Last update:
You are : Knee
> Prosthesis
Knee prostetics
Knee arthroplasty, is a common surgical procedure most often performed to replace the diseased or damaged joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.
This surgery uses spare parts called prosthetics. There are total knee replacement and partial replacement (unicompartmental). The choice of which will depend on various factors, more particularly if one or more compartments of the joint are worn out.
This surgery is usually recommended to patients suffering from osteoarthritis when the medication no longer relieve the pain, and allow the joint to move normally. There is no contraindication based on the age of the patient. Usually the patients are around 60 to80 years old but younger or older patients can be operated once the discomfort is important and that the benefits expected prevail on the risks incurred.
Typically, the total arthroplasty will consist in replacing the damaged joint surfaces of the femur, the tibia and more often the patella.
The knee replacement procedure is not a happy prospect but once properly performed, it allows the joint to recover its full normal function and to relieve the pain without complication in the most majority. The knee replacement procedure is a very good surgery to better the quality of life when a medication treatment is no longer efficient.
The decision to operate surgically is important and belongs to you, to your surgeon, and your physician. Although most of the patients are satisfied with their prosthetics, one should be aware that a number of complications can occur, and should be properly informed of these complications before ginving his/her consent. If you are puzzled, take some time to think, because this surgery is very exceptionnally performed in emergency.
