Total Knee Replacement
Many thousands of people each year have total knee replacements with prosthetics made from metal and plastic. This procedure is surgically accomplished to replace arthritic joints that have intolerable pain. Studies indicate that this procedure has been quite successful for most people. Many of the prosthetics are still working properly and in place after as many as ten years.
A knee replacement is not something that should be done after the first sign of pain and indication of arthritis. This is something to do after all options have been tried. In many instances the acute pain from arthritis does not last long and there are many treatments that can be tried. Glucosamine sulfate is one of the best non drug supplements that can be taken to heal and replace the worn cartilage. There are many drugs available under a doctor's care that will relieve painful symptoms. Physical therapy will help in many cases and healthy nutrition plus weight control are very beneficial. If nothing works and the pain becomes unbearable, surgery should be considered.
The first step is to select an orthopedic surgeon who is a specialist in prosthetic replacements. With consultations the doctor should help you select the right prosthetic. All of this should be carefully discussed with the doctor. There should be no haste to perform this surgery because no prosthetic replacement is an emergency. If possible, talking to some of the doctor's patients who have had replacements will be helpful in making many of the decisions, including which doctor to use.
