthritis
"About 90 percent of patients who have knee replacement surgery are relieved of pain," Dr. Touma said. Prostheses last an average of 10-15 years. "However," Dr. Touma reiterated. "It is important to remember that an artificial knee is not a normal knee. Activities that overexert the artificial knee must be avoided."
Potential Risks
Complications can occur with any major surgery. Possible complications of knee replacement surgery include infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, stiffness and loosening of the joint.
For more information, please call the CareLine at (606) 833-CARE (2273).
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