Unlocking the Mystery of Knee Replacement Surgery – Everything You Need to Know
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- Unlocking the Mystery of Knee Replacement Surgery – Everything You Need to Know
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing damaged knee joint components with artificial metal and plastic parts, aiming to alleviate pain and enhance knee functionality. Surgeons evaluate factors such as knee movement, stability, and strength, supported by X-rays to assess damage extent. The choice of artificial joints and techniques depends on age, weight, activity level, knee specifics, and overall health. This procedure targets arthritis-related knee damage and severe injuries, utilizing metal and plastic elements to resurface joint ends. Different arthritis types, like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis, can impact the knee. The surgery’s primary goal is to rectify damage, relieve persistent knee pain, and improve patient quality of life.
Knee replacement surgery is a specialized treatment reserved for severe cases where other conventional interventions have proven ineffective. When pain and impairment persist despite alternative treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, knee replacement becomes an option. This surgical procedure is undertaken to address extensive damage caused by conditions like severe arthritis or substantial knee injuries that significantly hinder a person’s quality of life. The aim is to provide relief from persistent pain and restore mobility when other methods have fallen short in achieving these outcomes.
If non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful in alleviating significant symptoms such joint pain, stiffness, limited knee motion, and swelling, an orthopaedic surgeon may suggest knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery may also be recommended by a doctor if the patient develops post-traumatic arthritis as a consequence of bone fractures brought on by traumatic events such as vehicle accidents, falls, or injuries sustained while participating in sports.
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Knee replacement surgery has 2 types: total knee replacement and partial knee replacement. In a partial knee replacement, only the injured portion of the knee is replaced, but in a total knee replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial material.
An innovative surgical approach that is employed in knee replacement surgeries is called navigated total knee replacement. This method makes use of computerised technology and images in real time in order to improve the precision and accuracy of the treatment. When doing a guided total knee replacement, the orthopaedic surgeon uses a computer to generate a digital three-dimensional model of the knee joint of the patient. This enables the surgeon to meticulously arrange the procedure.
The orthopaedic surgeon is able to monitor the knee joint’s mobility as well as its alignment throughout the operation thanks to the specialised equipment and sensors that are attached to the knee of the patient. By providing the surgeon with assistance in making very accurate changes during bone preparation and implant placement, this technology helps to ensure that the artificial components are aligned and fitted in the most optimal way.
The goal of navigated total knee replacement is to improve the overall results of the surgery, so the patient has improved alignment, a decreased risk of complications, and improved long-term usefulness of the knee joint that has been replaced. It is especially helpful for complicated instances or individuals who have specific anatomical considerations, both of which are situations in which accurate alignment is essential for effective outcomes.
Your doctor will take the time to carefully explain the process to you before the surgery, and he or she will also offer you the opportunity to ask questions. After reading the consent form thoroughly, you will need to sign it in order to provide permission for the treatment to be performed. In order to evaluate your overall health and obtain a complete history of your medical conditions, you will undergo a physical checkup. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, as well as any medications or herbal supplements you take, especially those that may alter how easily your blood clots or how much you bleed. As part of the pre-surgery planning, you may be asked by your orthopaedic surgeon to consult with a physical therapist and make plans for session safter the treatment. Depending on the state of your health, you may be given recommendations for further preparations
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After your surgery, you will be working with a physical therapist, focusing on knee exercises for strength and recovery. Physiotherapy emphasizes balance, range of motion, and strengthening through exercises like leg raises, ankle pumps, and knee straightening. As you progress with the therapy, you’ll reduce reliance on assistive devices and introduce low-impact activities such as simple exercises or yoga. Physical therapists play an essential part in the process of preparing patients for knee replacement surgery as well as assisting them with their recovery following the procedure. These specialists aim to improve patients’ overall quality of life by providing hands-on treatment, education, and individualised exercises for each individual patient. They instruct patients in exercises and methods that help them rebuild strength, mobility, and function in the knee. In addition, physical therapists offer crucial advice on appropriate movement patterns and body mechanics, which assists patients in optimising their recovery process and achieving better results after surgery.
