TP HCMMr. Hanh, 61 years old, had osteoarthritis in both knee joints for the past two years, had a lot of pain, had difficulty walking, and had artificial joints replaced within a month.
On May 2, M.D. Le Dinh Khoa, Head of the Department of Joint Reconstruction, Center for Trauma and Orthopedics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, reported the condition of knee osteoarthritis in both legs of the patient. has progressed to the final stage. The cartilage is almost completely destroyed, leaving the bone under the cartilage exposed, causing the two ends of the bones to collide with each other when walking, causing joint stiffness, limiting movement, and causing a lot of pain.
The patient is prescribed an artificial knee replacement to relieve pain and restore mobility. Mr. Hanh wanted to have two knee replacements at the same time, but his health was not responsive, he had many underlying diseases such as ischemia, diabetes and long-term gout that weakened his kidneys. The doctor prescribed a right knee replacement for him first because the damage was more serious.
Before surgery, the doctor used TraumaCad software to analyze X-ray images, to measure and select the right type of joint for Mr. Hanh’s body, accurate to the millimeter.
He had a total knee replacement. During surgery, the doctor removes the damaged bone ends and regenerates them with artificial materials to protect and avoid direct contact of the bone ends with each other when moving, minimizing pain for the patient. . The metal components are attached to the bone and held in place by a thin layer of medical cement. A piece of polyethylene is inserted between the thigh and tibial plateau components, allowing the knee joint to move smoothly.
Doctor Khoa (middle) and his team perform knee replacement surgery on a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital
For joint replacement surgery, early exercise plays a very important role, especially for older patients like Mr. Hanh. Early exercise helps reduce the risk of blood clots, strengthens knee muscles, makes it easier for patients to walk, reduces the risk of falls and speeds up recovery. The doctor prescribed a multi-modal pain relief method, so that after surgery, Mr. Hanh had less pain and could soon begin rehabilitation.
On the 5th day after surgery, the patient was discharged from the hospital, his legs no longer hurt, and he could walk without assistive devices. At this point, the right knee joint is no longer painful, can walk comfortably, and has maximum range of motion.
Normally, the second knee joint needs to be replaced 4-6 months after the first knee joint, so that the non-surgical knee joint can act as a pillar and bear the force of physical therapy. “In Mr. Hanh’s case, his right leg recovered well beyond expectations,” said Dr. Khoa. One month later, he had the remaining knee replaced using the same technique and artificial joint as the first time.
The patient and his wife are preparing to leave the hospital after the second surgery. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital
Doctor Khoa said knee osteoarthritis is one of the very common diseases that cannot be completely cured. Treatments only work to control symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. In the mild and moderate stages, patients can respond well to self-care measures and conservative treatment such as taking medication, injections, physical therapy… When medical measures are no longer effective. , the pain lasts long, seriously affects health and life, the patient needs surgical intervention.
Currently, along with minimally invasive knee replacement surgery methods, small incisions, and little blood loss, artificial joints such as PS joints, UC (Ultra Congruent) joints, Medial Pivot joints… bring many benefits. treatment options for patients. Depending on the level of damage, bone quality, age and mobility needs, the doctor chooses the surgical technique and type of joint suitable for each patient.
Early detection and proper treatment help reduce costs, reduce the risk of developing dangerous complications of bone loss, joint instability, disability… Patients should go to reputable medical facilities for examination if Abnormal signs appear in the pillow.