Become a Doctor - Knee Replacement Surgery

[spataron]

the initial cut to open the knee joint does indeed go through a nerve and most of the time sensation is lost. 

[Sutoraida1975]

I had a knee joint replacement in my early 20's (around 8 or more years ago). How long before I may need to have it replaced again? I mean, what's the typical amount of time?

[louistyson1]

I am surprised at how much pain the human body can withstand. I didn't like how the surgeons were just hitting a bit of the knee away with the chisel.

[gert123456]

I'm confused. Were they just supposed to kiss it better?

[redsoxnation7]

@louistyson1 Modern anesthesia is mind blowing is it not?

[rhn94]

@louistyson1 the patient is given an injection which stops blood flow and temporarily paralyses the nerves of the leg ..

[1992photographer]

@louistyson1 It seems they needed to get the knee a certain shape and angle. If they install the replacement with an angle thats a little off, the knee wont feel "natural" and may not function peoperly. lol you were only seeing what they do. Ever thought about what all that sounds like?...and yes it is amazing. It makes you wonder what they see in their head when they say "well what we will do is open the skin, take your bad knee out, and install a good one." lol

[Dumbnam]

it would be great to see these in higher resolution

[earphone3]

What I don't understand is how was the operation conducted without damaging any nerves or blood vessels. Surely will all the tissue pushed aside some nerves must have been damaged. Does the patient lose the sense of touch in that area?

If anyone would care to explain that would be great.

[TheApprenticeCorp]

This is why surgeons, especially orthopedic surgeons have to know the anatomy of the human body so well. The orthopedic surgeon knows exactly where the nerves and larger blood vessels are running and they avoid these important structures. Small blood vessels are tied off or cauterizes and small nerves may be cut through, but has no effect or very little effect on the patient after surgery, like a very small numb area that usually disappears over time.

[FutureEntrepreneur1]

Excellent explanation of the process.

[schtickman09]

Well, the patient can't feel sensation from the prosthetic knee joint as it isn't living. The doctors are very careful (though it doesn't seem like it) about doing as little damage as possible to anywhere but the knee they are replacing.

[Pavle245]

@earphone3 i know that bouvie pencil is used to prevent bleeding, and doctors are also very careful about nerves and vessels