Total knee replacement surgery is recommended to treat conditions like arthritis as well as trauma by major injuries. In the modern day, there has been great technological advancement with equipment and practices that are able to give those suffering a new lease on life.
However, there are several risks that are involved. Apart from the chance of the operation going wrong, some knee replacement implants or products have high failure rate. In fact implants like those of Zimmer and Depuy have brought grave concerns. Many are not safe and have been recalled.
Faulty knee replacements will devastate patients because they will need to go through surgery again to correct the problem. Many faulty implants also cause pain, tissue damage and a host of other troubles. Going to a trusted health care provider is the key. The following is a look at some of the top considerations while choosing a doctor for total knee replacement surgery.
Firsts, total knee replacement is done to the knee joint (which is the largest of joints in the body). Artificial implants or products made of steel and plastic will replace the joint. Wear of the knee joint sees the cartilage disappear gradually causing great pain in patients.
• Let total knee replacement surgery be the last resort. There are many alternatives to the surgery and usually when all options are not working, this major surgery comes into play. Therefore, consult your orthopedic specialist on options like analgesics, cartilage treatments like Synvisc, prescription drugs and the list is endless. Choose the surgery when all things have failed.
• Knee specialists are varied. Patients are advised to seek or consult with several orthopedic specialists before making that final decision. Those who have a personal orthopedic doctor can ask for referrals to other experts in a bid to get opinions that might help salvage the problem.
• Let friends and family members who know great specialists recommend the right doctor. Those relatives with knee problems might also provide their input on the matter which might prove very helpful.
• Immerse yourself in the search for excellent specialists online in your area or beyond. Read reviews and opinions on the topic of total knee replacement surgery. This way, you will connect with total knee replacement experts who might take on your case. Connect also with people who have suffered similar problems to exchange ideas.
• Reputation is everything, access doctors who have made a good name in this area of total knee replacement. Doctors who perform multiple surgeries (hundreds a year) will be best for your case.
• Do not forget to consult experts on gender-based knee replacement. Centers that tailor replacements for both genders will do a much better job.
• The right specialists will provide you with precise information on recovery, cost as well as all the heartache and aspects involved. Be sure to provide all needed history and medical records that come in handy in preparation for the total knee replacement surgery.
• Searching for the ideal orthopedic surgeon might as well hold the key to a successful procedure.
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