Artificial knee replacement means replacing
the worn-out, painful joint surfaces of the knee with metal and
plastic components. At The Stone Clinic, artificial joints
are utilized if biologic joint replacement techniques (meniscus
cartilage and articular cartilage replacement) cannot effectively
relieve pain and improve function. While we have been very
successful at helping people delay or avoid artificial joint replacements
despite relatively severe arthritis, there comes a time when artificial
joint replacement is indicated.
Artificial knee joints are temporary devices that last for up
to 20 years (but can fail as early as one year), provide excellent
pain relief and range of motion from 0-120° (though the range
varies from patient to patient). We use the newest designs that,
with their rotating and replaceable plateaus, permit a wide range
of sports participation.
Artificial knee joints are indicated for
patients with bone-on-bone painful arthritis in multiple parts of
the knee. If only one part of the knee is worn out, we use partial
or uni-compartmental replacements, only resurfacing the worn out
area.
The major risks of artificial joint replacements are loosening
of the cement used to fix the joint, stiffness, pain, loss
of motion, and a very low risk of infection or blood clot
formation at the time of surgery.
Click on the following links for details
of how the joint is replaced, what to expect before and after surgery,
the blood
replacement options, and what the
physical
therapy options can
include.
The Stone Clinic specializes in solutions to joint
problems that keep people active as long as they live.
Contact us for more information and suggestions about
the information contained here at info@stoneclinic.com or
(415) 563-3110. |
