Knee arthritis is caused by various reasons such as aging, excess weight, overuse, injury or genetic factor. This condition is characterized by the wear or loss of cartilage tissue in the knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis surgeryis a surgical intervention performed to correct this problem.
How Long Does Knee Osteoarthritis Surgery Take?
Surgery time depends on a number of variable factors and it is difficult to specify an exact time. However, in general, osteoarthritis surgery can take approximately 1 to 3 hours. This period may vary depending on the type of surgery, surgical techniques and the patient's condition.
Surgeries such as partial or total knee replacement implantation may take longer. This type of surgery involves replacing damaged or worn cartilage in the knee joint with a prosthetic joint. Correct placement and sizing of the prosthesis prolongs the surgery time.
On the other hand, less invasive surgical techniques, such as arthroscopy, may take less time. In this method, it may be necessary to clean and repair damaged tissues or cartilage pieces in the knee joint.
Other factors affecting surgery time include the surgeon's experience and the patient's general health condition. These factors can affect the duration of the surgery and play a role in determining the duration.
However, it should not be forgotten that the surgery time is only a part of it and the post-operative recovery period is also important. The doctor gives detailed information about the duration of the surgery and expectations before the surgery. He will guide you to manage the post-operative recovery process. Since every patient is different, the treatment plan and recovery process should be determined with an individualized approach.
How is Knee Osteoarthritis Surgery Performed?
Knee osteoarthritis surgery It is performed with different surgical techniques. Here are some commonly used osteoarthritis surgery methods:
Knee Prosthesis Implantation, It involves replacing damaged cartilage in the knee joint with a prosthesis. It may be a partial prosthesis (only part of it) or a complete prosthesis (the entire joint). During surgery, the surgeon removes parts of the damaged joint and fixes the prosthesis to the bones.
Arthroscopy involves placing a small camera and surgical instruments inside the knee joint. With this method, damaged tissues within the knee can be repaired. Cartilage surfaces can be corrected and the mobility of the joint can be increased.
Osteotomy is when incisions are made in one of the bones of the knee and the position of the bones is changed. This can be done to redistribute the load and relieve stress on the knee joint. Osteotomy may be particularly useful in situations where the knee is under high load.
Cartilage transplantation involves replacing damaged cartilage in the knee joint with healthy cartilage. Healthy cartilage can be taken from another body part or grown in a laboratory. Which method will be used is determined by the patient's condition and the severity of calcification. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. However, in some cases, epidural anesthesia may also be preferred.
After surgery, physical therapy is important to speed up the healing process and regain strength and mobility in the knee. The pre- and post-operative care plan is personalized for each patient. Full support is provided to the patient during the post-surgical recovery process.
After Knee Osteoarthritis Surgery
Knee osteoarthritis surgery The post-operative period is a period in which the patient must be carefully managed. The recovery process may vary depending on the patient's type of surgery, general health status, and complexity of the surgical intervention.
Pain and discomfort after surgery are normal. During this process, it is important to regularly take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor. Additionally, swelling and bruising in the knee may occur in the postoperative period.
Physical therapy programs are critical to regaining strength and mobility in the knee. Your physical therapist will recommend specific exercises to strengthen your knee and increase flexibility. Participating in these programs regularly can speed up the recovery process.
It is important to comply with weight-bearing and movement restrictions as recommended by your doctor in the postoperative period. After major surgeries such as knee prosthesis implantation, full weight bearing should be avoided for a certain period of time. Additionally, you should be careful when performing certain movements and avoid overexertion.
It is important to clean and dress your stitches or wound area regularly. Have your stitches checked as recommended by your doctor. Watch for signs of infection. Healthy nutrition, adequate sleep and reducing stress are also important in the postoperative period. Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and using medications regularly supports the healing process.
Since each patient is different, recommendations and processes in the postoperative period are also personalized. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations exactly and report your concern to your doctor immediately. Knee osteoarthritis surgery Getting support in the post-operative period is critical for a healthy recovery process.