Arthroplasty refers to the replacement of the surfaces of the joints after irreversible degeneration, i.e. calcification. This treatment, which is generally applied to large joints such as knee and hip joints, is a very useful method widely used in patients with end-stage calcification.
Arthroplasty is the replacement of a joint that has problems due to various diseases or traumatic causes, usually with metallic parts, that is, the creation of an artificial joint. This treatment, which is mostly applied in the field of knee prosthesis in our country, is frequently used in hip joints as well as the knee. With this treatment, it will be possible to eliminate the movement deformity in the joint and the pain in the muscle, increase the range of motion, increase the freedom of the patient in daily life and thus enable him to move comfortably. This surgery is being performed more and more frequently in our country.
What is Arthroplasty (Prosthesis) Surgery?
Arthroplasty surgery, especially robotic arthroplasty surgery applications are becoming widespread day by day. As a result of the prolongation of human life, there are many patients waiting for knee or hip prosthesis. In a limited number of centres in the world and in our country that perform Robotic Prosthesis Surgery applications, patients regain their lost health after these procedures and it is possible to spend the rest of their lives more comfortable and healthy.
Types of Arthroplasty Surgery
There are 4 types of arthroplasty surgery: resection, interposition, partial endoprosthesis and total joint arthroplasty.
In prosthesis treatment, the bones and cartilages of both the lower end of the thigh bone and the upper end of the tibia are shaved and replaced with a joint prosthesis. This application is a surgical technique that has been performed for years in the world and in Turkey. With robotic surgery, clearer incisions are made in the surgery and thus soft tissues are less damaged. In the previous surgical methods of the doctors, the bones were cut, but the balance was tried to be adjusted by adjusting the balance. However, robot technology can loosen the soft tissue as much as necessary and by making minimal cuts and accompanied by 3D systems, clearer and more accurate results can be obtained. Detailed images of the relevant areas are taken from the patient before the operation and a study is carried out on this. Measurements are taken and a 3D tomography image is created for the appropriate prosthesis. The most appropriate incisions are created and the operation is completed by placing the prosthesis in place.
What should be considered after arthroplasty surgery?
There are some points to be considered after arthroplasty surgery. These vary according to the operated point. These should be considered after the operation;
- Lie down for 6 weeks by putting a pillow between your legs.
- Do not sit on low chairs.
- Do not cross your legs while sitting or lying down.
- Do not pull your operated leg more than 90 degrees towards your torso.
- Do not pivot with all your weight on the operated leg.
- Use a shoehorn with a long handle and ask for help when putting on your socks.
- Do not bend down to pick something up from the floor when sitting or standing.
- Be careful with obstacles on the floor and steps while walking.
What is Knee Arthroplasty?
Knee arthroplasty is the replacement of a damaged knee joint with an artificial joint. It is performed under general anaesthesia or with a lower back anaesthetic. Nowadays, techniques have been developed that allow the knee joint to be protected in the knee with as little damage as possible by making small incisions. After the operation, the patient is allowed to walk on the first day if there is no problem. If the patient has no general problem, he/she is discharged on the third or fourth day.
What is Hip Arthroplasty?
Hip arthroplasty is the replacement of a hip joint that has deteriorated for various reasons with an artificial joint. The most commonly used materials here are ceramic-coated metal parts. When analysed in the world literature, a high level of success is observed with all operations. Patient satisfaction after hip replacement is very high. Today, the method of making small incisions has become popular. The patient is anaesthetised generally or from the waist down and the operation usually takes 1 to 2 hours. The painful period afterwards is quite short and usually lasts between 1 and 3 days. Poles that collect dirty blood are used for one day after the operation. If there is no problem during the operation, the patient is walked the same night or one day later. Within 3 to 5 days, the patient is discharged home.
Advantages of Arthroplasty Surgery
People may experience joint pain due to advancing age and various reasons. These pains may also cause loss of function over time. However, joint prosthesis surgery allows the patient to regain the functions lost in the joint area. With this procedure, also called arthroplasty, the joint that causes movement difficulty or impairment is restored to its former structure with a number of surgical methods and, if necessary, with a prosthesis.
Rehabilitation after Arthroplasty
It covers all kinds of rehabilitation services in the period until some patients who need it after knee or hip prosthesis are able to walk or even run.