The disease called osteoarthritis in the knees is actually a chronic disease characterized by the wear and degeneration of the cartilage tissue in the joints over time. This condition is often associated with various factors, such as aging, joint injuries, excess weight, genetic factors and excessive load on the joint. Calcification usually manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, swelling, decreased walking and joint-leg curvatures. Treatment methods include medications, physical therapy, exercises, lifestyle changes and surgical options.
Natural Course of Osteoarthritis
The course of arthritis may vary from individual to individual, and the progression of the disease is usually slow and gradual. However, in general, cartilage loss and joint damage increase over time. Early on, symptoms may be mild, and patients often manage symptoms with painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications. However, in later stages, pain may become more pronounced and limit daily activities. At this stage, treatment often requires a more comprehensive approach.
Knee osteoarthritis and replacementBenefits of Surgical Treatment: Knee Prosthesis (Arthroplasty) Surgery
Surgical intervention may be an effective option for managing symptoms in the later stages of osteoarthritis. One of these interventions is knee replacement surgery, which is used especially if there is severe damage to the joint and other treatments are not effective.
Knee replacement surgery aims to restore joint function by removing damaged joint surfaces and placing artificial prostheses. This procedure is most often performed on knee or hip joints and can improve the patient's quality of life. After surgery, many patients experience less pain and are able to lead a more active lifestyle.
The main benefits of arthroplasty surgery are:
- Pain Reduction: Surgery can help reduce symptoms such as pain and stiffness by repairing damage to the joint.
- Increased Mobility: The placement of prosthetics can restore joint mobility, allowing the patient to perform daily activities more comfortably.
- Improved Quality of Life: Less pain and better mobility can improve patients' quality of life, requiring less painkillers and helping them maintain their independence.
- Long-Term Results: A successful arthroplasty surgery can help patients maintain long-term joint health and slow the progression of the disease.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical intervention, arthroplasty surgery has certain risks and complications. These may include:
- Infection: There is always a risk of infection after surgery and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
- Prosthesis Problems: Prosthesis-related problems may occur, such as loosening, wear or dislocation of the dentures.
- Vascular occlusion: A clot may form in the vein due to inactivity after surgery. The resulting clot may cause swelling and mild pain in the leg. However, as a result of the clot breaking off and traveling to the lungs and blocking the lung vessels, it can cause shortness of breath and, in rare cases, even death.
- Limitation of Movement: In some patients, there may be limitation in joint mobility after surgery.
- Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after surgery. In rare cases, bleeding can be severe and require additional surgical intervention.
- Vascular and Nerve Damage: Rarely, vessels or nerves may be damaged during surgery, which can lead to additional complications.
- Anesthesia Risks: When types of anesthesia such as general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia are used, there are risks associated with anesthesia.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery can be an effective option for managing complaints in the later stages of arthritis. However, as with any surgical intervention, this procedure has certain risks and complications. Therefore, careful communication and decision-making between the patient and surgeon is important. Osteoarthritis treatment should be customized to the patient's individual condition and symptoms so that the most appropriate treatment plan can be determined.