If you are reading this text, it means that you or someone close to you is struggling with knee pain. Perhaps the degenerative changes in the knee joint are already so advanced that there is no way around it without surgery and the implantation of an endoprosthesis. In such a situation, you are sure to be accompanied by a lot of anxiety. After all, any interference with the body, even the slightest, is a risk. It is understandable that you have some doubts. In this article we will try to dispel them. We will explain to you what a knee replacement looks like and what you should expect from the operation itself. We’ll also tell you what to do to get your joint back on track faster after surgery.

When is an endoprosthesis inserted?

Let’s start with the fact that knee replacement is the last line of treatment. It is carried out only when other – less invasive – treatment methods have failed. It usually starts with pharmacological methods and rehabilitation. For minor degeneration, they are sufficient and can reduce pain. The most common is given:

• glucosamine,
• Chondroitin sulfate (often in duo with glucosamine),
• platelet-rich plasma (PRP),
• hyaluronic acid,
• Orthokine preparation,
• Delivery blockade (that is, a steroid with a painkiller).

Drug treatment can slow the progression of the condition, but will not completely cure arthritis. Other concerns are lifestyle, possible injuries and genetic conditions. It is these three aspects that can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation. If they really don’t work, and the patient is still in pain, then you have to reach for another solution – knee surgery.

Degeneration of the joint

The primary reason for inserting a knee replacement is degeneration of the knee joint. It occurs when joint cartilage is damaged or degraded. Over time, it may even wear out completely. Ultimately, therefore, it is unable to properly cushion the joint, which is supposed to provide smooth movement of the femur and tibia.

Since there is no cartilage to cushion the movement, the bones begin to rub against each other. Two surfaces rubbing against each other become rough and rough as they cripple each other. This is what causes the inflammatory response. This, in turn, equates to pain and stiffness in the knee. They are most often felt when climbing stairs and increased activity. Knee stiffness can be particularly severe after prolonged immobility, such as after sleeping for several hours. Crackling knees are also a characteristic feature.

If you have observed such symptoms in yourself, it does not at all mean that you need surgery. In some cases, drug treatment and consistent rehabilitation can help get rid of pain, and reduce stiffness in the knee. It all depends on how advanced the disease is.

Two types of endoprosthetics

Knee endoprosthesis is divided into two types – total and partial. In the first case, we are talking about replacing the entire joint and replacing it with a prosthesis. In the case of a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee (one part of the joint) is replaced. The selection of the endoprosthesis is based on an assessment of the joint condition. More often, however, a total endoprosthesis is implanted. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. It usually lasts from 90 to 120 minutes. If there are no complications, the patient can go home after a week. However, it should be noted that the insertion of an endoprosthesis is not the end of treatment. This is just the beginning of rehabilitation, on which depends how quickly and to what extent the patient will return to fitness. The use of modern solutions, such as CPM splints, can significantly reduce the time required for cartilage recovery and reduce stiffness in the knee.