Does Your Knee Need Help?
Knees are some of the most important joints in the body. This joint is critical for a movement like kneeling, bending, walking, and climbing. Due to age, damage or disease, some persons would need surgery. To help, doctors will perform a minimally invasive knee replacement. Over 600,000 knee replacement surgeries happen yearly.
Small cuts, big improvements
Minimally invasive knee replacement seeks to restore the functionality of the knee. By replacing degraded or damaged cartilage, patients will regain range of motion and have no pain. Using small incisions around the knee, the surgeon removes cartilage and bone. Surgeons then insert synthetic or metal parts. Patients will then go through a short rehabilitation period. Knee replacement surgery is not for everyone and for every situation. But in these 3 cases, persons should consider speaking with a doctor about the procedure.
1. Alleviating aching arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and is the most common condition for knee replacement surgery. There are several types of arthritis with osteoarthritis the most common. The knees tend to be severely affected by arthritis, limiting movement for millions. Wear and tear usually cause the surrounding cartilage to degrade. A Minimally invasive knee replacement inserts synthetic cartilage
2. Healing a damaged knee
Accidents happen all the time, from car accidents to trips, and falls. These accidents can cause mild to severe damage to the knee joint. Both young and old athletes face the same circumstances, getting injured on the field. Injured joints bring chronic pain, and swelling. But can surgery help athletes compete again? A study on 33 athletes getting a knee replacement had a 97% success rate. Close to 70% of the athletes were able to play again.
3. Without a gout, surgery helps
About 4% of Americans struggle with gout. This is a painful type of arthritis. Gout is caused by inflammation and a buildup of uric acid. The excess uric acid in the blood solidifies in joints like the knee, causing episodes of intense pain. Gout in the knees causes swelling. The pain from gout comes and goes. So most doctors prescribe NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids. However, constant attacks become chronic gout and can destroy the knee cartilage. Although rare, if gout has contributed to damaging the knee joint, then surgery can help.
Think about surgery today
Total replacement knee surgery can transform the quality of life for persons with arthritis, injuries, or gout. This also depends on the extent of the damage. Doctors will exhaust all non-surgical treatment options first. These include medication and therapy. If all else fails, speak with a doctor immediately.
