Osteoarthritis of the knee

DEFINITION: For osteoarthritis of the knee is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the replacement of the normal degenerative cartilage with newly formed bone tissue.

ETIOLOGY: It occurs more frequently in obese male subjects around 60/70 aa.

SYMPTOMS: The typical symptoms are characterized by pain initially during loading at the knee and then continued walking difficulties. May be associated with edema of the leg and joint swelling.

DIAGNOSIS : The diagnosis is clinical (Visit Specialist) , completed with rx and rm / tac knee.

TREATMENT: The treatment of choice is surgical spinal anesthesia and can be mono-compartmental or total depending on whether you have to intervene on both articular components (total) or only on the medial or lateral (mono-compartmental). Alternatively, in some cases selected is indicated for the least invasive treatment with PRP.

COMPLICATIONS: The only contraindication to is an active infection which is also one of the complications with deep venous thrombosis , dislocation , subluxation of the patella and the flexion contracture. ( all rare in the presence of a proper iter).

INTERVENTION OF THE KNEE PROSTHESIS

Other diseases besides the primary osteoarthritis that can lead to the prosthesis of the knee are : Rheumatoid Arthritis - osteonecrosis of the articular surfaces - post-traumatic arthritis - bone cancer - results of bone tuberculosis or osteomyelitis.

Indications for surgery

The indication for surgery there is always when there is intense pain , that finds no rest , due to the lack of the cartilage that failed to find benefit from other conservative treatments ( anti-inflammatory , physiotherapy , weight loss , use of orthopedic devices , infiltration P.R.P).

Results

The goal of the project is a good resume walking and eliminate the pain. The knee implants last about 25 aa.

The intervention

It is performed under spinal anesthesia and takes about 1 now. Are replaced tibial condyles , the hamstrings and the back surface of the patella with a prosthesis. The surgery may be elective total replacements all the articular surfaces , single compartment or when you replace the side or the media or revision when replacing a previously implanted prosthesis. The resumption of activity is nomali , after a period of physiotherapy , in about 40gg.

Conclusions relating to the intervention

• Duration intervention: 60 my.
• Type of anesthesia: Spinal
• Dressings: 2
• Length of stay: 7 gg.
• Resumption of normal activities: 40 gg.