Knee replacement surgery is a very common type of orthopedic procedure that is most frequently performed for purposes of arthritis relief, in addition to replacing badly damaged bones of the knee on account of injury. The first total knee replacement surgery took place in 1968, inspired by innovations in hip replacement surgery. Today nearly six hundred thousand total knee replacements take place each year in the United States alone.

Of all the joints in the human body, the knee is the largest, and one that is used in performing most day to day functions. In fact, the human knee in itself is something of a miracle of human anatomy. It consists of three bones: the thigh bone (also known as the femur), the shin bone also known as the tibia), and the knee cap (also known as the patella). The surfaces of these three bones where they connect happen to be surrounded by a smooth substance called articular cartilage, which cushions them for ease of movement. The other surfaces are surrounded by a special membrane, the synovial membrane, that releases a unique fluid whose purpose is solely to lubricate the knee.

In a healthy knee, all these components work in unison to eliminate friction. However, if the harmony of all these parts becomes unbalanced or impaired due to injury or various diseases, particularly arthritis, prosthetic knee replacement surgery may become the only feasible alternative for the affected individual. In such cases, the patient will most likely end up being referred to an orthopedic surgeon who is a knee specialist. While the majority of knee replacements are performed on patients between the ages of 60 and 80 years old, there have also been instances of younger persons suffering from juvenile arthritis who have undergone successful knee replacement operations.

The procedure, which involves weeks of preliminary tests and preparations, is generally accompanied by significant loss of blood. For this reason, patients are sometimes asked to donate some of their own blood beforehand, which will be stored in case they need it again following the surgery. The patient will be anesthetized, either generally by being put temporarily to sleep, or regionally, that is, only the legs. The procedure itself can be completed in about two hours, with the bones being surgically removed and replaced with metal and plastic components. This is followed by a two hour recovery period from the anesthetic. Following surgery the patient will need a walker or crutches at first. This will continue for several weeks as the patient slowly regains strength enough to walk, during which a whole range of precautions needs to be taken to reduce the risk of falls.

Serious complications arising from total knee replacement are rare, occuring in fewer than 2 percent of instances. The most common complication is the possibility of blood clots forming in the leg following the surgery. Alternatives to total knee replacement include a partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, and a relatively new technique using the latest technology, known as minimally invasive knee replacement.

www.OSC-Ortho.com treats patients from across the country and especially Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Orthopaedic & Spine Center is the region\’s leader in performing total joint replacement procedures on an outpatient basis.

http://www.OSC-Ortho.com treats patients from across the country and especially Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Orthopaedic & Spine Center is the region\’s leader in performing total joint replacement procedures on an outpatient basis.

Author Bio: www.OSC-Ortho.com treats patients from across the country and especially Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Orthopaedic & Spine Center is the region\’s leader in performing total joint replacement procedures on an outpatient basis.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Medicine, Health, aging