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The cost of knee replacement surgery can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including the type of surgery performed, the specific medical services, the choice of implant material, and any pre-operative and post-operative care that may be required. A patient’s health status and insurance coverage are two examples of the kinds of factors that can have an effect on the total cost. It is highly recommended that you speak with an orthopaedic surgeon in order to obtain an exact idea of the costs that are involved. They are able to provide particular information regarding the costs associated with the surgery, any potential additional fees, and the extent to which insurance plans or other types of medical assistance cover the procedure. You can contact The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice by sending an e-mail at [email protected] or by calling on WhatsApp (+65 9898 3595).
Knee replacement surgery is as a specialized solution for severe cases where conventional treatments have failed, aiming to alleviate pain and restore mobility, particularly in scenarios of arthritis-related damage or significant knee injuries. When making decisions about your medical care that could affect your musculoskeletal health, it is critical to discuss your options with a trained orthopaedic specialist. They are well-trained professionals with an in-depth understanding of the diseases that affect bones, joints, and muscles; as a result, they are able to effectively diagnose conditions, provide personalised guidance, and prescribe appropriate therapies. In the end, consulting an orthopaedic professional ensures informed decisions and tailored care plans, which ultimately promotes optimal recovery and improved quality of life.
Knee replacement surgery encompasses two main types: partial knee replacement, focusing on replacing the damaged section of the knee, and total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint with an artificial material.
Before the surgery, your doctor will thoroughly explain the process, allowing you to ask questions. After comprehensively reviewing the consent form, you’ll sign it to grant permission for the treatment. A medical evaluation will assess your health and history, including allergies and medications, particularly those impacting bleeding. Your orthopaedic surgeon might suggest consulting a physical therapist and making post-surgery plans, tailoring recommendations based on your health status.
Orthopaedic surgeons often decide based on a comprehensive evaluation considering factors like age, activity level, overall health, joint damage, and specific conditions. Using this information, they determine the ideal knee replacement type for each patient. Currently, The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice offers navigated total knee replacement for potential patients.
In specific cases of severe arthritis-related damage or substantial knee injuries where non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective, knee replacement surgery becomes the sole viable option for relieving persistent pain and restoring mobility.
Physical therapists guide patients in targeted exercises for strength and recovery, focusing on balance, range of motion, and strengthening through activities like leg raises, ankle pumps, and knee straightening; gradually reducing reliance on aids and incorporating low-impact exercises. They play a vital role in both pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery; these specialists enhance overall patient quality of life through hands-on care and personalised exercises. Patients usually need physiotherapy to recover from the surgery and return to their daily activities.
Artificial joints perform their role by replacing the elements of the knee that have been injured or destroyed due to osteoarthritis or injurious sources. This restores the mechanics of the joint, allowing for more mobility while simultaneously reducing pain and other symptoms.
The type of knee replacement surgery, medical services, implant material, and pre- and post-operative care can all affect the cost. Patient health and insurance coverage might affect cost. Talk to an orthopaedic surgeon to get an accurate cost estimate. They can give details on surgery prices, additional fees, and insurance coverage.
Knee replacement surgeries relieve pain and increase mobility, but long-term risks like infection, implant loosening, and wear are minimal and vary by individual. With proper check-ups with your orthopaedic surgeon, these risks can be minimised.
If your knee pain worsens after a total or partial joint replacement, it’s advisable to promptly contact your orthopaedic surgeon for a thorough evaluation and appropriate guidance.
Dr Yong Ren graduated from the National University of Singapore’s Medical faculty and embarked on his orthopaedic career soon after. Upon completion of his training locally, he served briefly as an orthopaedic trauma surgeon in Khoo Teck Puat hospital before embarking on sub-specialty training in Switzerland at the famed Inselspital in Bern.
He underwent sub-specialty training in pelvic and spinal surgery, and upon his return to Singapore served as head of the orthopaedic trauma team till 2019. He continues to serve as Visiting Consultant to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
Well versed in a variety of orthopaedic surgeries, he also served as a member of the country council for the local branch of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (Trauma) in Singapore. He was also involved in the training of many of the young doctors in Singapore and was appointed as an Assistant Professor by the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Prior to his entry into the private sector, he also served as core faculty for orthopaedic resident training by the National Healthcare Group.
Dr Yong Ren brings to the table his years of experience as a teacher and trainer in orthopaedic surgery. With his expertise in minimally invasive fracture surgery, pelvic reconstructive surgery, hip and knee surgery as well as spinal surgery, he is uniquely equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to help you on your road to recovery.
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