A knee prosthesis is a treatment option for patients with damaged or worn knee joints. In this procedure, an artificial joint is placed in place of the damaged knee joint. Knee prostheses are made of metal and plastic materials, mimicking the natural movement of the knee joint, allowing patients to move without pain and with normal mobility.
Who Is a Candidate for Knee Prosthesis?
Knee prosthesis is generally performed for the following reasons:
- Pain and limited movement due to damage to the knee joint
- Worn or damaged knee joints due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or trauma
- Severe damage to the joint surfaces due to a fracture in the knee joint
What Are the Types of Knee Prostheses?
Knee prostheses are mainly of two types: partial prosthesis and total prosthesis.
Partial Prosthesis: This type of prosthesis is placed only in the inner or outer part of the knee, leaving the other parts of the knee joint natural. This option may be suitable for patients with damage only in one part of the knee.
Total Prosthesis: This type of prosthesis is placed in the entire area of the knee joint. This procedure is used to completely replace the damaged knee joint.
How Is the Knee Prosthesis Procedure Performed?
Knee prosthesis surgery is usually performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the damaged part of the knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint. The artificial joint is made of metal and plastic materials and mimics the natural movement of the knee joint.
After knee prosthesis surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days and may use walking aids before starting physical therapy. Physical therapy teaches patients how to walk with their new prosthesis and perform exercises to strengthen their knees.
Recovery Process After Knee Prosthesis Surgery
The recovery process after knee prosthesis surgery can vary depending on the patient’s condition and the type of procedure performed. Generally, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days post-surgery.
