June 4, 2009

Knee Replacement Surgery

Introduction
Knee Replacement Surgery also known Total Knee Arthroplasty is a cure of painful knees, knee arthritis and other knee related issues. Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure during which the bones of the knee are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. The weight passing through the knee should be well distributed for which the bones of the knee are well aligned.

The need for knee replacement surgery in most cases is knee osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. With age the cartilage surface at the end of the bones is worn away which inflames the knees and affects the normal functioning of the knee. The injured cartilage, sore tissues and exposed bone causes pain.

Swelling of the knee, knee pain, bow-legged deformities, loss of motion are some of the symptoms of serious arthritis of the knee joint.

Procedure
The procedure of knee replacement surgery involves removal of the damaged bone of the knee joint and replacement with prosthesis or an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high grade plastics and polymers.

During the surgery, the knee is kept in bent position so that the surface of the knee is fully exposed. An incision of 6-12 inches is made after which the muscles, kneecap and connective tissues are moved aside to expose the damaged joint surface. After smoothening the bone's rough surface, the prosthesis is inserted.

RisksThe potential risks of Knee Replacement Surgery are
- Thrombophlebitis - Infection - Pneumonia - Knee Stiffness

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