KNEE REPLACEMENT ELIGIBILITY: WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

Knee replacement surgery may be an option for patients whose quality of life is severely affected by wear, pain and loss of movement in the knee joint. Knee replacement should be considered, especially for patients who experience nighttime pain, have significantly limited ability to walk and need the assistance of others. In addition, prosthesis surgery may be considered in cases where other treatment options such as injections do not produce the desired result.”

RECOVERY AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

After knee replacement surgery, patients can usually be discharged from the hospital within 3 days on average. On the 2nd day after surgery, patients are trained to start walking with the help of a walker.

Preventing the risk of infection is one of the most important focal points of the postoperative period. In addition, pain medications and blood thinners may be prescribed to help patients have a comfortable recovery process.”

FOLLOW-UP AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

After about 3 weeks, patients should go for a follow-up visit to their clinic. During this time, patients are advised to do the recommended exercises regularly at home. After knee replacement surgery, patients should make regular clinic visits and be followed up with X-rays and repeat examinations for at least 3 years. Our goal is to ensure that the patient has a pain-free and fully mobile knee joint.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT

Although the results after knee replacement surgery are generally satisfactory and improve patients’ quality of life, potential risks and complications should be considered. Such complications can vary depending on the patient’s age, general health (e.g. comorbidities such as diabetes), the prosthetic material used and the experience of the surgeon. Problems such as infection and prosthesis displacement in the early period can be minimized by the surgeon taking appropriate precautions and applying the correct surgical techniques.

MATERIALS USED IN KNEE PROSTHESIS

The choice of knee prosthesis material depends on the patient’s age, walking ability and bone structure. Generally, knee prostheses are made of chromium-cobalt or titanium. An adhesive mixture called bone cement is applied to the part of the prosthesis in contact with the bone. This process brings the areas of cartilage and bone loss to the same level with the prosthesis.”

DURABILITY OF KNEE PROSTHESIS

With today’s technological advances, the durability of knee prostheses is gradually increasing. Therefore, prostheses can last from 15 years to 20 years and more. However, it is inevitable that the prostheses will wear and loosen over time. One reason for postponing knee replacement surgery to a later age, if possible, is that prostheses can wear out faster at a younger age.”