Knee joint endoprosthetics is an effective and often the only way to restore lost limb function. Total, i.e. replacement of all joint components, endoprosthetics is the method of choice in the treatment of:
- degenerative-dystrophic diseases (arthrosis-arthritis)
- rheumatoid polyarthritis
- post-traumatic arthrosis
- malunion of intra-articular fractures of one or both articular surfaces
- bones that make up the knee joint
- damaged ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint with pronounced changes in the articular
- ends of bones
What should a patient know about endoprosthetic surgery?
This is a very precise surgical intervention, the purpose of which is to return you to a mobile, painless joint, allowing you to return to your normal life.
The development of technical progress has led to the emergence of materials that can replace a worn-out joint with an artificial one. Just like a regular knee joint, an artificial one precisely replicates the elements of a normal joint, allowing the necessary range of motion. Implantation of an artificial knee joint does not require extensive bone resection and the operation preserves the knee joint’s own ligamentous apparatus, except in cases where the ligamentous apparatus is damaged and requires its restoration. An appropriate prosthesis is selected for each specific case.
Consultation
During the consultation, the doctor will determine the indications and contraindications for joint endoprosthetics, conduct the necessary examinations and select the appropriate prosthesis. An X-ray examination will help determine the degree of joint wear and tear and make the necessary measurements. You will be warned about the possible risks and complications of the operation. The following may be considered complications of the operation:
- infection in the surgical area
- bleeding during or after surgery
- thromboembolism (blockage of a vessel by a blood clot)
Before the operation
Before the operation, the patient undergoes a full clinical examination (tests, specialist consultations, anesthesiologist examination). The patient is hospitalized 1-2 days before the operation.
Operation
In standard cases, implantation of an artificial joint lasts 2-3 hours. During the operation, measures are taken to prevent infectious complications, if necessary, to replenish blood loss, and to drain the wound to prevent blood accumulation.
After operation
In the postoperative period, the administration of antibiotics, painkillers, and symptomatic treatment continues.
Inpatient rehabilitation treatment
Activation in bed is permitted as early as the first day after surgery. From the second day, you can sit up in bed, start static exercises for the limb muscles, and do breathing exercises. Walking with a measured load on the operated limb and additional support (crutches, playpen) is possible as early as the third day. The stitches are removed on the 10th-12th day.
Discharge home
Discharge is made 10-12 days after the operation. It is necessary to continue rehabilitation measures, strictly following the recommendations of the operating surgeon. If necessary, hospitalization in a rehabilitation center for recovery under the supervision of specialists – rehabilitation specialists is possible. Restrictions on physical activity on the operated limb should be observed for 6 weeks after the operation, during this time it is recommended to use additional support.
