Total Knee Replacement

The majority of total joint replacement surgeries are performed in order to counter the symptoms of severe arthritis. In cases where an arthritis patient has undergone treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and dietary measures, with no significant change of symptoms―surgery may be an option proposed by a medical practitioner. Total joint replacement is done in order to achieve a few main objectives, namely, to increase the amount of mobility available to an individual suffering from severe arthritis and to lessen the pain resulting from an arthritic condition. In most scenarios, a doctor will observe a series of x-ray images of the affected area. This is done in order to make sure that the pain felt by a patient is not originating from some other source, thereby giving assurance to the patient and doctor that no unnecessary surgery will be performed.

When the situation arises that a total joint replacement is the most beneficial course of action, the idea will be proposed to a patient. The process of joint replacement consists of several main steps which should be thoroughly understood by anyone considering surgery. The general idea involves replacing the bone-endings around a damaged joint with new components, this creates new joint surfaces and results in increased mobility and decreased pain.

What Does Surgery Involve?

Like other joint replacement surgeries, a total knee replacement is usually preformed because of a patient's severe arthritis. Knee replacement is a little different from other joint replacement surgeries in a few ways. The first is in regards to the ligaments surrounding the area. The bones surrounding a knee are usually held in place by four ligaments. When a severe arthritic condition occurs in a patient's knee, these ligaments can become damaged and scarred. In such cases, these, and other components of the joint will need to be replaced. Doctors and surgeons use artificial components made of metal and plastic materials in order to replace these damaged structures.

Within this process there are several steps that will differ from case to case depending on a few different aspects of the situation. Once such step deals with the use of surgical cement. When a surgeon uses cement in a joint replacement procedure, the compound acts as an adhesive, attaching the new joint to the respective bone. The advantage of using surgical cement is that, in many cases, a patient is able to apply weight to the new joint soon after the procedure has taken place. In other instances, a medical professional may opt for the use of a different attachment material. The alternative to cement is a porous material which is applied to specific areas throughout the affected region. This coating has been designed in order to allow the bone and joint to essentially grow together. Over a period of time, bone growth occurs filling in the spaces in the porous coating and attaching the new joint to the bone.

Why Choose miVIP?

At miVIP, we pride ourselves on the many advantages we offer. Among the foremost of these advantages is the advanced safety of our surgeries. With state of the art equipment and the finest medical professionals in the field, we have created highly advanced facilities which deliver only the safest possible procedures. The staff and surgeons at miVIP are accredited and certified beyond the norm for medical professionals. Patients can rest easy knowing they are in good, capable hands.

What to Expect Following Knee Replacement

There are several factors which will influence the dependability and life-span of an artificial joint. It is important that patients are informed of these factors so that they can be given the opportunity to alter their lifestyles in order to cater to the needs of the new joint. These factors may include:

• Age (the younger the patient, the more likely they will need further surgery in the future)
• The amount of stress applied to the new joint
• A patient's weight
• The occupation of a patient

Understanding these factors can help individuals prepare for surgery and for the recovery process to follow. Taking the proper steps in order to ensure the dependability of a new joint will increase the chances of a patient leading a healthy, happy life with their joint replacement.

Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery

There are many factors which may affect the overall cost of a procedure for different individuals. Our representatives are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the financial aspect of medical treatments. Make sure you have the proper information regarding your medical insurance, as this will probably have the largest effect on the out of pocket expenses required on the part of a patient.

Other Information Regarding Knee Replacements

The use of anesthetics can also vary from patient to patient. Most often, doctors will apply a general anesthetic to the patient. This means that during the surgical procedure, the individual being operated on will be completely unconscious and unable to feel most physical sensations. There are other cases when a medical professional will recommend a regional anesthetic. In such instances, a patient is kept awake―though very drowsy―and the affected area is rendered free of all feeling. The choice between regional and general anesthesia largely depends on the health of the patient and sometimes the preference of the operating physician.

Depending on the patient, the recovery process, and the surgery itself―there can be different outcomes of a knee replacement. Sometimes further surgery will be required, while in other cases the artificial knee will last, unaffected, for the remainder of the patient's life.

Contact Us

When you are faced with the possibility of undergoing a total knee replacement, is it vital that you have all the necessary information available to you. If you have any questions pertaining to total knee replacement, the surgery, or your condition, be sure to call miVIP at 855-496-4847. The professionals at miVIP will be able to assist you and give you the answers you need to feel prepared.