What is Knee and Hip Replacement?
Knee and hip prosthesis is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and limitation of movement in cases such as excessive wear, damage or deformation in the joints. Prosthesis surgeries are a method used especially in joint problems such as advanced calcification (osteoarthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, hip fracture.
Conditions requiring prosthesis
- Osteoarthritis: Causes severe pain as a result of wear of the cartilage tissue in the joints; prosthesis may be required in untreatable cases.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This disease, which causes inflammation in the joints, is treated with prosthesis in the advanced stage.
- Hip Fractures: Prosthesis can be applied especially in hip fractures seen in the elderly.
- Joint Deformations: Prosthesis may be recommended for damage caused by accidents or trauma.
- Severe and Persistent Pain: Prosthesis surgery is considered in cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.
Knee and Hip Prosthesis Types
- Total Knee Replacement (TKA): Complete replacement of the knee joint.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKA): Replacement of part of the knee joint.
- Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA): Complete replacement of the hip joint.
- Cleft Hip Prosthesis (Hemi-THA): Replacement of the upper part of the femur only.
- Revision Prosthesis: It is applied when the existing prosthesis needs to be replaced or repaired.
- Customised Dentures: They are specially designed prostheses suitable for the anatomical structure of the patient.
How is prosthesis surgery performed?
Knee or hip replacement surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon removes the damaged areas of the joint and replaces them with prosthetic parts. The prostheses are usually made of metal, plastic or ceramic. After the operation, the patient stays in hospital for a few days and then starts physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy Programme
Postoperative physical therapy is very important to ensure the adaptation of the prosthesis and to increase the patient's muscle strength. During the healing process, patient-specific exercises and balance exercises are performed. In this period, which usually lasts 6-12 weeks, several sessions of physiotherapy per week are recommended.
Recovery Process and Care
After discharge from hospital, the patient continues the recovery process at home. The full recovery period varies between 6-12 weeks. During this period, following the doctor's instructions and participating in regular physiotherapy accelerates the healing process.
- Tags:
- knee
- hip
- prosthesis
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