Arthroplasty Knee, also known as knee replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure where the damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. The knee is a hinge joint which provides motion at the point where the thigh meets the lower leg.

During a total knee replacement, the end of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg bone (tibia) is also removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece with a metal stem.

Depending on the condition of the kneecap portion of the knee joint, a plastic "button" may also be added under the kneecap surface. The artificial components of a total knee replacement are referred to as the prosthesis.

Arthroplasty of the knee, also known as knee replacement surgery, may be needed in the following situations:

1. Severe knee pain or stiffness: This can limit everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or even getting in and out of chairs. Some people may even experience knee pain while at rest.

2. Moderate to severe knee pain while resting: This can occur during daytime or night, and can affect the quality of sleep.

3. Chronic inflammation and swelling: This does not improve with rest or medications.

4. Knee deformity: A bowing in or out of your knee.

5. Failure to obtain relief from other treatments: Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, use of pain medications, corticosteroid injections, or other surgeries have not provided enough relief.

6. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason for knee replacement. Other conditions that can cause knee damage include rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.

The decision to have knee arthroplasty is a complex one and depends on a variety of factors including the person's overall health, the severity of the knee condition, and the impact of the condition on the person's quality of life. It's usually considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide sufficient relief.

An orthopedic surgeon specializes in surgical procedures like knee arthroplasty. Within the field of orthopedics, some surgeons may further specialize in 'joint replacement' or 'arthroplasty' and focus their practice on these types of surgeries, including knee and hip replacements.

These specialists are often referred to as joint replacement surgeons or orthopedic surgeons specializing in joint arthroplasty. They have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating joint diseases and conditions, and in performing joint replacement surgeries.

During a knee arthroplasty, or knee replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts (prostheses) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.

Here's a general overview of the procedure:

1. Anesthesia: Before the surgery begins, you will be given anesthesia. This could be general anesthesia (you're asleep for the whole operation) or spinal/epidural anesthesia (you're awake but numb from the waist down).

2. Incision: The surgeon will make an incision in the front of your knee to gain access to the knee joint.

3. Removal of damaged surfaces: The damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed. This includes the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the back surface of the patella (kneecap).

4. Implant placement: The removed parts are replaced with the prosthetic components. The femoral component is usually made of metal, the tibial component usually consists of a metal platform with a plastic (polyethylene) insert that serves as the cartilage, and the patellar component is usually plastic.

5. Balancing the knee: The surgeon will then balance your knee and adjust the implants as needed to ensure functionality and comfort.

6. Closing the incision: Once the implants are securely in place, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches or staples.

7. Recovery: After surgery, you'll be moved to a recovery room where you'll be monitored as the anesthesia wears off.

Following surgery, physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery. It will help you regain strength and mobility in your knee. The total recovery time can vary, but many people are able to resume most of their normal activities within 3 to 6 months.

Recovering from a knee arthroplasty, or knee replacement surgery, involves several stages and can take several months. Here's a general timeline:

1. Immediate Post-Surgery: After the surgery, you'll be moved to a recovery room where you'll be closely monitored for any complications. Once you're stable, you'll be transferred to a hospital room.

2. Hospital Stay: Most people stay in the hospital for a few days after knee replacement surgery. During this time, you'll begin physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in your knee. You'll also be given pain medications to manage any discomfort.

3. Early Recovery at Home: Once you're discharged from the hospital, you'll continue your recovery at home. This will involve regular physical therapy exercises, taking prescribed medications, and following your doctor's instructions for wound care and activity restrictions.

4. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery. It will help you regain strength and mobility in your knee. This usually starts in the hospital and continues at home or at a physical therapy facility for several weeks or even months.

5. Follow-up Appointments: You'll have follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure your knee is healing properly. During these appointments, your surgeon may take X-rays to check the position of the knee replacement.

6. Long-Term Recovery: Full recovery can take several months. Most people are able to resume their normal activities within 3 to 6 months, but it can take up to a year for some people to fully recover.

Remember, everyone's recovery timeline is different and depends on factors such as their overall health, age, and the specific type of knee replacement surgery they had. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for the best recovery outcome.

Several healthcare professionals are directly involved in a knee arthroplasty procedure. Here's a list of some of the key roles:

1. Orthopedic Surgeon: The surgeon is the one who performs the operation. They are responsible for removing the damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with the artificial joint.

2. Anesthesiologist: This is the doctor who administers anesthesia to the patient. They monitor the patient's vital signs and consciousness level during the surgery.

3. Operating Room (OR) Nurses: These nurses assist the surgeon during the procedure. They help with tasks like handing instruments to the surgeon, and ensuring a sterile environment.

4. Surgical Technologist: Often referred to as scrub techs, these professionals assist during the surgery by preparing the operating room, arranging equipment, and helping doctors during surgery.

5. Radiologist: They interpret imaging studies of the knee, such as X-rays or MRIs, which are used to plan the surgery and assess its success afterwards.

6. Physical Therapist: After the surgery, a physical therapist works with the patient to help them regain strength, balance, and range of motion in the knee.

7. Occupational Therapist: They may also work with the patient after surgery to help them adapt to daily life activities during the recovery process.

8. Pharmacist: They are involved in managing the patient's medications before and after the surgery, including pain relievers and antibiotics.

9. Case Manager or Social Worker: They often coordinate the patient's care, including arranging for any necessary equipment for home use, and planning for any necessary rehabilitation or home care services.

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Several medical and surgical manufacturers produce the implants and equipment used in knee arthroplasty procedures. Here are a few of the major ones:

1. Zimmer Biomet: This company is one of the leading manufacturers of orthopedic implants and has a wide range of knee replacement products.

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2. Stryker: Stryker is another major player in the field of orthopedic implants, offering a variety of knee replacement systems.

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3. DePuy Synthes: Owned by Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes provides a comprehensive portfolio of orthopedic solutions, including knee replacement systems.

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4. Smith & Nephew: This company offers several knee implant systems and is known for its innovation in joint replacement technologies.

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5. Medtronic: While perhaps better known for its work in other areas, Medtronic also offers solutions for orthopedic surgery.

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6. Arthrex: Arthrex is a global medical device company that also produces equipment and implants for knee arthroplasty.

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These companies not only manufacture the implants, but also design and produce the specialized surgical tools used to implant them.

They also provide training and education for surgeons on how to use their products.

Pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in knee arthroplasty procedures as they produce the medications used before, during, and after the surgery.

Here are a few key players:

1. Pfizer Pfizer produces a variety of medications that may be used in pain management and infection prevention in relation to knee arthroplasty.

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