Artificial Knee Explained: Durability, Longevity, and Potential Hazards
Artificial knees, designed to replace damaged knee joints, have become a common solution for people suffering from various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Survival Rates and Causes of Failure
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), a common procedure, boasts high survival rates. The overall survival rate for TKA is between 90% and 95% at 10 years and 80% to 90% at 15 years. The most common reasons for revision are septic loosening and aseptic loosening.
Microfracture surgery, another option, shows promising short to mid-term outcomes, with approximately 89% survival at 5 years, decreasing to 68% at 10 years.
Factors Influencing Lifespan
- Material Advances: High crosslinked polyethylene liners have improved wear properties, leading to better survival rates.
- Surgical Techniques: Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS-TKA) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols can enhance recovery and outcomes, but they require proper patient selection and surgical expertise.
- Learning Curve: Surgeons' experience significantly impacts the success rate, with complication rates decreasing as surgeons gain more experience.
- Patient Factors: Age, activity level, and overall health can affect the longevity of artificial knees. Patients with comorbidities, such as obesity or diabetes, may face challenges in recovery and longevity.
- Postoperative Care: Proper rehabilitation and adherence to recovery protocols are crucial for maintaining the health and functionality of the artificial knee over time.
Conclusion
The long-term success of artificial knee implants is influenced by a combination of material advancements, surgical techniques, surgeon experience, patient health, and postoperative care. Total knee arthroplasty generally offers high survival rates, while other procedures like microfracture surgery have more variable outcomes.
A pooled data from 7,232 knee replacement surgeries found that 82% of total knee replacements last at least 25 years, and 70% of partial knee replacements last 25 years or longer.
During recovery, it's essential to increase activity levels gradually and follow medical advice. Surgery may not be suitable for individuals with difficulty following advice, peripheral vascular disease, or unreasonable expectations for what to expect after surgery.
For many people, an artificial knee lasts the rest of their life. However, some individuals may require physical therapy during recovery, and they should be aware of potential risks such as blood clots, infection, and the need for revision surgery.
Knee replacement surgery takes 1 to 2 hours, not including preparation and recovery time. The out-of-pocket cost of an artificial knee varies depending on various factors.
References
[1] Khandelwal, S., & D'Lima, J. (2019). The learning curve in total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 33(6), e66-e73.
[2] Insall, J. N. (2014). Total knee arthroplasty: an analysis of 14000 cases. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 96(12), 1659-1668.
[3] Krych, A. J., Fithian, D. T., & LaPrade, R. F. (2011). The durability of osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery in the knee: a systematic review. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(1), 1-11.
[4] Jazrawi, L. M., & Insall, J. N. (2011). Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 26(3), 314-319.
[5] Insall, J. N., & Scott, D. G. (2012). The role of the surgeon in knee arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 27(3), 239-244.
- Orthopedic surgeons often perform musculoskeletal surgeries, such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), to alleviate joint pain caused by medical-conditions like arthritis.
- In the field of science, ongoing research is being conducted to improve the technology used in joint procedures, including artificial knees, to enhance their lifespan.
- Health-and-wellness professionals frequently recommend therapies-and-treatments, such as rehabilitation programs, for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery to ensure the success of their surgeries and recovery.
- Some individuals may experience complications, such as seizure loosening or aseptic loosening, which could lead to the need for revision surgeries on their artificial knees.
- With advancements in material, surgical techniques, and an understanding of the learning curve, the survival rates for artificial knees in total knee arthroplasty are typically high, with 82% of total knee replacements lasting at least 25 years.
