Knee joint replacement surgery in Mexicali
It is surgery to replace a knee joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.
During knee replacement surgery in Mexicali, the damaged cartilage and bone of the knee joint are removed. Then, artificial pieces are placed, called prosthetic knee.
These pieces can be placed up to three surfaces of the knee joint:
- The lower end of the thighbone, called the femur. The replacement part is usually metal.
- The top of the shinbone end, the large bone in the leg, called the tibia. The replacement part is generally made of metal and strong plastic.
- The back side of the kneecap (patella). The replacement part is usually made of a strong plastic.
You will not feel any pain during surgery because they apply one of the two types of anesthesia:
- General anesthesia. This means you will be asleep and feel no pain.
- Regional anesthesia (epidural or spinal). You will apply a medication into your back to make you numb from the waist down. Medication for sedation will get well. You can also get a drug that will make you forget the procedure, although you are not completely asleep.
After you receive anesthesia, board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Juan Alvarez-Garnier will make an incision over the knee to open it. This cut is often 8 to 10 inches long. Then the surgeon:
- He will separate the patella and cut the ends of the femur and tibia (lower leg) to accommodate the replacement part.
- He will cut the bottom of the kneecap to prepare it for new pieces that will be attached there.
- Fasten the two parts of the prosthesis to the bone. One part will be attached to the end of the femur and the other will be attached to the end of the tibia.
- Both parties will be stuck to the bottom of the patella using a special bone cement.
- Repair the muscles and tendons around the new joint and close the surgical incision.
The surgery usually takes about two hours.
Usually, artificial knees have both metal and plastic parts. Currently, some surgeons use several different materials, including metal on metal, ceramic on ceramic, or ceramic on plastic.
The results of a total knee replacement in Mexicali at Hispano Americano Hospital are often excellent. The operation relieves pain in most people and most of them do not need help walking after they fully recover.
Most artificial knee joints last 10 to 15 years. Some last up to 20 years before they loosen and need to be replaced again.
For more information on knee replacement surgery in Mexicali call us toll free at 888-698-2244. Our experts will be happy to help you.
