Knee surgery must be indicated by the orthopedist and is generally performed when the person has pain, difficulty moving the joint, or knee deformities that cannot be corrected with conventional treatment.
Thus, depending on the type of alteration that the person presents, the orthopedist will be able to indicate the most appropriate type of surgery, which can be, for example, an arthroscopy, a replacement or a correction of the axis of the leg.
- Knee surgery is indicated when knee pain is severe.
- Movement is limited.
- There are deformities or when the modification of the knee is chronic.
- Does not improve over time or there is no response to the previously recommended treatment.
- So the main indications for knee surgery are:.
Before performing the surgery, the orthopedist usually evaluates the person’s medical history and indicates that a series of tests are performed to determine the best surgery based on the cause of the knee change. Then, a physical exam, X-ray, blood tests, and MRI are performed, which allows the doctor to assess the condition of nearby bones and tissues.
There are different types of knee surgery that vary depending on the goal of treatment, which can be done to replace the joint or repair changes seen during exams. Some of the main types of knee surgery are:
Arthroscopy is a type of knee surgery in which your doctor uses a thin tube, with a camera at its end, to evaluate the internal structures of the joint and correct identified changes.
In this type of surgery, two holes are made in front of the knee for the tube to be inserted and this usually corresponds to a quick intervention and whose recovery is also fast, see how the recovery looks after an arthroscopy.
Arthroplasty is a partial or total knee replacement and is the last line of treatment for knee changes, it is generally indicated when other treatments recommended by the orthopedist have not improved the person’s quality of life.
In this case, the surgical procedure aims to remove some of the damaged bone, tendon, cartilage, or ligament.
After knee surgery, it is important for the person to follow the orthopedist’s instructions, as it is possible to speed up recovery and prevent the development of complications. After surgery, it is normal for the person to feel pain and therefore use. painkillers that can help relieve this symptom is indicated by the orthopedist.
In addition, medications to dilute blood may also be recommended to prevent blood clots, as well as to indicate that the person is moving with the foot and ankle immediately after the procedure to promote local blood circulation. and also to prevent clots and swelling. Compression stockings may also be indicated in certain cases.
It is also common for the person to undergo physical therapy sessions to stimulate knee movement, prevent stiffness, and promote improvement. The number of sessions varies depending on the type of surgery performed and usually begins in the hospital.
Also, see some ways to relieve knee pain: