Polviproteesi

Polviproteesi, also known as knee prosthesis or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial one. This artificial joint, called an implant, is typically made of metal alloys and plastic. The primary goal of knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore function to a knee that has been severely damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.

The procedure involves removing the damaged surfaces of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) and replacing them with prosthetic components. A plastic spacer is usually placed between these components to allow for smooth movement. The patella, or kneecap, may also be resurfaced with a plastic button. The implants are generally secured to the bone using bone cement, though cementless options are also available.

Knee replacement surgery is a common and generally successful procedure. Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of several days, followed by extensive physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. While the prosthesis can significantly alleviate pain and improve the quality of life, it is not a perfect substitute for a natural knee joint and may have a limited lifespan, potentially requiring revision surgery in the future. Patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities to prolong the life of the implant.