Knee and Hip Prosthesis Surgeries
Knee and hip prosthesis surgeries are frequently needed orthopedic interventions today. Knee osteoarthritis is the most common reason for surgery, while recently, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has unfortunately been a significant increase in hip prosthesis surgeries due to avascular necrosis (the decay of bones in the hip joint) in younger patients. As technology and medical experience progress, surgical techniques are changing, enhancing patient satisfaction and prosthesis longevity.
Patient Concerns
When it comes to prosthesis surgeries, the primary concern for our patients is the fear of experiencing severe pain after the surgery. Additionally, the belief that the prosthesis will have a short lifespan and may need to be replaced early due to certain reasons also worries our patients.
The existence of these concerns is quite understandable. At the beginning of the development process of prosthetic surgery in our country, pain control was a lesser priority, and the primary focus was on successfully implementing the technique. However, today, there is significant knowledge accumulation among surgeons regarding prosthesis surgery techniques, both in our country and worldwide; thus, topics like enhancing patient comfort and improving treatment efficacy can now be prioritized.
Pain Control Methods
Standard painkillers are often insufficient in alleviating patients' pain after a prosthesis surgery. We implement additional measures to ensure our patients experience a comfortable process. Pain control begins approximately one week before the surgery and involves a treatment regimen lasting up to six weeks post-surgery.
Particularly, thanks to certain injections administered around the joint during surgery, we can help our patients achieve a restful sleep on the night of the operation. While applying spinal anesthesia to our patients, we intermittently administer medication through an inserted catheter, enabling our patients to undergo the surgical trauma with nearly no pain. Nowadays, we can significantly eliminate post-prosthesis surgery pain issues by applying a correct and thorough approach.
Lifespan of Prostheses
The general belief among our patients is that the prosthesis placed in the joint loosens within 7-10 years; however, thanks to advancing prosthesis designs, this duration can now extend to an average of 25-30 years. Our understanding of human anatomy and its working principles has improved. Consequently, prostheses can now be produced that are more suitable for the anatomy and mechanical functioning of the joint. In addition to developments in prosthesis design, the improvement in the quality of materials has also led to the creation of more durable prostheses.
Successful Technical Application
To increase the success and efficacy duration of joint prostheses, the most important factor is undoubtedly the ability to implement a successful technique. Thanks to medical advancements, we can make the necessary cuts more precisely when placing prostheses. When performing knee or hip prosthesis surgeries, appropriate bone cuts and shaping procedures are conducted on the damaged joint before inserting the prostheses. The meticulous and accurate execution of these procedures is among the most critical conditions affecting the success of the surgery. Cutting guides produced in accordance with the developing anatomy of prostheses enable us to make more precise cuts.
Robotic Surgical Technology
One of the most significant recent developments in this field is the emergence of robotic surgical technology. With the help of a robot used during prosthetic surgery, the areas of bone that need to be cut or shaped can be precisely identified. This technique allows for ideal cuts without room for error, ensuring perfect prosthesis placement.
Conclusion
Prosthesis surgeries are now operations that can be performed with less anxiety. To help our patients achieve the best results, we, as orthopedists, continuously update our knowledge and keep track of developments around the world. How fortunate we are to live in a time when medical science is constantly evolving alongside engineering science, moving towards better outcomes for humanity every day. Instead of elderly individuals who used to rely on canes and could not leave their homes, we now have “young elderly” who can walk long distances painlessly and enrich their lives with happiness.
