Knee Replacement Olivia Losak

Knee replacement surgery

During

• Put under general anesthesia, or either epidural anesthesia .

• Cut is made in the front of the knee

• Damaged part is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic artificial joint.

• Than becomes attached to your thigh bone, shin and knee cap which is held together by a special cement.

After

• In the hospital 3-5 days after to start rehabilitation.

• Most people who undergo surgery have dramatic improvements quickly.

• People can start to stand and move around day after surgery.

• At first you may need crutches or parallel bars to walk.

Symptoms • Stiff• Pain when bending or straightening the knee• Swelled knee• Unable to perform simple activities.• Creaking noise when you move the knee• Feeling of warmth in joint

Prevalence• Most common in people in over 50 years old• Knee replacement is the most common joint procedure.• In 2009 the number of surgeries was about 600,000.

Osteoarthritis • “wear and tear” cartilage wears away between the joints • Can be hereditary• Can get it from infection or being overweight• Most common type of arthritis• Women 55 and older are more likely to develop this• When being overweight every pound you gain adds pressure

to your joints of about 3 to 4 pounds

Causes/ Transmitted• Protective cartilage wears away• Caused by swollen or torn ligaments• Runners knee

Treatments • Weight loss• Anti-inflammatory medication• Joint supplements• Cortisone injections• Surgery

Interesting facts• 1/3 of all doctor visits are for muscle and bone pain in knee• Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours• The average stay at the hospital after surgery is 3-5 days • To speed healing you should use the RICE treatment, Rest, Ice,

Compression, Elevation.

Sources• www.orthopedics.about.com• www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/knee-replacement-sur

gery• http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/02/10/knee-replac

ements-double-in-10-years-study-says/