Prothesis

Reasons for a prothesis

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability and chronic pain in the knee. This usually begins to manifest itself between 50 and 60 years of age. The cartilage, which makes for the correct mobility between the bones of the knee begins to thin and wear down. Due to this, the friction between bones increases and causes pain and stiffness.

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Treatment

At the onset of symptoms, treatments such as rehabilitation, infiltrations of hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma can provide a partial or complete improvement in symptoms, which is maintained for years in some cases.

At the time the treatments described previously stop giving a result and the patient must progressively increase the dose of painkillers, coupled with greater difficulty walking and decreased quality of life, that is certainly the right time for putting in a knee prosthesis, depending on the degree of damage that may be partial or total.

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With the introduction of a prosthesis, the patient’s pain is relieved and it makes it possible for him/her to return to performing daily life activities. The success rate in this area is very high. Over 90% of people experience a great reduction in pain and a significant improvement in the ability to carry out their daily activities.

Postoperative

Postoperatively, as in the other knee surgeries, it is essential that the patient once again achieve full extension of the knee during the first few days.

The hospitalization period is usually between four and six days. At the time of discharge, the patient should be able to move on their own with the help of a walker or crutches. The frequent use crutches will be necessary until 6-8 weeks. Thereafter, the patient should begin to notice a significant reduction in pain and disability to that presented preoperatively.