Knee Prosthesis: What Is It, Surgery, Post-Operative Life

A knee prosthesis is a surgical procedure that can be applied to individuals with restricted joint movement due to various problems, aimed at improving the person's quality of life.

 A knee prosthesis is a surgical procedure that can be applied to individuals with restricted joint movement due to various problems, aimed at improving the person's quality of life. Surgical intervention can help control the pain occurring in the knee joint and allow the joint to function more effectively. During the operation, specially manufactured metal or plastic joint components are placed to replace the damaged bone and cartilage tissue in the knee area. To determine which prosthesis model is suitable for you, the range of joint movement and stability are assessed. Subsequently, decisions can be made based on data obtained from various imaging methods, such as X-rays

What is a Knee Prosthesis?

A knee prosthesis refers to the surgical placement of an artificial joint or prosthesis to replace damaged skeletal structures in the knee area. The prosthetics used during the procedure can be made of metal, plastic, or polymer. The artificial joint is designed to mimic the functions of a normal knee joint. The choice of which prosthesis to use is determined by factors such as the individual's age, body weight, activity level, and overall health status.

The surgical process involves removing the old damaged bone and cartilage tissue and placing the prosthesis, which typically takes about 2 hours. The recovery and rehabilitation period after the operation can last for several months. This operation is also known as knee arthroplasty. Knee arthroplasty surgeries are among the most frequently performed procedures by orthopedic surgeons.

How is Knee Prosthesis Surgery Performed?

Before the operation, physicians may conduct various physical examinations and medical tests to evaluate individuals' overall health and investigate anesthesia risks. Detailed medical history, comprehensive physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging methods are part of this evaluation. During the medical history collection, doctors review any previous surgeries and the presence of chronic health problems. It is also important to inquire about any regularly used medications or dietary supplements during this process. Doctors will determine which medications and supplements should be continued and which should be stopped.

If the physician decides that the patient is suitable for knee prosthesis surgery, a date for the operation will be set. On the day of the surgery, anesthesia is administered to the patient before the surgical intervention to prevent pain during the procedure. The knee arthroplasty surgery usually lasts between 1-2 hours, during which the surgeon makes a longitudinal incision in the knee area. By pulling back the skin and muscle tissue, the bone and cartilage tissue of the knee is exposed. The damaged bone and cartilage tissue are cleaned out by the surgeon, and the prosthesis is placed in this cleaned area. To secure the prosthesis, the surgeon uses specialized plates and screws and, after completing the placement, closes the knee area with surgical stitches, uniting the skin and ensuring proper bandaging.

Knee prosthesis surgeries can be performed as total or partial replacement procedures. In total knee replacement, both joint surfaces of the knee area are intervened to place a complete prosthesis. Total knee replacement surgery, the most commonly performed type of knee prosthesis operation, can typically be completed within 1-3 hours.

In partial knee joint replacement surgeries, which are another type of knee prosthesis operation, only one damaged joint surface of the knee joint is intervened. Because less bone and joint tissue is affected in these types of surgeries, the incision in the knee may be smaller compared to total replacement operations.

After the operation, the patient is closely monitored for vital signs by healthcare staff in the service unit. As the anesthesia wears off and the individual regains consciousness, it is considered normal to experience slight pain and stiffness in the leg. To control pain, various analgesic medications may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly by healthcare personnel. To prevent life-threatening unwanted conditions such as the formation of venous clots due to pain control and immobility after the operation, doctors may prescribe various medications.

Another important measure for controlling complications is the initiation of early mobilization and physical therapy. For a significant number of patients, starting physical therapy on the first day after the operation is important for supporting blood flow in the knee area.

After evaluating the patient's health status, doctors determine when the individual will be discharged and how frequently they will continue physical therapy.

Who is Suitable for Knee Prosthesis Surgery?

Knee prosthesis surgery can be performed on individuals with certain complaints, enhancing their quality of life. Some of these complaints can generally be summarized as follows:

• Severe pain or stiffness that prevents daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or rising from a chair.
• Moderate but persistent pain felt even at rest or during sleep.
• Presence of swelling in the knee and chronic inflammation that does not improve with medical treatment or rest.
• Noticeable deformity on the inner or outer surface of the knee.
• Development of various mental health problems, such as depression, due to the inability to perform daily activities to the desired level.

In addition to these conditions, knee prosthesis surgery may also be considered for individuals with various health problems related to the knee, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, that have not been effectively managed with existing treatment options.

Some of the criteria evaluated for your suitability for knee prosthesis surgery include:

• The extent to which knee pain affects vital activities.
• The level of damage to the bone and joint structures in the knee area.
• The individual's age.
• The individual's overall health status.

Knee prosthesis surgery is generally a treatment applied to individuals aged 55 and older, but it can also be performed in younger individuals when necessary.

Life After Knee Prosthesis Surgery

A large majority of individuals who undergo knee prosthesis surgery, especially those with total replacement, report relief from knee-related pain. However, it may take some time to adjust to the new prosthetic knee. During the recovery period, attention to physical therapy practices is essential to optimize this healing process. Various studies have shown that knee prostheses can maintain their function for many years.

It may take approximately 6-12 months for a person to fully regain control over their knee. In physical therapy, the goal is to encourage the patient to mobilize as soon as possible. Initially, mobility aids may be used to assist walking, and as the knee strengthens, the individual may begin moving without support. Typically, after about 12 weeks, individuals can perform many daily activities and various exercises. It is important to coordinate with healthcare providers specializing in physical therapy and rehabilitation regarding the specific practices and exercises to be followed during different phases of the recovery period.

Knee prosthesis surgery involves the placement of a prosthesis in the knee joint to address problems arising from overuse or various health issues over time. It is recommended to consult healthcare institutions and seek support from specialist physicians to determine whether knee prosthesis surgery is suitable for you.