Partial And Total Knee Replacement Surgeries: What You Should Know
When you have been struggling with knee troubles for a long period of time, you may be looking at either partial or total knee replacement surgeries to help you start to feel better and get your mobility back. However, what you may not know is the differences between the types of knee replacement surgeries as well as what you can expect from those surgeries. Get to know some of the facts about the knee replacement surgeries so that you can be prepared to decide on the type of procedure and know what to expect.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement surgery is often also referred to as robotic knee surgery as many times, it is a surgery that is assisted through the use of a robotic arm. This is a form of resurfacing of the knee bone.
The reshaping and resurfacing of the bones is paired with the addition of an implant. The use of a robotic arm in the surgical procedure allows your doctor to have more precision and control over the changes they make to the patella and the function of the knee once the surgery is complete.
Full Knee Replacement Surgery
A total knee replacement surgery differs from the partial knee replacement surgical procedure in that there is no resurfacing involved. The entire diseased knee joint is removed from the body completely and is replaced with an artificial implant.
This procedure involves removing a portion of the lower end of the femur and replacing it with a metal cap. Similarly, the tibia also has an end removed and replaced with plastic and metal. Full knee replacement surgery is much more extensive that a partial knee replacement surgery and may have additional complications that are not as prevalent in partial knee replacements.
Recovery From Any Knee Replacement Procedure
When you have knee replacement surgery, whether it is partial or full, you will need to plan for a relatively long recovery period. You will need physical therapy to regain the function of your knee so that it has both mobility and flexibility.
You will also likely be walking with a cane or walker for a while as your knee heals. This means that before your surgery, you will want to be sure that you have wide, clear walkways throughout your home so that you can easily get from your bedroom to the living areas and the bathroom.
Remember to be patient as you recover and to know that it can take several weeks to recover completely from your knee replacement procedure. Now that you know more about knee replacement and what you can expect, you can choose the right procedure for you and prepare for your recovery period.
For more information, contact a company like Noyes Knee Institute.