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Without knee or hip endoprostheses, many people would not be able to function normally. They replace the joints. However, they must be replaced from time to time.
What is an endoprosthesis?
An endoprosthesis is an artificial counterpart of a natural joint. Doctors reach for it when the joints do not make prognosis after the implementation of rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy or lifestyle changes. Endoprostheses They are made of various types of steel or titanium alloys, tolerated by the human body. Most often they take the place of the musculoskeletal system that has been damaged as a result of an accident or disease. Statistics show that in our country from 40 to 50 thousand jobs are performed. treatments with the use of endoprotez.
Knee prosthesis
Knee prosthesis it is, in a way, the last resort. It is used only when the joint (and more specifically the articular cartilage) is so damaged and worn out that other, alternative treatments are out of the question.
Inserting endoprostheses takes place under general or spinal anesthesia, so the operation is painless. It lasts a maximum of two hours. During the procedure, the doctor opens the knee from the front and removes all damaged elements from the body. They are replaced by new ingredients. The medic places the joint and checks that it is cooperating with the knee in terms of mobility. This action also allows you to check whether they are the correct size.
Later endoprosthesis is fastened. It is also necessary to insert the so-called drains that are responsible for draining excess blood. The last step is stitching the knee. The patient she was inserted into knee endoprosthesismust stay in the hospital under observation for at least a few days. During this time, he should take antibiotics, anticoagulants and painkillers.
It is also very important that physical rehabilitation is implemented the very next day after the surgery. A special one is used for it railso the patient should move very carefully, preferably using a crutch. Later, as part of rehabilitation, it is advisable to take slow walks (necessarily on flat ground), swimming (when the wound has healed), and cycling (stationary is a better option). Of course, we must not forget about exercises carried out under the supervision of an experienced specialist, a physiotherapist. Regaining full fitness and returning to, for example, physical work – for most people – is possible after about three months at the earliest.
Hip endoprosthesis
Hip joint endoprosthesis makes it possible to fully reproduce the movements of the inefficient joint. It is an opportunity for people who are struggling with degeneration of the hip joint. It is a condition that causes constant pain at the beginning, especially when standing up and walking, and later on there are limited efficiency and pain even when lying down. It inevitably leads to disability. Everything happens slowly and is irreversible. Hip joint degeneration may be due to construction defects. Also important are high cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, overweight and injuries resulting from overload caused by carrying heavy things.
The hip joint prosthesis has the shape of a hollow hemisphere and goes where the natural joint used to be (in the pelvic hip bone). Thanks to this, the new «head» moves across the socket and takes the place of the damaged hip joint. Very good therapeutic results are achieved, but it is always worth remembering that even the best artificial pond cannot replace the natural part of the body. Besides, you should be aware that hip endoprostheses wear out and need to be replaced from time to time, preferably every few years. They are complete or partial. Which one will be used depends on the patient’s age and the condition of his bone tissue. It is also important to start a slimming diet and regular exercise. Gymnastics improves the functioning of the hip joint, and also gives strength to the muscles that surround it.
A sick person who was implanted hip prosthesis, must take into account that the joint should not be strained. So you are not allowed to cross leg, sleep on the side that has undergone surgery, carry heavy things, sit on low chairs. However, when sitting on the edge of the bed, keep both legs on the floor. Indicated there is also caution when bending and twisting the body. On the other hand, walking, systematic exercise and swimming (obviously without radical and quick movements) will certainly not hurt.