Knee replacement surgery isn’t always the first solution to knee-related injuries or pain. This is always the last resort for best knee surgeons, mainly after other medications, such as knee injections, have failed to work. Knee replacement surgeries majorly involve three parts of your knee; the inner part in the middle of your knee, the outer surrounding your knee, or the underpart of your knee cap. Knee replacement surgery may be warranted due to severe arthritis, deformity, injuries, knee joint infections, among other reasons.
Knee replacement surgeries aim to minimize and eliminate the pain experienced due to the causes mentioned above. Therefore, it’s critical to seek the services of the best knee replacement surgeon in your area to get the best and efficient services. How do you know they’re the best? This article will show you the features to look out for in your search.
Best knee surgeons will offer:
- Medical Assessments
The best knee replacement surgeons will not recommend surgery from the get-go. They’ll first assess your knee, including your overall health, before deciding to proceed with surgery. You’ll be put under an x-ray machine for the surgeon to see the extent of the knee’s damage.
Besides assessing your knee, they’ll inquire about your everyday lifestyle, activity level, age, weight, among others. All these have an impact on your knee as you carry them out.
Your knee surgeon will determine the type of surgery you’ll need to restore normal knee function by performing a thorough medical examination.
- Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is presumed to be the most efficient in solving knee problems.
It involves the complete removal of damaged joints at the end of your femur and top of your tibia, including the undersurface of your knee cap. The surgeon will replace the removed sections with artificial implants, often made of plastic or metal. These implants will be cemented onto the pre-existing cartilage.
This procedure requires several months for complete recovery.
- Partial Knee Replacement
As the name suggests, it doesn’t involve complete knee parts removal. Only the damaged part is removed. This is common if your arthritis has only affected a section and hasn’t spread.
If your condition progresses, partial knee replacement might need a total knee replacement in the future.
It’s a less invasive procedure compared to total knee replacement.
- Knee Cap Replacement
With this procedure, your knee joints aren’t replaced. Only the undersurface of your knee cap is replaced. After your knee surgeon places the implant, they’ll insert a smooth dome-shaped plastic that will provide a surface against which your joints will glide, just like a natural knee.
- Complex Knee Replacement
Complex knee replacement is done if you’ve had several joint replacements in the past. It’s sought if there’s tremendous bone loss on your knees or there’s extreme knee weakness.
This procedure will require the fixation of prolonged and stronger implants to provide you with much-needed extra support and stability.
- Best Treatment Methods
The best knee replacement surgeons will use the best technology there is to ensure your comfort and quick recovery.
Before the surgery, they’ll numb your damaged knee and its surroundings using advanced methods, such as nerve blocking. This will reduce pain in the affected limb.
They’ll use the least invasive techniques during the procedure to quicken your recovery process; after all, one wants to be bed-ridden for several months.
Your surgeon will also use the current technology during surgery to prevent side effects, such as blood clots and over bleeding. Such methods will help prevent further detriment to your health.
- Physical Therapy Programs
After knee replacement surgery, physical therapy is needed to bring back the function of your leg limbs.
A good knee replacement surgeon will recommend and even provide you with a physical therapist who’ll help you with your journey to recovery. Part of the therapy involves strengthening your leg, thigh, and calf muscles. Instead of general therapy exercises, they’ll customize procedures based on your body’s condition.
The best surgeon will fix Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) to your newly repaired knee for efficient recovery. The CPM is programmed to move your knee joint when you’re in a resting position to reduce fatigue.
Your knee surgeon will also prescribe home-based exercises for you. If you have no one to take care of you, a good surgeon will appoint a temporary caregiver from their hospital to help care for your needs.
Conclusion
By being on the lookout for knee surgeons that offer the above services, you’re assured of quality treatment for your knee replacement and that you may prioritize your interests. However, it’s good to note that proper recovery is solely based on your efforts even after receiving the best treatment. Therefore, follow through with the prescribed physical therapy until the end.