Total hip and total knee replacement

Article Abstract:

Recent developments in the replacement of knees irretrievably damaged by arthritis are reviewed and discussed. At an average cost of $25,000 to $30,000, approximately 120,000 total knee replacement operations are carried out each year. The mechanics of knee movement are outlined. Knee arthroplasty (joint reconstruction) aims to remove the damaged surfaces of the bones that articulate with one another, and to replace them with prosthetic devices. Stems, pegs, and screws are used as appropriate. The posterior cruciate ligament (a major supporting structure of the knee joint) is important for the success of the prosthesis, and it is often retained. Another viewpoint prefers to incorporate the elements of posterior cruciate ligament function into the design of the prosthesis. Total knee arthroplasty is indicated when osteoarthritis has severely limited the knee's function, and if patients meet appropriate age, weight, activity level, and health criteria. Young, active patients should be encouraged to avoid this procedure if they have only one knee involved. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, total knee arthroplasty is the best (and only) choice to regain function. Contraindications include youth, excessive weight, and acute pus-forming infections. Most arthroplasty failures result from problems between the tibial prosthesis and tibial bone (the tibia is the large bone of the lower leg). The most common mechanical reason for failure is loosening of the tibial prosthesis, which can usually be easily replaced. The most important major complication of total knee arthroplasty is infection, which can be difficult to treat. In general, most patients report satisfaction after knee arthroplasty, with increases in knee flexion of five degrees reported in one study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Joint diseases, Arthroplasty

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Sonication of removed hip and knee prostheses for diagnosis of infection

Article Abstract:

The results of a study based on the hypothesis that culturing of samples obtained from the prostheses would improve the microbiologic diagnosis of prosthetic-joint infection are presented.

Injuries, Diagnosis, Postoperative complications, Artificial knee, Knee prostheses, Knee joint, Clinical report

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